Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Unnamed sources confirm that Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo with more gusto than most Mexicans. Considering that we've pretty much recast the holiday from one marking a military victory to a celebration of tacos and Dos Equis, that's not much of a surprise. Whatever May 5 means to you, you can party it out today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, where the Cinco de Mayo specials include $5 margaritas, $3 Mexican beers, and $3 soft tacos with fillings that range from slow-roasted pork to blackened tilapia. For serious celebrators, a half-dozen Latin-accented specials include fresh roasted corn and chipotle guacamole, prickly pear chicken salad, and for dessert, warm plantain bread spiked with chocolate chips, drizzled with orange dulce de leche, and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Muy buena, you bet! For more info, call 216-896-9020 or visit paladarlatinkitchen.com. Paladar is at 28601 Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere. — Cicora