Taquiza Pop-Up at Pubbelly for Cinco de Mayo

Tequila, margaritas, and beer are synonymous with the virtually made-up holiday of cinco de drinko. But what about tacos? Cinco de Mayo, after all, is supposed to commemorate the Mexican army's conquest over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5. (We're pretty sure after reigning victorious, they indulged in some carnitas.)

That was half a century ago, though, and here we still consume enough alcohol to make some mistakes. Though the number of Cinco de Mayo celebrations scheduled for this Tuesday aren't exactly lacking, many of them are nothing more than a way to capitalize on the festive shenanigans.

There is one, however, that stands above the rest (mostly because it makes sense) and is dedicated to Miami's true gourmands: a Taquiza pop-up at Pubbelly.  

With Miami's Mexican boom, it's no surprise Taquiza would be planning something special for the holiday. And because pigs love taco shells, teaming up with Jose Mendin for a one-night-only collaboration was a no-brainer. 

What's most exciting about this mashup is that it gives Steve Santana (the Collins Avenue taco-shack mastermind and Eating House and Broken Shaker alum) a chance to do more than grind masa into a thousand tortillas for ravenous beachgoers, as well as patrons at Matador at Edition and Coya daily. It gives him the opportunity to get behind the line and actually cook.  

He and Mendin have created an 11-course menu that pays tribute to authentic Mexican fare. Think grasshoppers with lime and salt; uni tamales with bone marrow salsa; aguachile de callos (bay scallops, watermelon, serrano chilies, citrus, tomato, and fresh wasabi); tostada de lengua (braised lamb tongue, avocado, salsa roja, and jalapeño crema); chiles rellenos (peppers, huitlacoche, cotija, and epazote); tacos de conejo pibil (wild ramps, salsa verde, cactus); and calamar al pastor (Japanese giant squid, gochujang, and Mexican kimchee on black tortillas).

And because you'll surely want to wash it all down with some Mexican-inspired libations, a special bar menu will be available. Word on the street is there will be tequila-based pitchers and micheladas. 

Tickets for the Mexican fiesta cost $60 per person (plus tax and 20 percent service gratuity) and are available via pubbellyboys.com. Choose from two seatings, 7 or 9:30 p.m.

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