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Feeling blue over Eddie Pontiac’s departure? El Meson deliciously enables the eating of one’s feelings with its new lobster taco dish that is equal parts filling and decadent.
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EL MESONAddress: 248 Northgate Park and 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd.Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.Phone: 423-710-1201 (Hixson) or 423-894-8726 (Hamilton Place)
Nostalgia hung in the air — as palpable as the warm scent of freshly fried tortilla chips — as I stood inside El Meson at Hamilton Place, speaking to Eddie Pontiac about his 22-year career as house musician. Occasionally, members of the Ruiz family, who own both El Meson locations, would stop by, clap Eddie on the back and share their favorite memories of him.
At the end of the month, Eddie will retire from playing his weekly gig, every Friday and Saturday evening, at El Meson, in order to spend more time traveling and recording.
“He’s helped grow up my kids!” said Raul Ruiz Sr., Ruiz family patriarch.
“He’s seen us grow up; he’s seen our kids grow up,” added Tony Ruiz, whose own son, Tony Jr., 15, now works part time at El Meson in Hixson.
“Time flies, it really does,” Eddie lamented.
Over the decades, Eddie said he has amassed too many memories to count. For instance, there was the time he met legendary guitarist Reggie Young, who played with the likes of Elvis Presley and Dusty Springfield, and who happened to be dining at El Meson while Eddie played one evening. But, he said, he’s going to miss his “Ed-heads” the most.
“Every week, my friends come in and smile and I just feel at home,” Eddie said.
On Sept. 30, El Meson at Hamilton Place will celebrate Eddie’s last official gig, and the Ruiz family plans to send him off with much fanfare. Be sure to stop by, clap Eddie on the back and share with him your favorite memory.
“I’m already missing my fans so much, and I haven’t even left yet,” Eddie said.