What is Cinco de Mayo and Where Should You Celebrate?
May 5, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – Literally “the Fifth of May,” Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican Holiday celebrating the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. In 1861, France sent a massive army to invade Mexico, as they wanted to collect on some war debts. The French army was much larger, better trained and equipped than the Mexicans struggling to defend the road to Mexico City. It rolled through Mexico until it reached Puebla, where the Mexicans made a valiant stand, and, against all logic, won a huge victory. It was short-lived, as the French army regrouped and continued; eventually taking Mexico City, but the euphoria
of an unlikely victory against overwhelming odds is remembered every May fifth.
SLC Mexican Restaurants
Probably the most common way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is with Mexican food and drinks. Mexican food is so popular in Utah that there seems to be a Mexican restaurant around every corner, but here are some of Salt Lake’s favorite spots for casual and upscale Mexican cuisine:
- Red Iguana – The Red Iguana is probably Utah’s most famous restaurant. Red Iguana is best known for their moles, complex sauces of vegetables, fruits, nuts and spices. You can get equally
good food at their second location, Red Iguana II. - Frida Bistro – Frida Bistro is named after Frida Kahlo, a passionate Mexican artist who expressed herself by painting her life. Her passion for art and unique style made her one of the pre-eminent luminaries of modern Mexican art in the 20th century. Like Frida’s passion for art, the passion at Frida Bistro is food – sophisticated Mexican gastronomy. Fresh, flavorful, festive and sexy. As Frida would have desired.
- Taqueria 27 – Taqueria 27 with three locations on Foothill Boulevard, Holladay, and downtown SLC serves upscale, creative versions of Mexican street foods, including traditional and unusual tacos, four different mole platters, flavored guacamoles, quick snacks and vegetarian dishes. Taqueria 27 serves 38 varieties of 100% agave premium tequila along with tequila-based cocktails.
- Tacos Hidalgo, street tacos at 400 W. South Temple. The truck has a choice of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, with four choices of meat: chicken, steak, spicy pork, pork and chorizo, as well as garnishes.
- Tacos El Toro, at 800 S. State St. by Sears. Legit street tacos, chicken, beef, chorizo, etc. Toppings to choose from include cabbage, spicy pico de gallo, onions and cilantro.
