By Crystal Harrell
Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and while there might not be any parades or large parties to commemorate the holiday, you can still have a fiesta of a time by ordering at one of the many delicious Mexican restaurants offering curbside pick-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only does it give you a reason to celebrate, but it will also support these local Coachella Valley eateries in the midst of this financially difficult time.
Casa Mendoza Mexican Bar & Grill – This La Quinta restaurant has all the fixings for a fabulous 5th. Enjoy the savory Carne Asada Tampiquena—a skirt steak marinated and grilled to order served with a cheese enchilada with red sauce. Also try the signature Carnitas, seasoned with all traditional spices and a hint of orange, served with guacamole and pico de gallo. Keep in mind as per their policy of selling alcohol for takeout that any beverages sold there are open containers and may not be transported in a motor vehicle except in the vehicle’s trunk, or away from the driver and passenger seats.
El Ranchito Restaurant – El Ranchito Restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican food in the Coachella Valley for more than 25 years, located in Old Town La Quinta and offering a variety of fresh Mexican cuisine. The food is made fresh to order using family recipes handed down through the generations. Try the Camorones Rancheros, consisting of shrimp in a sauce made with fresh bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and served with rice and tortillas. Another highlight is the Carne Al Chipotle—strips of steak simmered in a tasty chipotle sauce and served with rice, beans, and tortillas. Take advantage of the deals available on Cinco de Mayo, which miraculously falls on a Taco Tuesday this year, and enjoy the Tuesday night special of a Carnitas Plate for just $10.99 from 4 p.m. until closing.
Pueblo Viejo Grill – Since opening in Indio in 2005, Pueblo Viejo Grill has become a desert staple for cutting edge Mexican cuisine. The Olvera Style Taquitos are a big hit, served with a choice of shredded beef or chicken and garnished with shredded lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Another restaurant favorite is the Burrito Magnifico—a large flour tortilla filled with refried beans and a choice of shredded beef or chicken smothered in Ranchera sauce.
The restaurant is open daily for takeout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill – This Palm Desert location offers a menu of authentic Mexican dishes as well as a large meatless menu with vegetarian options. The Beef Chiles Rellenos are a classic trademark, made of poblano peppers stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, dipped in egg batter and fried on a bed of seasoned ground beef with raisins, olives, walnuts and white wine topped with green tomatillo sauce and a choice of corn or flour tortillas. The Fajitas Agave is also a customer favorite, consisting of marinated chicken or beef, grilled onions and bell peppers, served on a sizzling skillet garnished with guacamole, pico de Gallo and sour cream.
Taqueria Teotihuacan – Taqueria Teotihuacan is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that caters to the traditional homestyle values of the cuisine. Try the restaurant’s famous tortas, consisting of beans, mayo, tomatoes. onions, avocado, lettuce, and choice of meat like Pollo Rotizado (Roasted Chicken), Pollo Asado (Chicken), Cochinita Pibil , Asada (Beef), Carnitas (Simmered Pork), Jamon (Ham), or Al Pastor (Marinated Pork).
