mixology
Tell us something that most people wouldn’t know about you. I was a cheerleader in high school and college
and coached cheerleading for a decade. My teams won several regional, state and one national championship! I was a cheer camp instructor for the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) and the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA). I was a high school biology, earth science and ballroom dance teacher. I was also a line dance instructor for a small entertainment group. And yes, I still go to Mo’s on Saturday nights for Kicker’s line dancing! Hee-Haw! How did you get your start at #1 Fifth? I was lucky enough to start off stocking liquor
at #1. The bar needed extra help for Pride, which I was happy to do! From there, my coworkers and I created “Sunday Funday” on the patio and it was an immediate success! Do you have a specialty drink that you’re known for? My most famous drink would be the “Salty Balls”
ANTHONY MEZA A CHEERFUL
Marc
HAPPY HOUR #1 FIFTH AVENUE
by kevin plautz
photography by rikke photography
Looking to unwind at a local watering hole after a
hard day at the office? How about with a bartender who is actually willing to hold a conversation with you? Always wearing suspenders and a tie, as he smiles from ear to ear, Marc Anthony Meza is one of the nicest bartenders you’ll find on the Hillcrest scene. Marc, 38, is a graduate of the University of Arizona
with a degree in Elementary Education and has spent the last three years pouring drinks behind the bar at #1 Fifth Avenue. The Rage Monthly sat down and talked to him about his happy hour shifts at one of Hillcrest’s oldest bars.
How long have you been bartending? I’ve been bartending on and off for 16 years. I’ve
made drinks in all sorts of places… restaurant bars, Tiki bars and my favorite... Dive bars!
shot. My guests love my Salty Balls... Just ask around! What’s it like working for the owner of #1 Fifth Avenue, Omar Lowry and Bar Manager Rikke Ellis-Bahena? The whole staff is great! Omar and Rikke have treated me like family and I couldn’t think of a better work environment. I love these guys! Who is the most famous person you’ve waited on? When I was in college working at the local Chili’s Restaurant, I waited on Linda Ronstadt. That was pretty cool. Today, I would have to say that the queens at #1 are way more famous in my mind! What keeps you busy when you’re not working? I love exploring the beautiful area I live
in...San
Diego is amazing. When I’m not out exploring, I love to hang with my pals at other Hillcrest hotspots. Shout-out to TJ! What do you love most about your job? I love my weekday shifts. This is when I really get
to interact with the customers, new and old. I would say that they are all my best friends!
#1 Fifth Avenue 3845 5th Avenue Hillcrest 619.299.1911
facebook.com/numberonefifth
MARCH 2016 | RAGE monthly 55
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