If you’ve been reading Eat Arkansas for, say, more than 2 days, you probably already know we have a particular fondness for Mexican food. This specific cuisine, perhaps more than any other, hits that perfect sweet spot between flavor, affordability, availability, and convenience. Luckily, central Arkansas is quite well represented in terms of authentic Mexican cooking…and even in the not-so-authentic, more Americanized genre. I’ve had some of my most memorable dining experiences in Arkansas in the markets and taquerias lining Geyer Springs, Baseline, or South University. It’s probably safe to say that I’ve got many more wonderful experiences still to come.
- realityofvision.com
Rarely do we need an excuse to eat more tacos, but if there’s one day that darn near demands it, it’s everyone’s favorite not-Mexican-Independence-day holiday, Cinco de Mayo. Indeed, what better way to celebrate the Mexican army’s against-all-odds 1862 victory over the French forces than with a few soft corn tortillas stuffed full of chorizo, lengua, and barbacoa? I tell you, there are fewer things in the known universe as special as a beautifully crafted taco.
This coming Saturday, May 4th, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Clinton Foundation are bringing us a celebration worth busting out your maracas for. The 15th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the Clinton Presidential Center Park. The event is free to the public!
The event promises live music and Mariachis (I’m always a sucker for that awesome fat bass guitar), and folkloric ballet. There will be zumba and salsa dancing as well if you’d like to kick up your heels a bit. Kids will be happy to find face painting, youth soccer, children’s games and piñatas…and if your 2 year-old is anything like mine, any excuse to hit things with a big stick is something to be taken advantage of.
And there’s Mexican food trucks! Let us not forget this most important bit of information of all. Authentic Mexican and Central American dishes, carried by some of the finest in Little Rock, will be on site dishing out tacos, tortas, burritos, sopes, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Mexican beer will also be flowing like rivers to help quench your inevitable thirst.
Proceeds from the event will go to awarding scholarships to Latino students. For more information and complete entertainment line-up, check out this link. Go and enjoy yourself, strap on your sombrero and get a little loco.