Contrary to what most of us believe, Cinco de Mayo isn?t Mexico?s Fourth of July. Rather, the day celebrates La Battalla de Puebla, when Mexican soldiers defeated Mexican traitors and the French Army in 1862.
More than a century later, a group of California State University students held the first Cinco de Mayo as they struggled to introduce a Chicano Studies program. Cinco de Mayo not only commemorates the soldiers? bravery, but opens the door to appreciate Mexican culture.
If you?re dining out today, Baltimore-area restaurants have the spicy flavors and fiestas needed for a festive Cinco de Mayo.
– You haven?t tasted a margarita until your tongue laps up the tangy Ultimate beverage at Locust Point?s Luca?s Cafe. The authentic concoction?s key ingredient is fresh-squeezed lime juice, but Cointreau, Grand Marnier and Patron Silver Tequila don?t hurt either. Luca?s Cafe, 1230 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore. lucas-cafe.com, 443-708-5694.
– La Palapa Grill and Cantina is the best of both worlds. The Ellicott City restaurant boasts well-crafted, tasty dishes, served in the kid-friendly dining room as well as an endless list of Mexican beers and drink specials for the louder Cinco de Mayo revelers at the spacious bar. La Palapa?s extensive Mexican beer list includes Dos Equis, Dos Equis Amber and Special Lager, Sol, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Bohemia, Negra Modelo and of course, Corona. From 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., La Palapa will host an outdoor beer garden and grill, serving chicken and steak tacos, hot dogs and hamburgers for kids, and rack of lamb. Strolling mariachis will serenade the crowd before DJ Chris Avalos takes over the tunes. Corona and other companies will be at the Cinco De Mayo celebration giving away T-shirts, coozies and other freebies. La Palapa Grill and Cantina, 8307 Main St., Ellicott City. lapalapagrill.com, 410-465-0070.
– Blue Agave?s five-day countdown to Cinco de Mayo climaxes today. Sample Patron Tequila from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. before the 9 p.m. drawing, awarding winners gift bags and $25 for bar tabs. Blue Agave pours over 100 tequilas, served in tequila flights, in specialty drinks and on the rocks with salt. Blue Agave, 1032 Light St., Baltimore. blueagaverestaurant.com, 410-576-3938.
– Who wants a margarita in a glass, when you can have it in an old hubcap at Canton?s Nacho Mama?s? Finishing the large, bright-green beverage can be you and your friends? Cinco de Mayo group-bonding project. Today?s drink specials include six 7 oz. Coronas for $10 and Mexican beers such as Negra Modelo, Sol, Pacifico and Dos Equis for $3. Food specials were not yet determined at print time. Nacho Mama?s, 2907 O?Donnell Street, Baltimore. nachomamascanton.com, 410-675-0898.
– A piece of Fells Point feels like Old Mexico inside Arcos, known for its sangria, cozy atmosphere and unpretentious, comforting dishes. Arcos, 129 South Broadway, Baltimore. restaurantearcos.com, 410-522-4777.
