El Mezcal Manager Enjoys Celebration of Homeland
Named after the distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave plant native to Mexico, El Mezcal specializes in Mexican cuisine and drinks. (Whereas tequila is made from one agave, Mezcal is made from several different agave and using a different, less complex, process from tequila.)
Since the early 2000’s, El Mezcal has provided a plethora of Mexican food and drink for Central Wisconsinites to enjoy, and during its many years in business, the restaurant has hosted specials on Cinco de Mayo.
“This has been a tradition for a long time,” said Raul Valdovinos, manager.
Though man people think it’s to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, the day is actually to commemorate the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Though a Mexican holiday traditionally observed with military parades, the United States has embraced it as a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture.
“It’s important because it was a big victory for Mexico,” said Valdovinos. “Now it’s also become an American celebration. It’s one day that Americans celebrate for the Mexicans.”
Valdovinos, who grew up in the Mexican state of Michoacán (near major tequila-producing state Colima) enjoys Cinco de Mayo because it’s a celebration of his homeland.
“We enjoy Cinco de Mayo because we feel like it’s ‘Mexican day’ and we enjoy the celebration,” said Valdovinos. ”I like the Mexican food and drinks. It’s like ‘Mexican home day’.”
To celebrate, El Mezcal will be offering various drink specials, including 2 for 1 margaritas and 2 for 1 beer (both after 5:00pm). In addition, a new color-changing drink will debut on Friday (see the video). Speciality nachos (excluding the Nachos El Mezcal) will also be half-price after 5:00pm. Also, free shots of Tequila or Mezcal will be offered after 5:00pm (1 shot per person age 21+).
