Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the unlikely Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla and this year, it’s also Derby Day! Who needs more reason to celebrate? Here are some tasty events honoring this glorious occasion.
Join Mendocino Farm’s Blue Cow and The Grilled Cheese Truck for the first annual Big Cheese Patio Party on Saturday, May 5th, from noon – 3pm. Enjoy new and classic creations from the Grilled Cheese Truck paired with microbrews on draft and hand-crafted cocktails created by Steve Livigni. All profits raised from the event will benefit the Men’s Guild for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 350 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071.
Rick Bayless’s Red O in Los Angeles will be offering a special Street Food Social Hour from 3PM – 6PM Saturday, May 5th at the tequila lounge and outdoor patio. Chef Rick Bayless’ California-inspired Mexican Street Food menu includes items such as Ceviches[$10] a -choice of Yukatecan, Fronterizo, or Atun Tropical ceviches, the Street Food Trio[$12] – Smoked Chicken Taquitos, Mexico City-Style Corn Masa Quesadillas, and Plantain Sopes, and the Classic Trio[$15] – Corn and Goat Cheese Tamale, Pork Belly Sope, and Duck Taquito to name a few. Celebratory specialty cocktails at $8 include the Topolo Margarita, Alacran Margarita, Market Margarita, Beso del Diablo Mojito, and Vodka Gimlet. Selection of Wines[$7] and Craft Beers[$5] are also available. 8155 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Freddy Smalls Bar + Kitchen in West Los Angeles is celebrating Derby Day on Saturday, May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. with mint juleps and Chef Charlie’s fried chicken sandwiches with house-made Old Bay potato chips ($15). Watch the races with the Classic Mint Julep – Makers Mark Bourbon, simple syrup and mint, the Blackberry Mint Julep – Makers Mark Bourbon, wildflower honey, mint and fresh blackberries, or the Maple Mint Julep – Makers Mark Bourbon, maple syrup and mint for $8. 11520 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064.
Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks is keeping the party going as they celebrate Seis de Mayo on Sunday, May 6th. The Seis de Mayo brunch starts at 10:30 a.m serving up Bloody Marias and Absolut Marys for $5 alongside Casa Vega’s Mexican brunch menu offering dishes such as Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles. 13301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
