What You're Eating On Cinco De Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is on its way and so are the colorful festivities that come along with it. It's not just about tacos, beer and salt-rimmed margaritas -- you're celebrating a major victory for the Mexican Army at the Battle of Puebla, when 4,000 Mexican troops defeated 8,000 French troops in 1862. You know, just in case anybody asks. ¡Salud! Visit our new list of places to eat on Cinco De Mayo: Best Restaurants For Cinco De Mayo In Los Angeles
Mission Cantina
5946 W Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 469-3130
www.themissioncantina.com
Since good times are meant to be repeated, Mission Cantina invites you to celebrate Cuatro & Cinco De Mayo with mariachis, a photo booth, giveaways and of course, food and drink specials May 4 and 5th from noon to 2 a.m.
Take your mouth on a trip across the border with tacos like the beef barbacoa (slow cooked spicy braised beef, chiles and Mexican spices), verduras (sautéed corn, zucchini and poblano/red peppers) and chorizo (three chile spicy pork). Can't decide which to choose? With the taco sampler plate, you can get five for $12. With all the dancing you'll be doing, you're going to want to cool down with one of their legendary margaritas or two.
The Mixing Room
900 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 765-8800
www.ritzcarlton.com
Located in the lobby level of The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live, The Mixing Room invites you to a fiesta al aire libre (outdoor party) on their patio. The Cinco De Mayo festivities take place May 4 and 5 and begin at 3 p.m. Enjoy Mexican street food a la carte for $7 to $12 (burritos, tacos, nachos and chocolate tamales) and drink specials from $10 (including Avion Tequila margaritas, house sangria, handcrafted cocktails and tequila tastings). Of course, the party wouldn't be complete without an energetic mariachi band to accompany your evening.
Loteria Grill
Five Locations
www.loteriagrill.com
Commemorate Cinco de Mayo with Loteria Grill's special 5-5-5 Menu available throughout the day on May 5. Choose from a limited menu of Chef Jimmy Shaw's "best of" tacos, house-favorite margaritas and Mexican beers to satisfy your appetite for exciting Mexican fare. Try out the Pollo en Mole Poblano (chicken, mole poblano, toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped onion and queso fresco) or the Papa con Rajas (potatoes, roasted poblano peppers, salsa verde cruda, finely chopped onion, cilantro and queso fresco) for a change of flavor. Keep things spicy and sweet with margarita picks that include the Jalapeno and Tarmarindo. The 5-5-5-Menu will be available at all Los Angeles locations. Check the Loteria website for address and hours of the one near you.
Bow & Truss
11122 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 985-8787
www.bowandtruss.com
Come celebrate under the stars in the Valley's favorite outdoor patio for Cinco de Mayo! There are bold Latin-American tacos that will please your palate here. Favorite picks include the Shrimp (Mexican tiger shrimp and lime-soaked cabbage), Pork Belly (with pickled jicama and avocado) and Chicken Confit (confit in duck fat, achiote paste and pickled shallots). They are also offering great deals on margaritas and a new cocktail menu to keep you nicely lubricated. Brazilian Eyes is a libation to watch; it's perfect for spring and features Pitu Cachaca. Return to Bow & Truss the day after for Margarita Mondays -- $4 House Margaritas are served all day and night. Because, let's face it, delicious drinks deserve an encore.
Casa Vega
13301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-4868
casavega.com
In partnership with George Clooney, Randy Gerber and Mike Meldman's latest venture, Casamigos Tequila, Casa Vega is going big in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Bring a group and share authentic Mexican appetizers, some that include lighter options such as the Vegetarian Mexican Pizza (crispy flour tortilla, black beans, soy sausage, jack/chedder cheese, parmesean and olives). If you prefer to go big, a specialty dish like the Lobster Enchiladas (served with rice and beans) is worth every calorie.
Expect it to be especially buzzing at Casa Vega, who will be offering several cocktails made with Casamigos Tequila, including the refreshing Mi Casa es Su Casa (Casamigos Blanco tequila, basil, lime, agave nectar and grapefruit soda). There will also be specials on reposado and blanco tequilas served straight up for those who want to grow a little hair on the chest.
Tortilla Republic
616 N. Robertson Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-9888
www.tortillarepublic.com
This modern Mexican restaurant grill and tequileria will host its first Grande Cinco de Mayo Block Party in West Hollywood from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 with proceeds from your $10 donation or $50 for VIP benefiting Project Angel Food. In celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, El Tovar Place and the West Hollywood open air parking lot adjacent to Tortilla Republic will be transformed into an outdoor celebration full of food, drinks and lively entertainment. Expect a mariachi band, live DJs, VIP area and even piñatas!
Tortilla Republic will be pouring specials on social margarita pitchers and buckets of beer. Don't forget to take a picture at the restaurant's photo booth to commemorate all the fun. They will be serving Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.
