Cinco de Mayo Specials

Soup -  Roasted Tomato with Portabella

Mi Hamburguesa es su Hamburguesa

In honor of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza and his boys kicking some French posaderas in 1862, we Americans have established our very own "Mexican" holiday known as Cinco de Mayo here in the Northlands.  Largely an excuse to drink beer (with a squeeze of lime just for the occasion), Cinco de Mayo is little celebrated in Mexico, but gringos like me love it because it lets us revel in great food (fajitas come to mind) that, like the holiday itself, are distinctly non-authentic American riffs on older classic Mexican cuisine.

So in the spirit of the many gringos who have re-invented Mexican food with an American twist, we present our two specials this week to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  First is the Chipotle Rajas burger we've featured before.  It got good reviews, especially from people who like spicy stuff.  Second is a new wrap, one I've wanted to introduce for some time with shrimp, avocado, and chipotle.  (Can you tell I like the flavor of Chipotles?)  If you like the Outlaw wrap, I think you will really like this new one.  Heat level is about the same as the Outlaw, spicy style.  Gordon Bell, eat your heart out.  (just Google him)

This whole American-Mexican food fusion thing really highlights that our two countries' histories are more intertwined than some care to remember.  As just one small example, the afore-mentioned General Zaragoza, who turned back the French at the battle of Puebla, was born in Texas.  And why should we care about the battle of Puebla?  Because the French planned to come to the aid of the South during the Civil War once they were done in Mexico.  They didn't want a strong America, so they wanted to see the South win.  Lincoln, as you can guess, was sweating bullets because the French were the 800lb gorilla of world powers at the time.  Ignacio Zaragoza and his guerrillas did us a pretty good favor.

So you see, even if the beer companies have co-opted Cinco de Mayo, and even if no one in Mexico ever ate a Chalupa or a Grilled Stuft Burrito (Gordon's contributions), we Americans have good cause to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and at least this one day a year, turn to a neighbor of Mexican descent and say "Here's to Ignacio.  He done good."  And that, mis amigos, is your discount phrase for the next two weeks.

Odds and Ends

Mother's Day - Being closed on Sundays we're not a choice for the annual "take mom to brunch or dinner" pilgrimage, but a Running Rooster Gift Card is a great and quick Mother's Day gift for the last-minute shopper.  Moms love our fresh salads and great sandwiches, and more than a few love a good burger, too.

Local Products - We are re-stocked on B&R Farms apricot products at the store if you would like to get those in town instead of driving out to the farm to get them.  Also, we have discovered a new local olive oil producer that is selling their first crop this year.  Sharobed Grove extra virgin olive oil will be available at Running Rooster starting this Thursday.  It is a nice medium-light blend with a very long buttery finish.  Come and try it.

Passport Weekend - Don't forget that the annual Passport Weekend wine event is coming up on May 17th and 18th.  Tickets are available at Running Rooster for this very fun event.  As I think about it, some Passport tickets would also make a good Mother's Day present.

Thanks, hope to see you in the Rooster.

    - Jim (The Cook)
 

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