South Florida Sun Sentinel
Apr 27, 2021 8:00 AM
Cinco de Mayo shots at Carlos & Pepe’s in Fort Lauderdale. (Carlos Pepes / Courtesy)
Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo here in the United States?
The May 5, 1862, victory of the Mexican army over the French Empire is clearly a big deal. For Mexico. Or even France. But this country had no involvement.
And yet we get our fiesta on with the same boozy enthusiasm as St. Patrick’s Day. When you think about it, it’s the exact same scenario. Nothing to do with us? Cool. First round is on the Yanks.
It’s tequila time SoFlo. We are seriously considering toasting Mexico’s win at these five fiestas (keep coming back as we might update this list).
Burrito and fajita at Carlos & Pepe’s in Fort Lauderdale. (Carlos Pepes / Courtesy)
This Fort Lauderdale institution is celebrating with their 42nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Four-Day Fiesta, starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, and going through Wednesday, May 5. Every night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a live mariachi band, giveaways and a raffle. On Sunday, Monday and Wednesday there will be free margarita tequila shots given out between 6 and 8 p.m. Also, there will be tequila specials on Monday and 10% off all indoor dining orders on Tuesday (menu items range in price from $10 to $25).
Legends Tavern and Grille is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Beat the Clock Drink Specials where there will be different offers (margaritas, Corona bottles, Camarena Blanco shots and blueberry margaritas) every hour from noon-4 p.m. (Legends Tavern Grille / Courtesy)
All the Legends restaurants and bars will have Beat the Clock Drink Specials from noon to 4 p.m. on Cinco de Mayo: from noon to 1 p.m. there will be $2 margaritas; from 1 to 2 p.m. there will be Coronas for $2; from 2 to 3 p.m. $3 Camarena Blanco shots; and from 3 to 4 p.m. $5 blueberry margaritas.
Locations in Boca Raton, Hollywood, Aventura (2) as well as six more in Miami-Dade. PaletasMorelia.com.
If you’re looking for something sweet and cool for Cinco de Mayo, then try one of these Mexican ice cream shops that specializes in paletas, a Mexican frozen treat where fruit is added to a flavored creamy ingredient. There are also some made with milk-based ice cream. The name Morelia refers to the capital city of the state of Michoacán in Mexico, where paletas are believed to have originated. Each paleta at Morelia’s is $5.60 with dippings and toppings for $1 each. But for Cinco de Mayo, s’mores, waffle and Nutella toppings are free at all 10 South Florida locations.
For Cinco de Mayo, Temple Street Eatery will host a Chino Latino Pachanga with local vendor markets, a taco eating contest, karaoke and cornhole games. Also, from Saturday through Wednesday, May 5, there will be a special Chino Latino menu. (Temple Street Eatery / Courtesy)
This restaurant will start the party early. On Saturday, May 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. there will be a Chino Latino Pachanga with local vendor markets, a taco eating contest, karaoke and cornhole games. Also, from Saturday through Wednesday, May 5, there will be a special Chino Latino menu with:
- Kimchi quesdadilla for $8
- Chicken tamales for $6
- Angry bird ramen for $13
- Temple Street sweet corn (with mozzarella , kewpie mayo and wasabi furikake) for $5
- Four kinds of tacos (al pastor taco, de flor, wonton and birria) for $3.50-$9.
- Piña colada rice pudding for $5.
The chimmi steak burrito at Viva La Playa on Lake Worth Beach. (All Good Social / Courtesy)
This oceanfront restaurant — the sister restaurant to Benny’s on the Beach — will have a Cinco de Mayo party from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. with free tequila tasting for diners, beer samples, live music and a DJ.
The interior bar at Viva La Playa on Lake Worth Beach, which is the sister restaurant of Benny’s on the Beach. Chef Jeremy Hanlon is executive chef and managing partner for both. (All Good Social / Courtesy)
Grilled shrimp with zucchini noodles at Viva La Playa on Lake Worth Beach. (All Good Social / Courtesy)
