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Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style this weekend

 
We know all you really want is a classic margarita and some chips and salsa.
We know all you really want is a classic margarita and some chips and salsa.
Published May 3, 2017

GETTING IN CINCO: CINCO DE MAYO

Hey you there, with the taco in one hand and the tippy, salt-rim margarita in the other. Before you get to celebrating May 5 a lo grande, please explain why we're celebrating. Mexico's Fourth of July? Buzz. Thank you for being a contestant and we have some lovely consolation prizes for you today. • Mexican independence from Spanish rule was declared Sept. 15, 1810. The Cinco de Mayo in question happened 52 years later on the morning of May 5, 1862, when 5,000 poorly outfitted Mexican soldiers walloped the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, 100 miles east of Mexico City. It's remembered as the "Batalla de Puebla." And although the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the battle became a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. • Okay, now you can take a sip and get to partying.

FIESTAS GRANDES

The biggest wingding is happening in Dunedin at Casa Tina's, which turns 25 and is conveniently celebrating its birthday on Friday and Saturday. They will be closing Main Street from 4 to 11 p.m. both days, with arts and crafts, face painting and a Giant Mojiganga Puppet Parade, with Casa Tina's tamales, rice and beans, guacamole, ceviche, margaritas and an array of live entertainment: Mahetzi, Simone Salsa, Simona Beltran, Trio Potencia and Orquesta Infinidad. The restaurant, which is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. both days, will present donations totaling $10,000 to a number of local charities. Casa Tina is located at 365 Main St., Dunedin. (727) 734-9226.

The newly renovated and reconcepted EDGE Social Drinkery, the rooftop lounge at the Epicurean Hotel, is going large on Friday. Sponsored by Dos Equis, EDGE will feature a complimentary Cinco de Mayo appetizer buffet including quesadillas, tortas, tostadas and ceviche. $1 Dos Equis beers throughout the evening. $5 valet parking. 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa. (813) 999-8731.

Or you could channel the competitive spirit and head to the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Cook Off at the Tampa Firefighters Museum. Teams will go head-to-head in cooking the best Mexican food, and you get to judge it. There are also prizes and activities for the kids. Held 6 to 9 p.m., admission is free, although donations are accepted and the event benefits the Tampa Firefighters Museum and other firefighter charities. 720 E Zack St., Tampa. (813) 964-6862.

THE USUAL SPOTS

Some of the Cinco shenanigans are a foregone conclusion. Head to SoHo in Tampa (MacDinton's, Yard of Ale), Ybor City (Hamburger Mary's, the Honey Pot), Dunedin (Chic-A-Boom Room, Blur Nightclub) or downtown St. Petersburg (Red Mesa Cantina and others) for tequila-fired drinks and well-lubricated revelers in sombreros.

For something a bit more elevated on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., the Tampa Museum of Art is doing an adult make-and-take mixer featuring Cinco de Mayo-themed art and libations. Instruction and paint provided, $35, $25 members. 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. (813) 274-8130.

RESTAURANT SPECIALS

Not sure whether you want to keep things to a tight budget on Cinco de Mayo or go big? Here's one of each. Not surprisingly, Tijuana Flats is keeping the green in your pocket for the holiday, with $2 Mexican drafts, tacos, churros and chips and salsa over the weekend at all locations. They also offer catering. tijuanaflats.com.

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And if you're aiming to celebrate in style, head to Fleming's for a — brace yourself — $100 margarita. Here are the deets: The $100 margarita is made of tequila Herradura Selección Suprema extra-añejo and Grand Marnier Cuvée de Centenaire, served in a Baccarat Diamant Highball designed by Thomas Bastide (which you get to take home in a fancy red box). I dunno, maybe there are also really special ice cubes and such. f lemingssteakhouse.com.