Like most Americans, I have no idea what cinco de mayo really commemorates, and use it as an excuse to eat and drink Mexican things.

I went with Monica to Zabella’s to celebrate. It’s a hole in the wall that got decent Yelp reviews, and despite being on my exit on the 10 and having passed by it numerous times, I hadn’t paid it so much as a thought up to this point.

The ceviche tostada was absolutely delicious and refreshing. The menudo (it was my first time having menudo) was out of this world. Just what I would expect out of a good, organ-filled stew. Seriously, it was great. A little filling, that’s all. Not sure if the two dishes actually went together, but luckily I had a nice cheapy margarita to cleanse my palette in between dishes. Definitely will be going back to this gem. Sure beats the chains. Viva Mexico for reals, son.