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Starr Pass's Legendary 'Abajo' Toast

Wednesday, 30 March 2011 17:28

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On your next visit to the Tucson area, be sure to stop by the bar at the JW Marriott Starr Pass and share a little love!

Every night the bartenders at the Salud Lounge offer a celebratory tasting of Anejo tequila. According to Eric Albert, restaurant manager, "this tradition is known as a Story of Love, the love between man and his tequila."

Last night, bartender Samantha Gonzales, told the story of love on the Salud patio overlooking the expansive resort swimming pool. At the end of the toast all the participants said together, "arriba, abajo, al centro, al dentro."

Printed on the drink coasters it reads, "The legend of arriba, abajo goes back to Mexican tradition where a prospective groom must ask for his beloved's hand in marriage through her father. When Mexican revolutionary, Pancho Villa wanted to marry his dearest Juanita, he asked for her hand through her father, Don Pablo. The father refused, but offered this challenge: "If you can drink more tequila than I can, then you may marry my daughter..."

Since 2005, when the hotel opened, the Marriott Starr Pass has been offering the tequila toast nightly. Albert said they pour about 150 shots on the weekdays and at least 300 shots on the weekends.

The event is advertised throughout the hotel and upon check-in. Albert said, "that locals do show up too because the hotel has been doing this for so long it has become well known."

Salud offers infused tequila, the result of a secret in-house recipe. Albert said they run a special tequila menu monthly "so that the employees know what is being served," and the special offerings change nightly.

College students often drink tequila-based drinks which can contain large amounts of sugar. Albert said, "Most guests have had a bad experience with very poorly made tequila. Cuervo Gold is nowhere near the caliber or quality as Anejo tequila".

Marriott hotels offer Bar Arts programs at their resorts around the world. At the Starr Pass resort, the legendary toast is known at Arriba Abajo, according to Albert .

The complimentary toast takes place every evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Salud patio.

Salud Lounge is located in the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. For more information contact 520-792-3500.


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Written by Jillian Roggen You are reading Starr Pass's Legendary 'Abajo' Toast articles

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