Cinco de Mayo

[ Partiers at the Basement Lounge. ]

After you've chowed down on some tacos for Cinco de Mayo at one of Sara's delicious recommended restaurants, you may want to keep the party going. If the usual equation of “bar+margaritas+friends= embarrassing photos that will definitely be on Facebook come May 6” leaves something to be desired, don't fret. Here are some unique suggestions for the holiday, which commemorates the unlikely Mexican win against the French in 1862's Battle of Puebla:

[ Pretend City in Irvine. Photo by Ashley Affeldt. ]

1. If you're looking for a kid-appropriate activity for Cinco de Mayo, look no further than to Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine. The museum, which is open from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m., will be celebrating the holiday with mini Mexican flags and maracas in the art studio, a Mexican hat dance, and “tot-and-parent” Spanish classes through the day. Perfect for the little ones!

Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble,
Irvine.
949.428.3900

[ The Winery in Tustin. ]

2. For an upscale evening miles from the usual margarita-fest, the Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar at the District in Tustin will be having a Cinco de Mayo Partida Tequila Celebration. The restaurant has been noted as one of OC's finest, and the night will feature tequila cocktails, tray-passed appetizers and live music. Sounds like a recipe for a fiesta. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. and space is limited, so call in advance for info. (You may also want to remember the number 1-800-4-MYTAXI. Just sayin'!)

The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar
2647 Park Avenue, Tustin.
714.258.7600

[ The Basement in Long Beach. ]

3. Although it's not explicitly “Cinco De Mayo”-themed, The LightBulb Mouth Radio Hour is Long Beach's best new night out. The dynamic local poet Derrick Brown started the event a few months ago, with the seemingly crazy idea that people may want to go see a little music, a little poetry reading, and have a few laughs with an “informationist,” who discusses some particular topic with wit. The result is an incredibly entertaining weekly show and Podcast that feels like “A Prairie Home Companion,” only in a dark bar and with an edge. Featured guests have ranged from actor-poet Amber Tamblyn to local faves like Chris Paul Overall. On May 5, the illustrious Jay Buchanan, whom my fellow bloggers have recently praised, will be the night's featured musician. There are drink specials before 9 p.m., $5 champagne in a can, and $2 off admission at the door if you dress fancy (a dinner dress or suit). For the 21-plus set, it's not to be missed!

The Basement Lounge
149 Linden, Long Beach
562.901.9090


-Alex
on my iTunes: Local Natives' "World News"