Cinco de Mayo Specials, Cajun Cooking Class, XOCO Pop-up Dinner, Free Ramen for Kids: Weekday Planner:
Cajun Cooking Class
You love Heaven on Seven on Wabash for its classic atmosphere, its fiery Cajun cuisine, and its amiable chef/owner, Jimmy Bannos. There's even more to love when you get to learn the know-how behind all that Cajun cuisine. Heaven on Seven is hosting a Cajun cooking class on May 6, along with a five-course dinner. Far better than actual classes at school, this class provides guests with all-you-can-drink beer, wine, and hurricanes while Bannos demonstrates his cookery. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased here. The class and dinner runs from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo Specials at Chicago Cut and The Local Chicago
When it comes to Cinco de Mayo celebrations, most people make a bee line for their favorite bars, taquerias, and Mexican restaurants. But you'd be remiss in overlooking unexpected Cinco haunts like Chicago Cut Steakhouse and The Local Chicago. The two sister spots are both offering their own take on Cinco de Mayo with specials to commemorate the holiday. At Chicago Cut, this means fish and filet tacos, and Tequila Mockingbird cocktails made with Don Julio blanco, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and mezcal. At The Local Chicago, this means chicken tortilla soup, guacamole, and tacos made with chicken, steak, and fish. Margaritas are also available in flavors like raspberry, blood orange, and mint julep.
XOCO Yucatan Pop-up Dinner at Revolution Brewing
Next up for XOCO's series of Yucatan-themed pop-up dinners? A meal at Revolution Brewing's Tap Room on May 7. The Avondale brewery welcomes Rick Bayless' Mexican mainstay for a three-course degustation of spicy fare inspired by the Yucatan, a region renowned for its habanero heat, achiote, and citrus, among other things. The evening will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with welcome cocktails made with Rosa Hibiscus Ale, jicama, lime, and passion fruit. Beers will subsequently pair with each course, which include sikil pak, a Mexican pumpkin seed dip; cochinita pibil tacos; and coconut rice pudding. Tickets for dinner are $40 per person and can be purchased here.
Children Eat Free at Furious Spoon
In case you didn't know, May 5 is Children's Day in Japan, a holiday celebrated during Golden Week as a way to respect and honor children's personalities. In light of the holiday, Furious Spoon is offering complimentary bowls of ramen to children 12 and younger.
- Matt Kirouac
Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.