Cinco de Mayo 2010

You can argue that the annual May 5th celebration known as Cinco de Mayo is more celebrated within the borders of the United States than in Mexico.  Cinco de Mayo is the holiday that commemorates the Mexican victory over the French Army in the southern-central city of Puebla in Mexico.  In an effort to keep this article related to beer and not history, I will wrap up this mini-history lesson by stating that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day; the Mexican Independence Day is September 16th.  Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican Culture and more importantly to me, it's a reason to drink plenty of Mexican Beer.

At the top of places to celebrate this 2010 Cinco de Mayo is Simone's in Pilsen.  Not only is the bar located on the quaint 18th Street in the predominantly Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen, but Simone's has Chupacabras beer.  If you recall from one of my earlier articles, Chupacabras Pale Ale is one of the first microbrews from Mexico.  You can help celebrate the little guys vs the big guys mentality that Cinco de Mayo is known for by drinking a beer that is not from the Big Beer Corporations of Mexico: Chupacabras by Cucapa Brewing Company.

If you are looking for something more trendy and fresh, try the new Dos Diablos Restaurant & Cantina that is having its Grand Opening on Cinco de Mayo in the River North area of Chicago.  Apart from having the obvious Mexican theme, Dos Diablos has an adequate offering of Mexican Beers.  Dos Diablos is located on Hubbard Street in the happening River North area, so this new cantina will fit right in with the party atmosphere of this hip street.

So no matter who you are or where you come from, on May 5th we all come together to raise our glasses and shout a big "SALUD" (Spanish for "Cheers") to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo holiday.

P.S. In the words of Dos Equis's The Most Interesting Man in the World: Stay thirsty, my Friends