Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Heritage, Flavor, + Craftsmanship

Cinco de Mayo is often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day, but its roots are more specific—and no less meaningful. The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where a vastly outnumbered Mexican force achieved an unlikely victory against Napoleon’s army in 1862. Today, particularly in the U.S., it’s become a celebration of Mexican heritage, cuisine, and community. And while the margarita may take center stage, there’s much more to savour.

The art of gathering for Cinco de Mayo transcends mere decoration, becoming instead a thoughtful celebration of heritage and craftsmanship. At the heart of our table rest wooden vessels from Rasttro, a Mexican atelier whose commitment to environmental stewardship transforms fallen timber into objects of enduring beauty. Their one-of-a-kind vases, refined placemats, and striking serving pieces tell a story of reclamation—carbon captured within their grains, rescued from decomposition through masterful intervention.

These artisans adapt their vision to the materials available, allowing the natural character of recovered wood to guide their hands toward minimal-waste creations. The resulting collection brings both conscience and elegance to our celebration, honoring Mexican craftsmanship through pieces as unique as the hands that shaped them.

Complete the tableau with marigolds gathered loosely beside rich-hued tapers, creating a setting that respects tradition while embracing the sustainable future of artisanal design.

From Aguachile—bright, bracing, and beautifully plated with shaved radish and cucumber—to Grilled Elote—charred corn with cotija, chili, and lime crema—to Churros with Dark Chocolate—simple, nostalgic, and best served warm—we love the vibrant, textured expressions of Mexican cuisine. The interplay of freshness and depth, of tradition and innovation, creates a culinary narrative that transforms mere ingredients into moments of connection. These thoughtfully prepared offerings honor generations of Mexican culinary artisans who have refined techniques that balance bold flavors with subtle complexities—creating an experience that engages all senses and invites meaningful gathering around the table.

Born somewhere between a sun-drenched Greyhound and a classic margarita, our signature cocktail is a celebration of elegant simplicity. No syrups, no shortcuts—just tequila, freshly squeezed pink grapefruit, and a bright twist of lime. This refined libation offers a clean, citrus-forward profile completely free of added sugars, allowing the natural brightness of the fruit to take center stage.

First mixed on a warm spring afternoon during Covid when Julia craved a margarita but had only fresh pink grapefruits at hand, the serendipitous creation proved both delightful and subtly revelatory—crisp, cooling, and precisely balanced. Serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass to transform golden hour into a moment of unexpected grace.

As you prepare to gather for this celebration of Mexico's vibrant heritage, consider how each thoughtfully selected element contributes to a moment that transcends mere entertaining. The wooden vessels from Rasttro, with their sustainable origins and masterful execution, rest alongside dishes that honor generations of culinary wisdom. This intentional approach invites us to appreciate not only the aesthetic pleasures of beautiful objects and flavorful cuisine but also the deeper connections they foster.

In creating a table that honors tradition while embracing conscious consumption, we participate in something both timeless and deeply relevant—a gathering that transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for genuine appreciation. Here, in the interplay of craftsmanship, flavor, and shared experience, we find the true essence of celebration that extends far beyond a single day.