Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is quickly approaching, and if you can’t make it to Mexico to celebrate, then visit Phoenix, where there is an array of Mexican food, tequila, and festivals for your enjoyment. Inspired by our blog at the Greater Phoenix CVB The Hot Sheet, here are our top picks to experience the culture of Cinco de Mayo.
Some of my top picks include:
Los Dos Molinos: This hidden gem located by South Mountain exemplifies the word “hot.” They use New Mexico chilies in their salsa and entrees, so you’ll need that pitcher of water immediately. This local treasure is family-owned and operated.
Barrio Café: This is the best Mexican fare that you could possibly indulge in. James Beard-nominated-chef Silvana Salcido Esparzo knows how to do gourmet cuisine. Insiders’ tip: Order the tableside guacamole or view their YouTube video below for a lesson on making this masterpeice yourself. YUM!
The Mission: A sophisticated-yet-comfortable environment, this eatery features hand-pressed cocktails with decor reflective of the vintage charm of adobe Mexican eateries.
Sandbar Mexican Grill: There are three locations in the valley to choose from, but I’m normally embracing the sun on the patio of the Chandler location. This Sandbar location easily has one of the best patios in Phoenix, with a man-made sandy beach, mini-pool, and cabanas. A must-try are their frozen margaritas – they are so tasty and potent that you are limited to three.
Tequila, tequila and more tequila!
The Phoenician houses the largest tequila collection in Arizona at Relish Burger Bistro. A collection of approximately 250 labels, including a private label, is available resort-wide. The Phoenician has teamed with Beam Global Spirits and Wine, Inc., a global leader in premium spirits, and El Tesoro de Don Felipe Tequila to produce a select offering of El Tesoro Paradiso, available only to guests and visitors of The Phoenician, Arizona’s premier AAA Five Diamond luxury resort destination. As the only private label of El Tesoro Paradiso in the world, this exclusive eight-year expression was crafted by third-generation master distiller Carlos Camarena.
La Hacienda at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:
La Hacienda first took me by surprise when I sampled their Snake Bite Flight Tequila Tasting – where literally you are greeted by a snarling rattlesnake head. This tasting features samples of Blanco, Repasado and Anejo tequilas. In addition, visitors can take a journey to Mexico with one of their tequila specialists with Tequila Cultural. Learn the history and distinct characteristics of this misunderstood spirit and taste a seasonal selection of Tequila, Mezcal and Sotol. Nightly from 5 to 8 pm at La Hacienda, $30 per tasting includes chips and salsa, and a La Hacienda logo shot glass.
If you can’t make it out of the house to celebrate, then bring the celebration to you. Invite your friends and indulge in these tasty margaritas. Recipe is provided by El Chorro Lodge.
Begin by salting the rim. Shake together Cazadores tequila, fresh lime juice (slightly diluted to take away some tartness) and agave nectar. Portion to your preference – Then, simply sip and enjoy!
El Chorro Lodge is also currently offering Corzo Tequila Thursdays. Shake up your Thursday night with $1 Corzo tequila shooters during happy hour. Corzo is a triple distilled, ultra-premium tequila. Cheers!
Looking to join in on the celebration, enjoy Blues, Bruise and BBQs Cinco De Mayo Festival. Featuring live music and culinary delights, this festival brings the SlaptheGator Music Fest, Muay Thai Kickboxing Event, and the best BBQ offered in Arizona with AZBarbeque and 65 BBQ vendors.
