Early May is when we celebrate mothers everywhere and Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. In Texas, these occasions are led by a thirst for mimosas, tequila, and tacos. Got plans the next two weekends? Start here.
Cinco de Mayo
Toyota Music Factory (300 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, 214-978-4888) is celebrating Cinco de Mayo early this year. From noon to 10pm on Sat, May 2, the free Fiesta on the Plaza is open to all ages and will include DJs spinning tunes, live mariachi music, festive food, and margaritas (for those 21 and up). There are VIP opportunities available as well. For more info, visit ToyotaMusicFactory.com.
Traders Village (2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, 972-647-8205) is also hosting an early event this year. On Sun, May 3, from 1pm to 5pm, there will be live performances by Sol de la Kumbia and Javier Aguilar y su Mariachi Pura Sangre. Come early for food, shopping, and family-friendly fun. Admission is free, and parking is $6.
Conundrum Farms (5544 Rocky Creek Park Rd, Crowley, 817-330-9490) is celebrating with an immersive farm-to-table dinner. On Tue, May 5, from 6pm to 9pm, Chef Jacqueline Anaya will prepare a seasonal multicourse dinner with fresh ingredients from the land. The evening will begin with ambient music, a cucumber-and-herb agua fresca, and a golden-hour farm tour. From there, guests will be welcomed to a beautifully set communal table for a meal with Mexican-inspired flavors. Tickets are $150 per person at ConundrumFarms.com.
As Cinco de Mayo falls on #TacoTuesday this year, take advantage of the Tikka Tuesday specials at Velvet Taco (2700 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-887-9810). The tikka chicken bowls are $7.50 and tacos $3.75, each featuring spicy chicken tenders, tikka sauce, basmati rice, raita crema, and Thai basil. There’s also the “Say What?! Combo” for $15.50 that includes your choice of any two tacos — like the spicy tikka chicken and the hatch chile pork tacos pictured — or a taco bowl, plus an individual side (queso, elote, guac, rice, or salsa) and a fountain drink. For another $7.50, wash it all down wth a margarita upgrade instead. The Kick Ass Margarita is made with Lunazul premium blanco tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar. From Cinco thru June, a spicy pineapple margarita will also be available, infused with jalapeño and fresh pineapple.
Meals for Madre
When I hopped onto the website for El Chingon (2800 Bledsoe St, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 817-870-9997), I expected to find drinko-de-mayo offerings, but instead I found info about a lovely Mother’s Day event. Taste of Guadalajara starts at 2:30pm on Sun, May 10, and features a three-course lunch for $47.50 per person. Through mariachi and dance, this show tells the story of a trip to Guadalajara, the home of mariachi music. Make your reservations at Eventbrite.com.
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with brunch at il Modo (714 Main St, Fort Worth, 817-415-0144) Sat-Sun, May 9-10, from 6:30am to 2:30pm. Along with the regular brunch menu, featured specials include Lobster Benedict, a New York strip steak, smoked salmon avocado toast, and more. Reservations are encouraged at ilModoRestaurant.com/experiences.
The Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Rockwood Park Golf Club (1851 Jacksboro Hwy, Fort Worth, 817-392-6560) on Sun, May 10, from 10:30am to 2pm features brioche French toast, roasted strip loin, and Cajun salmon by Chef Branndon Green for $36 per adult and $18 per child (4-12). Mimosas are also available for an additional $4 each in traditional orange as well as blackberry, mango, and pineapple. For reservations, go to tinyurl.com/53stpccc.
When it comes to dining, Scarborough Renaissance Festival (2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, 972-938-3247) offers lots of options for Mom. Whether she prefers a leisurely sit-down meal or wants to graze her way through the village, it’s all on the table. The Rose & Crown Inn offers classic European fare such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and savory meat pies. Wanderers can find handheld food throughout the grounds, including artisan breads, charcuterie-style bites, and the ever-popular turkey legs. On Sun, May 10, there are lots of special activities as well. To read about them and enter to win a special Mother’s Day experience, go to SRFestival.com/rtw-mom.
Photo by Elaine Wilder
