Amelia Calvert, reno.com
October 7, 2008

May 5 or Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla, 1862. Though not celebrated much south of the border, Mexican-Americans and Americans have adopted this holiday as one of Mexican culture, pride and cause to celebrate.

Confused by many as the Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo really commemorates the Battle of the Puebla, when the Mexican army defeated the French. Go figure – about 100 years earlier, Americans welcomed France as our ally in our own battle for Independence, but if we can work in a few Tecate or Coronas and a reason to dance to some slamming salsa jams, why not celebrate our former ally’s thrashing at the hands of the Latino warriors defending their land.

Celebrations are popping up all over. The Adelante Awards dinner, held to honor people who have contributed to the advancement of the Hispanic community, is May 2 at the Reno Ballroom downtown. For details, contact the Reno office of Nevada Hispanic Services at (775) 826-1818.

I plan to spend my Cinco de Mayo kicking it with friends on the patio at The Agave, the former La Piñata. If all goes well with city permits, the owners, Cesar and Marisela Salmoran, will be showcasing the outdoor patio along with awesome food, great drinks and a mariachi band.

Opening its doors in November 2007, The Agave, 1575 Vassar, is open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and offers fine Mexican dining and a cantina with more than 100 specialty tequilas to choose from. My personal favorite is Sauza, and they have Hornitos and Conmemorativo available.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday 4 – 6 p.m. and they offer two-for-one Margaritas, 99-cent drafts and free appetizers. Their tasty and thirst-quenching Margaritas come in three sizes: Regular, large and extra large, or as I like to say, “One-tequila, two-tequila, three-tequila –floor.”

The secret to Agave’s great food and menu lies in the fresh, quality ingredients. Everything is made fresh daily, Salmoran says. “All fresh vegetables. No canned food is used. Fresh is better.”

Salmoran grew up around the restaurant industry, with his parents opening small restaurants in Mexico when he was a boy. He moved to American at 15. Salmoran also owns the Hispanic dance and DJ club Coco Boom in downtown Reno, 701 S. Virginia. The club features Salsa music, DJs and is open every Friday and Saturday night, if you are looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo early.

For more Cinco de Mayo fun, check out the festival on Victorian Square at Sparks. It’s open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. May 3 and 4. Complete with vendors, music and activities, it’s an affair the whole family can enjoy. Viva la Raza!