If Derby Day hasn't got you too partied out on mint juleps and fancy hats, tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, another holiday marked by festive regional drinks, debauchery and a backstory people usually forget (the Mexican-American victory over France at the 1862 Battle of Puebla, and NOT Christopher Columbus' discovery of the margarita, FYI). Here's where (and what) to eat and drink this weekend:
GUACAMOLE: Some people prefer their guacamole paired with a nice can of Scotch, but we'll stick with the freshly-prepared stuff they whip up in front of you at one of Rosa Mexicano's. Yeah, the restaurant's a pricey mini-chain, and the guac's a little much $14 a bowl ($26 for a 4-6 person serving), but it's super fresh, made with spicy jalapeños and cilantro and is probably worthy of being a meal itself. Also worth checking out—Toloache, which offers a $24 trio of traditional, fruity and spicy guacamole at its three locations (the tacqueria is closed on Sundays). We've got even more guac spots rounded up for you, or you can make your own guacamole using Good Eats host Alton Brown's recipe.
TACOS, EMPANADAS AND QUESADILLAS: Lots of Mexican eateries around town will have special celebrations in honor of the holiday. From 10 a.m. until close tomorrow, West Village spot Ofrenda is serving a special Cinco de Mayo menu, featuring $12 orders of tacos, $12 quesadillas and $15 tortas, in addition to deals on bigger entrees, live music and (of course) tequila. And Gran Electrica, a tacqueria that opened in DUMBO last year, will be doing a festive dinner in their backyard complete with a DJ, tacos and other dishes off their menu. And if you just want something cheap, simple and authentic, check out Bushwick's Tacqueria Cocoyoc for fresh picaditas and tortas running just $3-$6.
MARGARITAS: Once upon a time, I took my SATs on May 6th, and my proctor showed up at 8 a.m. swigging a bottle of Pepto Bismol and asking all of us test-takers if we'd had awesome Cinco de Mayos. I can only hope the drinks that did that proctor in were as good as the margaritas at Mesa Coyoacan in Williamsburg, $10 salt-and-tequila-infused (and flavored!) glasses of mass destruction. And for the holiday, they're offering special mango and jalapeno margaritas, also $10. Or, if you're looking to get margarita-ed out for cheap, check out one of the city's three San Loco locations for $6 to $8 frozen, flavored and on-the-rocks margs, also available in pitchers. Though, if you don't feel like having your body celebrate Cinco de Mayo for the next three days, avoid the food.
