Who really needs a reason for a party anyway?
Who would have thought that the hard fought victory that the Mexican army achieved over the French one hundred and fifty years ago would morph into an all out margarita chugging party? Certainly not Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza. That would be surprising.
Cinco de Mayo. Thats the fifth of May to us north of the border, has become a time to celebrate the rich history of the Mexican people. Some here in the U.S. are under the misguided impression that Cinco de Mayo is the equivalent of our 4th of July. Sorry, just a rumor. Mexicans celebrate their independence day on September 16th.
But, just because most of us have no idea what the day represents, that shouldnt mean that we cant have a good time. Right? I mean if youre looking for examples look no further than March 17th.
As long as were going to celebrate, lets do it right. And doing it right means food. After all, this is a dining site youre reading. There are so many examples of fantastic traditional Mexican cuisine we could highlight. But, why not pick one that we can all agree on. Guacamole.
There are lots of great interpreters of Mexican cooking here in the U.S. But, no one has a better understanding of the food and how it combines with the culture than Chef Rick Bayless. Rick is a true master of the art of Mexican cuisine. And, if you ever have the opportunity to sample the fare at his Chicago restaurants, Frontera Grill, Topolobampo or XOCO it will all become crystal clear.
So, to get your Cinco de Mayo festivities off to a great start, how about about a little REAL guacamole.
Check out Ricks fantastic guacamole recipe: Guacamole Tomate Deshidratado (Sundried Tomato Guacamole).
Sometimes seeing is believing. Rick really knows his guac.
Since this is dineSarasota, how about a few suggestions on where to locally go for some Cinco de Mayo celebrating.
TWO SENORITA’S RESTAURANT
1355 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-1618
EL TORO BRAVO
2720 Stickney Point Road
Sarasota, Florida 34231
941-924-0006
AZTECA
1551 Main Street
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-917-004
MI PUEBLO
8405 Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-9303
If we missed your favorite Cinco de Mayo hotspot, sorry. But, please feel free to add it in the comments section. We would love to hear!
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