Enjoy A Fiesta On Cinco De Mayo

Celebrate the Mexican holiday at these Bergen events—or kick back at home with one of our favorite margaritas.
Cheryl De Leon,
Tacos Fish Plate

Officially, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 (not to be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which takes place on September 16!). Outside of Mexico and particularly in the U.S., it’s become a celebration of culture and the contributions of Mexican people to the community. It’s also a great excuse to enjoy the best Mexican cuisine and ambiance our county has to offer.

If you want to go out for Cinco de Mayo, here are some events you can drop by:

  • Blue Moon Mexican Café in Wyckoff, a frequent BERGEN Readers’ Choice Award winner, is celebrating all weekend long (check out karaoke on Friday and live music on Saturday). On Sunday, May 5, stop by any time between 12:30 and 7 p.m. for music, themed drinks and giveaways.
    * 327 Franklin Ave. Wyckoff, 201.891.1331
  • If you have a budding chef in the family, take them to The Flavor Labs in Norwood this Saturday for a special parent-child Cinco de Mayo drop-in cooking class. Adult-child pairs will work together to make taco bowls, as well as Mexican hot chocolate donuts from scratch.
    * 514 Livingston St., Norwood, 201.292.3733
  • Looking for music and great food? End the search at New Milford’s Pancho’s Burritos, a local favorite with an extensive Tex-Mex food and drink menu. This weekend, they’ll feature DJs, deals and great cocktails.
    * 214 Main St., New Milford, 201.225.2554
  • For a different atmosphere, try the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Church of the Annunciation in Paramus for a Beatles cover band, as well as a tailgate and food trucks.
    * 50 W. Midland Ave., Paramus, 201.261.6322
  • Allendale’s Uno Más has a fantastic traditional Mexican menu, and on May 5 will be offering food specials and giveaways all day. They will be open for lunch and dinner all weekend.
    * 99 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201.574.9700
  • You can join Dumont’s Knights of Columbus for a Cinco de Mayo celebration that includes food, drink, piñatas and more. There is a $45 cover charge. RSVP to Ken at 516.220.9333 or via email at kofc1345reservations@gmail.com.
    * 61 Armour Pl., Dumont, 201.387.9750

Planning on staying in this Sunday? That doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the festivities. Check out this easy recipe for a strawberry mezcal margarita, featured in the May issue of BERGEN, and celebrate at home.

 

Strawberry Mezcal Margarita

Ingredients

  • kosher salt or coarse sea salt, for glass
  • 2 lime wedges
  • 2 to 3 strawberries, hulled, halved, plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp. agave syrup
  • 2 oz. mezcal
  • 1 oz. Cointreau
  • ½ oz. fresh lime juice
  • ice

Directions   

Place salt on a shallow plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into salt. In the glass, muddle 2 to 3 strawberries with agave. Add Cointreau, mezcal and lime juice. Fill glass with ice and stir to combine. Garnish with a strawberry and lime wedge.

How are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Bergen? Let us know on Instagram @bergenmajnj!

 

Categories: Bergen Health & Life