There’s nothing like an international holiday to get us primed for partying, even if we hardly know what it is we’re celebrating. (For those who are interested, it doesn’t mark Mexican independence, but rather the victory of Mexican troops over French invaders.) To help you get the most out of your Cinco de Mayo plans, we’ve assembled a list of food and drink events around the city in recognition of that fateful day.
MON 28 Toloache (251 W 50th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave, 212-581-1818) chef Julian Medina will host a free guacamole-making demo at 5:30pm followed by a tasting. They ask that you RSVP, but the first 20 people to do so will receive a complimentary bag including chips, salsa and an avocado. A special Cinco de Mayo menu featuring avocados in various forms will also be available starting Monday and running through May 5.
FRI 2–MON 5 Obivia (201 Lafayette St at Kenmare St, 212-226-4904) will offer eats including salsa with tortilla chips and a basket of chicken and vegetable empanadas. Wash it down with buckets of Corona, margaritas and red sangria by the pitcher.
SUN 4 At Flatbush Farm (76–78 St. Marks Ave between Flatbush and Sixth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-622-3276), the chefs will prepare small dishes from 3 to 6pm, like beef-tongue tacos and vegetarian quesadillas ($2–$8). Pints of Sixpoint Craft Ale ($6) will flow, but the highlight may well be when the Mexican cooks show off their musical talents as the Traveling Norteño Band.
SUN 4, MON 5 Bistro Ten 18 (1018 Amsterdam Ave at 110th St, 212-662-7600) joins in the festivities by serving up oversize beef burritos with spanish rice, plus Negro Modelo beer, and pitchers of margaritas and sangria.
MON 5 For something a little more involved, Rock Center Café (20 W 50th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 212-332-7620) is offering a Mexican beer dinner from 6:30 to 8:30pm: five courses (Queso Blanco Fondue, Soft Seafood Taco) paired with Mexican suds like Pacifico and Negro Modelo, all for $52 per person.
MON 5 If boozing is more what you’re after, Rodeo Bar (375 Third Ave at 27th St, 212-683-6500) will be throwing a Cinco fest complete with Mariachi, Tecate cerveza, and countless tequilas.
And just remember: If the Mexicans hadn’t won, we might be clebrating Cinq de Mai, and that doesn’t sound like half as much fun.
Rio Grande which stretches on third avenue from 37th to 38th streets (don’t quote me on the streets) entrances on the side streets, purched above third avenue on the ground level of a high rise begins their cinco de mayo celebration April 30th culminating May 5th. They have great Margaritas and the stuffed jalapenos but only if you enjoy spicy food. A whole jalapeno is stuffed with a jumbo shrimp chesse, battered and fried, it is delicious.