Divorced Eggs at Eddie's in Nuevo VallartaThis year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday- lucky us! All the more reason to celebrate big, with delicious Mexican food, drinks, and traditions. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day (that’s September 16th- not even close!). It’s actually the celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over French forces on May 5th, 1862, and also an all around celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. Whatever you decide to celebrate this Saturday, you’ll have lots of options around Montclair.
1. Raymond’s
Start your day off right with Huevos Rancheros, a classic Mexican breakfast. Fried eggs served over lightly crisped tortillas and topped with a slightly spicy tomato-chili sauce and beans will keep you full well into the afternoon. Ask for a little avocado and sour cream on top to really round out your plate, and if you really want to go to town, add a spiced Mexican hot chocolate to your order.
At Taqueria Autentica2. Montclair Public Library
Bring your kids or favorite niece and nephew along for a free concert of traditional Mexican music mixed in with music from Puerto Rico and Cuba. Come at 11 am, and you’ll be out just in time for lunch.
3. Taqueria Autentica
Grab lunch at this popular food truck turned restaurant on Broad Street in Bloomfield. Their motto is simple, real, fresh, and they more than deliver. Try the carnitas and carne asada for tacos, and the torta. It’s the ultimate Mexican sandwich filled with chicken, pork, or vegetables. Wash it all down with come authentic Mexican Coca-Cola or hard to find Squirt.
4. Make your own Margarita
Shake up a slightly lightened version of the classic margarita. Since a restaurant margarita can pack upwards of 600 calories, make your own version at home, and use those saved up calories on chips and guacamole. This recipe (inspired by Cooking Light Magazine) has only 150 calories, so you can have two, or four, guilt free.
Recipe
1 oz premium or Silver Tequila,
½ oz Cointreau,
2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
1 Tablespoon light agave nectar and shake over ¾ cup ice.
Combine ingredients. Garnish with a salt rim and a wedge of lime.
5. Just Jakes
Dance the night away at Just Jakes, which is throwing a full-blown Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday night. Drink some Patron (if you haven’t already maxed out on your homemade margaritas!) and dance to salsa and Latin music all night long.