Cheap pitchers of margaritas, overly salted baskets of chips, and tipsy guys in ridiculously large hats with pompoms: That is not exactly what Cinco de Mayo is all about.
Whether you have Mexican heritage or not, with the rising temperatures outside and twice as many options for great Mexican food in town, why not adopt a cultural tradition this week?
Unlike America's July 4 Independence Day, Mexico's May 5 holiday commemorates a single battle, The Battle of Puebla of 1862 when the Mexican army claimed victory over French forces. Mexico's Independence day is in September and is a national holiday whereas Cinco de Mayo is an optional holiday, primarily celebrated in Puebla and across the United States.
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La Posada's chef German Castro is from the Puebla region of Mexico and owner-chef Magdalina Pizarro hopes to make some of her tamales to offer on the menu for the holiday. As the restaurant has only been open just over a week, it wasn't set in stone, but the owners hope to also have some great Mariachi music, as well.
In Puebla, during a parade led by the Mexican Army, Navy and Special Forces, and a reenactment unit dressed as Revolutionaries, vendors are busy setting up stands with sweet cotton candy, watermelon and mangos, as well as refreshingly sweet aguas.
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For a taste of the aguas, head over to La Posada where you can enjoy an ice cold glass of Tamarindo, Jamaica or Horchata. For a classic Mexican soda, Zocalo, where the old Olé used to be, offers the following Jarritos: Lime, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Tamarindo, Guava, Jamaica, Fruit Punch, Sidral and Sangria. La Posada also has a small selection of Jarritos.
Looking for something a little bit stronger? Try a margarita.
Giles Fine Wine has Tequila on sale. Jose Cuervo 1.75 litre bottles are on sale at $30.98 (both gold and silver) and pre-mixed margartias are $15.75 for the same sized bottle. For the more adventurous, there are different Tequilas or even Mezcal.
There are also a number of Cinco de Mayo specials at area supermarkets. Whole Foods at Fresh Pond has avocados on sale. Looking for a good homemade margaritas? Just add ice, a little superfine sugar squeeze the lime over the sugar, stir it up and add tequila and ice.
Prefer to leave the shaking to the professionals? Then head over to Tryst or Not Your Average Joe's.
Tryst offers a house Sangria for the tequila-phobe. For a little salt and lime to celebrate with, there is the Trystita ($9) made with Sauza Hornitos, Cointreau, fresh lime and a splash of orange juice.
Tryst's Top Shelf Margarita is Sauza Hornitos Añejo with Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice and a splash of orange juice.
Meanwhile, Not Your Average Joe's has the Ruby Red Rita with a sugar rim and grapefruit juice, to the Smokey Joe made with Mezcal, agave nectar, lemon and lime with a paprika-salt rim. There is even a Not Your Average Joe's happy hour this Cinco de Mayo. Monday through Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. there are full portions of the happy hour menu are available for half-price at the bar.
On the sweet, fruity side of things Scutra offers a margarita with peach schnapps and passion fruit purée.
Can't stand the kitchen heat? Then head out. There are plenty of spots in Arlington to enjoy a cool drink and raise a glass to a few tasty Mexican traditions.
