Mexican restaurants in Vermont share suggestions for tasty Cinco de Mayo dishes
Brent HallenbeckCinco de Mayo is a Mexican commemoration that has become a quintessentially American opportunity to party.
An article published Wednesday by USA Today refers to a 2018 survey that “showed only 10% of Americans knew the true reason behind the holiday, yet it has turned into a day where people can get cheap margaritas and wear sombreros.” The day that marks a victory by the Mexican army over France in 1862 does at least call American diners’ attention to the fact that they can sample some really tasty Mexican food.
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The Burlington Free Press reached out to Mexican restaurants in Vermont asking for one dish of theirs that they would recommend for Cinco de Mayo, or any day for that matter:
El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina
“Our pescado (fish) taco is a customer favorite that has remained a staple on our menu since we opened,” according to manager Sarah Barry. “It’s composed of crispy fish, our tequila lime crema, cabbage slaw, and is topped with fresh cilantro and onion. We dredge the fish in a house-made buttermilk batter and coat in crushed corn tortilla chips for frying, so it’s actually gluten free but still extra crispy!”
El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina, 189 Bank St., Burlington. (802) 497-1668. Also, 5 E. Allen St., Winooski. (802) 540-0052, www.cortijovt.com.
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El Gato Cantina
“Carnitas are traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked,” according to owner Theresa “Tree” Bertram. “We marinate it for several hours then braise it for 4 hours. When it is ordered we flash (fry) it so that it is crispy on the outside but so tender on the inside.”
“We use it to make our tacos, tostadas, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, basically it's delicious in or on everything! However, many people just get the carnita platter and that is served with a homemade roja sauce with beans, rice and tortillas so that they can make each bite their own!”
El Gato Cantina, 169 Church St., Burlington. (802) 540-3095. Also, 4 Park St., Essex Junction. (802) 662-4334. www.elgatocantina.com.
Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com. Follow Brent on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BrentHallenbeck.