It\u2019s Cinco de Mayo 2011 and there are many restaurants in Santa Cruz and nearby having celebrations and\/or specials, plus there is a festival in Davenport this weekend. Here are some highlights.<\/p>\n
Restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n Nuevo Southwest Grill<\/strong><\/p>\n Nuevo, with friendly service and consistently delicious Mexican food, offers a great special on Thursday May 5. It\u2019s serving a margarita and two tacos (with choice of filling) for $7.95 from 11am-9pm.<\/p>\n Location: 21490 E Cliff Drive (at 15th<\/sup> Ave), Santa Cruz (831) 475-2233<\/p>\n Mint<\/strong><\/p>\n The Scotts Valley venue Mint<\/a>, which features a wine bar, will have nightly specials on Thursday May 5 and Friday May 6: Nachos Every Which Way, Ceviche, Grilled Shrimp w\/Orange Chipotle Honey Mustard Sauce, Grilled Lime Marinated Salmon w\/Ginger Lime Butter, and Tacos (your choice of Carnitas or Shredded Chicken).<\/p>\n Location: 4652 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley (831) 438-5900<\/p>\n El Palomar<\/strong><\/p>\n The popular downtown Santa Cruz restaurant and bar El Palomar<\/a>, which recently won awards including Best Chips & Salsa, Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Tacos (for the taco bar area) and Best Margarita in Good Times\u2019 annual Best of Santa Cruz poll, has lots of Cinco de Mayo activities on Thursday. There will be a shot bar, giveaways, Mariachi music, Hornitos girls, and local DJs.<\/p>\n Location: 1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 425-7575<\/p>\n Cilantro\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n Cilantro\u2019s<\/a>, the sister restaurant to El Palomar, is also featuring lots of entertainment on Thursday\u2014plus drink specials. Cilantro\u2019s will have music from mariachis and bands such as Red Eye Jedi and Grito Dolores, plus a DJ. Drink specials include $2 Bud & Bud Light drafts from 3-5pm. Cilantro\u2019s also won a Good Times award in 2011: Best Watsonville Restaurant.<\/p>\n Location: 1934 Main St., Watsonville (831) 761-2161<\/p>\n Davenport Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n The annual Cinco de Mayo festival in Davenport is Saturday, May 7 from 11:30am-4pm. There will be Mexican food, live mariachi music, dancing, a kids\u2019 carnival, and a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds benefit the Davenport Resource Service Center (DRSC<\/a>). For more information call (831) 425-8115 or email drsc@cabinc.org<\/a>. DRSC serves as an advocate and resource for the area’s culturally diverse and low-income population.<\/p>\n On Twitter? Follow me @santacruzfoodie<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s Cinco de Mayo 2011 and there are many restaurants in Santa Cruz and nearby having celebrations and\/or specials, plus there is a festival in Davenport this weekend. Here are some highlights. Restaurants Nuevo Southwest Grill Nuevo, with friendly service … Continue reading