Mexican restaurants along our rivertowns are celebrating Cinquo de Mayo – a holiday that recalls Mexico’s early victory against imperialism. On May 5, 1862, at Puebla, Mexico, Mexican forces defeated the French army, better equipped and twice as large in number.

Puebla, rich in Mexico’s culinary heritage, is nowhere better represented than in Sleepy Hollow at Que Chula Es Puebla, where Pablo Ilagorre will be preparing classic dishes from May 5 to Mother’s Day, May 9. The elegant Chiles en Nogada – roasted poblano peppers stuffed with fruits, pecans walnuts and ground beef and topped with walnut cream, parlsey and pomegranate is a regional specialty as is Carne Azteca – grilled skirt steak marinated in lime juice with cactus salad and roasted corn. The chef’s mariscada – clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and fish in a red sauce- will match the special tequila pineapple drinks included with the price of your meal. Live music will be played on May 5th, 7th and 9th, and mothers are honored with roses on her day.

Santa Fe, in Tarrytown, will be festively decorated for the holiday, serving an abundant array of Mexican appetizers, their famous salads, specialty drinks and providing a limited supply of give-aways. Tomatillo, in Dobbs Ferry, will be celebrating with a staggering choice of signature burritos, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Build your own burrito and celebrate!