Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Huntington

Almost 150 years ago, the unlikely triumph of the Mexican army over the French in the Battle of Puebla gave rise to the holiday of El Cinco de Mayo or the Fifth of May. Although Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday this year, celebrations of Mexican pride and heritage begin in Huntington this weekend and continue through mid-week, offering up a veritable feast of Mexican culture.

The word 'mariachi' has long been synonymous with Mexican music. The original mariachis or buskers were street performers, and many local establishments will feature live performances.

Bottles and Cases kicks off its six day celebration of Cinco de Mayo today. In addition to tequila tastings, the establishment will host a traditional five-piece mariachi band from 4 to 7 pm on Saturday, that will be dressed in traditional silver-studded charro ensembles and wide-brimmed hats.

Huntington is known for its high-quality Mexican restaurants, so if it's Mexican food that you fancy, you will have a plethora of mouth-watering options. 

 Quetzalcoatl, which opened in 2007, offers authentic Mexican food and culture in an atmosphere that can only be described as magical. Sculptured walls and breath-taking, hand-painted murals showcasing Mexico's lush beauty offer a window into another world. A mariachi band will perform tonight at 6 pm and there will be free desserts which may consist of arroz de leche ( rice pudding), flan or fried plantains at the option of the server. Specialties of the house include tamales oaxaquenos, mignon poblano (sautéed fillet mignon served over an Aztec creamy sauce), Pipian de Pollo ( chicken marinated in a pre-Hispanic totonacan pumpkin seed sauce), and Mexican paella, an enticing medley of rice, seafood, shredded chicken and chorizo ( Mexican sausage) to which you can add tropical lobster.

You can wash these specialties of the house down with margaritas, mojitos or sangria, and complete your meal with authentically Mexican flan or the very moist tres leches cake.

On Wednesday, owner Alex Gonzalez said that he will offer a reduced menu focusing on dishes that he considers to be most authentically Mexican.

The special holiday menu will include Mole Poblano, steamed chicken breast covered with mole sauce and served with Mexican rice, and Chile en Nogada, which is very popular in Puebla, where the original battle took place. This show-stopping entrée showcases a Mexican poblano pepper stuffed with fillet mignon, pork loin and a blend of aromatic herbs, fruits and nuts. Topping it off is a creamy homemade brandy and almond sauce studded with pomegranate. To add to the festivities, there will be special prices on margaritas and beer, Gonzalez said.

Oaxaca Mexican Food Treasure, Quetzalcoatl's sister restaurant also owned by Alex and Maria Gonzalez, will celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Wednesday, too, Gonzalez said.

A visit to Besito also promises to transport visitors to another realm with its authentic upscale Mexican food served in a sophisticated setting that resonates with old world charm. Eye-catching decorative accoutrements include hand-carved eucalyptus poles which adorn the ceiling and the restaurant's signature "candle wall" of votive candles, each set in its own niche. The candle wall is illuminated each evening.

Besito is known for its guacamole, which is made to taste, presented in a Mexican clay bowl called a molcajete,  and served with warm chips.  Another Besito crowd pleaser is the Patron margarita. The restaurant, which has been a mainstay in Huntington for eight years, will officially usher in the holiday on Wednesday with specials.

Huntington mainstay Pancho Villas has been celebrating Cinco de Mayo for close to 40 years and expects to serve a thousand guests that day. A mariachi band will kick off their performance at 3 pm, with a DJ taking the festivities up a notch at 6:30 pm. For their annual extravaganza, the home of the "sizzling fajitas" will also be cooking up tacos, sausages and more on blazing outdoor grills. There will also be giveaways, like tee shirts.

Visitors to Green Cactus Mexican Grill can partake of the regular menu which promises to ignite the taste buds. Great starters include the Sombrero, pizza Mexican-style, featuring a tortilla topped with black or pinto beans, sour cream, guacamole, two kinds of cheeses and fresh Pico de Gallo. Then, for the brave, there are the jalapeno poppers, hot peppers stuffed with cheddar cheese, served on a bed of lettuce with soothing sour cream. This establishment is known for its burritos.