COMMUNITY & CULTURE
ALONG AND AROUND CHEROKEE STREET
Supermercado El Torito Searching for nopales or an array of fresh chili peppers ? Maybe you need a bulk package of corn tortillas or an entire aisle of Mexican spices and beans . Look no further than El Torito , a supermarket that stocks everything from pots and pans and quinceañera party favors to an assortment of Jarritos soda flavors . An added plus is the adjoining Taqueria El Torito , with a walk-up taco stand , as well as a cozy , no-frills dining area . Enjoy tacos al pastor ( highly recommended ) with a Mexican Coke . 2753 Cherokee St .
El Chico Bakery A fixture at local farmers markets , El Chico ’ s storefront operation is nothing fancy , but the sight of shelves filled with sweet bread , baked fruit pies and giant cookies is enough to mesmerize anyone with a sweet tooth . The bakery ’ s signature pan dulce , empanadas and tres leches cakes are made using recipes from Mexico . 2634 Cherokee St .
La Vallesana
El Chico Bakery
La Vallesana Can you think of a better combination than freshly made tacos and house-made ice cream ? La Vallesana offers the best of both worlds . The taco menu includes standard fillings , plus cow head , cheek and tongue for the adventurous foodie . Leave room for ice cream and paletas ( popsicles ), and explore flavors like corn , avocado , tamarind and guava ( our favorite ). 2801 Cherokee St .
Casa Loma Ballroom Put on your dancing shoes and head on over to Casa Loma to show off your dance moves or learn some new ones . The weekends are hopping at this storied dance hall , with live entertainment from top local bands and touring acts . Plus you can ’ t beat the complimentary dance lessons ( sock hop , swing , fox trot , tango - you name it ) before the featured band hits the stage . Admission is usually $ 10 for adults . casalomaballroom . com
Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street 11 a . m . to 10 p . m . Saturday , May 6 Cherokee Street between Nebraska and Jefferson
A-B Biergarten avenues . cincodemayostl . com
The festival takes place in the heart of Cherokee Street with a variety of free , family-friendly activities throughout the day , including live music on three stages , cultural performances , sports games , face-painting and more . Of course , there ’ ll be no shortage of food and drink , with plenty of stops to savor a taco ( or two ), as well as ice-cold cerveza and margaritas .
A festival highlight , the People ’ s Joy Parade , is a colorful , creative procession of crepe paper floats , costumed fashionistas , bike brigades , puppeteers , marching bands , Mexican wrestlers and everything in-between . The parade traditionally begins at 1:11 p . m . at Cherokee Street and Minnesota Avenue .
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