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The sheer abundance of wacky food “holidays” (hello, deep-fried clam day: November 1st) makes them all feel meaningless. Even national chocolate cake day (January 27th) passed without capturing my attention. And then, I found a day I couldn’t ignore: national margarita day. Today, February 22, we pay our respects to the sweet-tart, tequila-and-lime cocktail made famous by Mexico and Jimmy Buffett.
I suggest a visit to Juanita’s Eat, which chef-owner Dylan Moore opened next to Deluxe in October. Order the excellent house margarita, served coin style with silver tequila, Cointreau, lime, and a touch of agave for sweetness. The cocktail is only $3 during happy hour, Tuesday through Saturday, 4 to 7 p.m. For an upgrade, sub in Siete Leguas tequila blanco or add a floater of Grand Marnier for a modest upcharge ($2 each). If you like your margarita on the rocks, be sure to request ice; Juanita’s drinks are typically served neat.
For a generous snack, don’t miss the poblano quesadilla, with smoky, charred chiles and gooey white cheese tucked together between a grilled flour tortilla.
Bonus: Juanita’s has adopted the playlist trend of ’90s rap music during dinner (Pinche Tacos is also on board); there is nothing like a little Slick Rick to liven up your dinner conversation.
More Margs: Racines marks the occasion by offering three new margaritas: a blood orange, a pomegranate, and a Cadillac (1800 reposado tequila, limes, agave nectar, orange juice, and Grand Marnier). These are in addition to the eight margaritas always available on the restaurant’s menu.
Juanita’s Eat, 32 S. Broadway, 303-722-1278
Racines, 650 Sherman St., 303-595-0418