Mobile food venues are popping up all over the country and one of the most popular is the Mexican taco truck. These trucks are the perfect spot to grab a quick snack or lunch while at work. But they are also a great source of authentic Mexican food for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
If you live anywhere in the southwestern part of the United States you are familiar with the hoopla that surrounds Cinco de Mayo. While this day is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, it is actually the celebration of the defeat of the French during the Battle of the Puebla in 1862. (Mexico’s actual Independence Day is September 16th). Areas with a large Mexican-American population celebrate with parties that feature delicious Mexican food, plenty of margaritas and cervezas (beer) and lots of bright colors associated with Mexico. It is very easy to pull together a Cinco de Mayo fiesta of your own.
Authentic Mexican Food
Mexican cuisine can range from very simple enchiladas, tamales and tacos to the more sophisticated dishes featuring mole sauce, unique peppers and spices and expensive cuts of meat. For an easy and authentic buffet, ordering from one of the Mexican taco trucks that can be found around town will make feeding your guests very simple and affordable. It is a always a good idea to have both cheese and meat dishes as well as an assortment of hot sauces from the very mild to the very caliente for those brave enough to try it! And don’t forget the guacamole.
Setting the table
Use authentic serape and Mexican blankets as tablecloths and runners. If you do not have these available, any table coverings in bright colors of red, yellow, green, blue and fuchsia will work. Wind some chili pepper lights around the table to highlight the food area and add to the ambience.
Be creative! Hollow out a piñata and place a potted chili pepper plant in the center for an affordable centerpiece. Use small chili peppers as filler in your hurricanes and place the candle in the middle of them. Place potted cactus plants around the table to add to that desert feel. A sombrero placed upside down on the table is the perfect holder for a bowl of chips or salsa; the black hats with red ball fringe that Mexican caballeros (cowboys) wear can be used to elevate dishes on the table; colorful beads can be used as napkin rings or to identify one’s glass.
A Cinco de Mayo party is casual and fun so anything goes.
