Celebrate Cinco de Mayo ... just because
Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo is not that big of a deal in Mexico.
The holiday commemorates Mexico's defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, but it is not Mexico's Independence Day, which falls on Sept. 16.
Yet, Americans seem to enjoy celebrating Cinco de Mayo, and I have a couple theories why. First, there's the catchiness of the name. Cinco de Mayo simply rolls off the tongue. But, I think our fondness for Cinco de Mayo is related to a different kind of fun: Like other holidays, it gives us a reason to drink. Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican St. Patrick's Day, with lime-green margaritas instead of green beer.
If you want to celebrate Tuesday, there are plenty of great places to do so in the suburbs. Here's a sampling:
• Potter's Place, 29 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville, (630) 355-9165: With our weather's ups and downs, who knows what we're in store for on Cinco de Mayo. It should be pleasant, emphasis on should. If that's the case, I highly recommend stopping in to Potter's Place in Naperville so you can relax on their large back patio. Expect drink specials and live music on the patio from now until May 5.
• Señor Tequila Mexican Restaurant, 834 75th St., Willowbrook, (630) 455-5991: Bargoers on Cinco de Mayo will undoubtedly be craving margaritas, and Señor Tequila has you more than covered - much more in fact. Señor Tequila's margaritas are ridiculously large. If you go overboard with your drinking, the bar advertises that someone there will drive you home, which is nice, but shouldn't you have some friends who can do that for you?
• Fuego Mexican Grill, 17 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 590-1122: Señor Tequila may have large margaritas, but Fuego has a large list of different margaritas. The list is really something to behold, and finding one that is just right for you may take some time. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Fuego will be staying open until 1 a.m. to continue the fiesta past their usual close time of 11 p.m.
• Javier's Sabor Mexicano, 200 N Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, (847) 255-7075: Like Fuego, Javier's is not messing around when it comes to tequila. The bar boasts a list of 80 tequilas, so choose wisely. For Cinco de Mayo, Javier's will have specials on Bacardi drinks such as mojitos. If the assortment of beverages is not tempting enough, they will be giving away prizes throughout the night.
• Mi Mexico, 220 Milwaukee Ave., Buffalo Grove, (847) 229-3490: Like other bars, Mi Mexico's celebration will go on throughout the first five days of May. Beers, such as Modelo and Corona, will be on special for $3.50 and tequila will also be on sale, with prices depending on what brand you desire. And the culmination of the five-day celebration will end with a mariachi band making an appearance at Mi Mexico on Cinco de Mayo from 6 to 8 p.m.
• El Sombrero, 1100 S Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 364-0030: El Sombrero goes all out for Cinco de Mayo, converting the holiday into a weeklong celebration. Starting the week off on Sunday, May 3, is Cinco de Meow. The event, which costs $25 and is hosted by the Heartland Animal Shelter, will feature a buffet, music, raffles, games, prizes and karaoke. El Sombrero will also have live music in a tent throughout the week.
• Rocca's Mexican Grill, 994 Warren Ave., Downers Grove, (630) 963-8083: Rocca's knows what people want for Cinco de Mayo: margaritas, half-price. Besides margaritas, the bar also boasts a decent list of tequilas and Mexican beer. And if that is not enough, Rocca's will have a buffet all day long.