Happy Cinco de Mayo 💃

While I am all for any excuse to get a deal on margaritas and chips and guac, let’s aim to do a little bit better this Cinco de Mayo.

A tray of conchas Tuesday, May 2, 2022 at La Central Panaderia in South Bend.

First, some background. Contrary to popular belief, the Mexican holiday does not celebrate Mexico’s Independence from Spain but instead commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862 where Mexico defeated the French, a then super power.

But over the years, the fifth of May has become an opportunity for Americans to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture where some businesses have commercialized it by offering discounted margaritas and Mexican food specials.

Here’s a good explainer: Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday. So why does the United States celebrate it more?

But this year, I wanted to highlight the true gem we have that is South Bend’s westside.

Maria and Andres Cervantes pose for a portrait with a tray of conchas Tuesday, May 2, 2022 at La Central Panaderia in South Bend.

Subscri can find a list of eateries the line West Western Avenue and beyond here, featuring a variety of businesses from the always-popular Taqueria Chicago to the unpretentious La Central Panaderia, which is known for its sweet bread conchas and Mexican croissants. The owners are pictured above and they are absolutely lovely, as is the welcoming and diverse neighborhood.

More shopping and food news

New Ball Band Biergarten under construction on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Beutter Park in Mishawaka.

🍺 Sun King will be the official vendor for the Ball Band Biergarten, located in Beutter Park, according to the city’s parks and recreation department. The Indianapolis-based brewer is scheduled to open its 5,000-square foot brewpub this summer at The Mill at Ironworks across from the park. Events will begin in June.

☕ Starbucks is slated to be built along McKinley Avenue in Mishawaka. According to a construction design release, the coffee retailer will be at 422 W. McKinley Avenue, next to the newly constructed John’s Auto Spa. A timeline of when construction is set to begin or be complete was not immediately clear.

► More Mishawaka development: New ’boutique’ apartment complex with rooftop deck coming to Front Street in downtown Mishawaka

Story continues

🥩 A Saltgrass Steakhouse is scheduled to be built between Portillo’s and Raising Cane’s on the east side of North Main Street in Mishawaka. The Texas-based steakhouse chain that features salads, sandwiches and steaks and has locations across the country, but predominately in Texas and Louisiana. According to its website, the Mishawaka location will be the first location in Indiana. A representative with Saltgrass did not return messages from the Market Basket reporter and a projected opening date is unclear.

🍟 The McDonald’s on Grape Road is scheduled to be remodeled. According to a construction design release, the fast food restaurant will get an interior remodel of the customer service area, dining area and restrooms.

🍷 Mother’s Day is often one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, especially favorite brunch and wine bars Here’s how area businesses are are now preparing for the holiday on May 8.

As always, if you see something around town you’re curious about and want me to check out, you can email me here.

Other local news this week I found interesting that you may, too

Indiana state biologist Tom Bacula hands a net with rainbow trout from his truck to Molly Emmons and her daughter, Raina Parkes, so they can help stock Potato Creek on April 28, 2022, at Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty.

► Where’s the trout?: Homeschoolers learn slimy lessons as they stock Potato Creek.

► Roe V. Wade: What happens if Roe v. Wade is overturned? What we know about Supreme Court’s leaked draft

► It’s coming back: Massive RV dealer show returning to Elkhart after two-year break caused by COVID pandemic

► Election results: At least one incumbent loses; St. Joseph County contested 2022 Indiana primary results

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Cheers 🥑Mary

Still want to know more of Michiana’s eating and shopping news? Keep up to date by checking out the Market Basket website, ‘like’ the column’s Facebook page and follow me on Twitter at @maryshownSBT or @marketbasketSBT.

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This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Market Basket newsletter, May 5 2022