By Peter Covino

Lifestyles Editor

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army won a huge victory against the French at the Battle of Puebla.

But if you want to party, Cinco de May is much bigger north of the border than it is in Mexico.

There are lots of ways to celebrate the Mexican holiday in Central Florida including the Cinco De Mayo Block Party at Vintage Vino at the City Centre in downtown Kissimmee.

Mexican beers, guacamole, a specially-created Sangria and other Mexican cuisine will be on sale  during the event which kicks off at 6 p.m.

Azteca’s
At nearby Azteca Mexican restaurant, just a few blocks from the City Centure at 809 N. Main Street, there is more Cinco de Mayo celebrating with live music and drink specials. Call 407 933-8155 for more information.
Enzian/Eden Bar
The Enzian Theatre and Eden Bar in Maitland have combined for Cinco de Mayo drink specials plus a free screening of the film Once Upon a Time in Mexico on the outdoor screen.
Eden Bar opens at 11 a.m. with 2-for-1 margaritas, tequila shots, and $2 Coronas
There is a “Drinko-de-Mayo” Prize Wheel and the fiesta kicks off at 6 p.m. Other specials include dollar tacos. If you wear a sombrero you get a free Jello shot.

Other area Cinco de Mayo events include:

Wall Street Plaza downtown Orlando: The annual block party features Wall Street’s Own Mexican restaurant and bar the Wall Street Cantina. Combined with 7 other bars, live music concerts along with a street covered with lights, piñatas and sombreros. Call 407-420-1515 for more information.

Mucho Tequila and Tacos Restaurant will host the 2^nd Cinco de Mayo party with tequila, tacos and more. There  will be a piñata, live music, food and drink specials.  The restaurant is located in Thornton Park  at 101 S. Eola Drive. Cover is $10.  Call  407-843-9676 for more information.

Adobe Gila at  Pointe Orlando on International Drive is a veteran at Cinco de Mayo parties. This is their 14^th annual event. It begins at 5 p.m. There will be 3 live bands along with drink and food specials. Admission is free. The bar/restaurant is located 9101 International Drive. Call 407-903-1477.

If you really want to get away for the day, the Victory 1 Casino Cruise ship will be celebrating both the Kentucky Derby with mint juleps with a day cruise and Cinco de Mayo with an evening cruise.  Victory Casino Cruises tickets are on sale by calling toll free 855-GO-VICTORY Reserve online and  print your web to gate boarding pass at www.victorycasinocruises.com.

Raglan Road

There won’t  be a taco in sight at Raglan Road this weekend, but if you are a Titanic buff, but the Irish pub at Downtown Disney is celebrating the legacy of the famous ship (which was built in Belfast, Ireland) with its gift shop introduction of the Titanic Official Merchandise Giftware Collection.

“It was a beautiful ship with such an incredibly poignant story that touched so many hearts,” says Lorraine Gorham, Raglan Road marketing director.  “As the world pays tribute to the Titanic and its legacy, we are pleased to offer these fine collectibles for Titanic enthusiasts.”

The shop’s Titanic Official Merchandise Giftware includes a wide range of items such as key rings, shirts, hip flasks, spoon sets, shot glasses and other items from $7-$25.  There’s a spoon rest with a haunting image of the ship that’s perfect for the home cook, and a collection of shot glasses with different images of the ship and its White Star Line flag on each.  The shop will add additional gifts to the collection through the year.

And on Oct 4, Raglan Road celebrity chef Kevin Dundon will present a Titanic-themed Signature Dinner as part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival’s culinary lineup. For information about booking that event, contact Raglan Road at 407- 938-0300.

Ragland Road is owned and operated by Irish partners and celebrity chef Kevin Dundon – famous for his five-star hotel and cookery school in Ireland.

Raglan Road is open daily and features live entertainment nightly.

Lunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner 3-11 p.m.; bar menu 11 p.m.-late.

Chipotle
Not exactly Cinco de Mayo, but Chipotle Mexican Grill will reward those who give to their favorite grads through June 30.
Those who purchase a Chipotle gift card for $30 or more will receive a free entrée during their next visit, so long as they bring their receipt. In order to be eligible for a free menu item, customers must redeem their receipt indicating a gift card purchase no later than June 30. Chipotle has several Central Florida locations, including Kissimmee.

 Food trucks

Don't forget that Friday (May 4) is Food Truck Day in downtown Kissimmee. This Friday's event also features a vintage car show on Dakin Avenue.

The following trucks are expected, but the list is always subject to change.  Most food trucks except credit cards, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand. There will be tables/benches set up near the Kissimmee Civic Center, but diners are welcome to bring their own chairs as well.

The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck

Gastro Truck

Firehouse BBQ

The Crepe Company

Beard Papa

Cafe Rouge Express

Taste Buds

The Crooked Spoon

Big Wheel Provisions

Fork in the Road

Twisted Cuban

The Brisket Bus

5 Gastronomy