Dining calendar: Restaurants celebrate Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo this weekend

Cinco de Mayo events

Casa Amado: This popular Berkley taqueria is open for lunch and dinner through Saturday, and its food truck will be at Dog and Pony Show Brewing (14661 W. 11 Mile) noon-5 p.m. Sun. 2705 Coolidge, Berkley. (248) 398-3294. Casaamado.com.

Southwest Detroit: Food trucks will gather for this two-day celebration that also has live bands and performances, artisans and family-friendly fun. Noon-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1745 21st St., Detroit. The Cinco de Mayo parade is Vernor starting at Woodmere and ending at W. Grand Blvd. at noon Sun. mpcdetroit.org.

Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen: This downtown Ferndale restaurant will host a two-day Cinco de Mayo festival with food trucks, cocktails, vendors, Lucha Libre wrestling, live music, family-friendly fun and more. Noon-11 p.m. Sat. and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. E. Nine Mile between Woodward and Bermuda, Ferndale. Mezcalferndale.com.

Imperial: This downtown Ferndale restaurant will have a special menu in addition to its regular menu all weekend in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Noon-midnight Sat. and noon-11 p.m. Sun. 22828 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 850-8060. imperialferndale.com.

The Backdoor Tacos & Tequila: A speakeasy-style restaurant will have a fiesta on its outdoor pavilion with more than 150 types of tequila, a taco bar and music. 2-10 p.m. Sun. 401 S. Main, Rochester. Located at D’Marco’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Taco Especial: There will be an all-day tent party in the parking lot on Sunday with food, a DJ, classic cars and more. 278 Southfield, Ecorse. (313) 382-5990.

Kentucky Derby parties

Ford’s Garage: This Florida-based restaurant group has been hosting a countdown to the Kentucky Derby at all its locations. Guests can enjoy classic Derby cocktails like mint julep and Woodford spire and Ford’s Garage version of the Hot Brown sandwich. Ford’s Garage has locations in Dearborn and Novi. Fordsgarageusa.com.

Detroit City Distillery: Watch the race, enjoy $10 mint juleps and wear your best hat for a chance to win a gift card. The distillery is using the occasion to celebrate its recent platinum metal representing three consecutive double-gold metal wins for its Homegrown Rye at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 2462 Riopelle, Detroit. Detroitcitydistillery.com.

Hamlin Pub: All nine locations of this local restaurant group will host a Derby party with big screens, costume contests and themed food and drinks, including mint juleps and Kentucky mules. 1 p.m. Sat. Hamlinpubs.com for locations.

Thompson & Co.: Kentucky Derby watch party with a 100-inch projector screen, mint julep specials, raffle and a DJ. 4-8 p.m. Sat. 400 N. River, Ypsilanti. Thompsondepot.com.

Macray Harbor: Kentucky Derby watch party with live stream, buffet dinner, cocktails and a derby hat contest. The Southern-style spread includes cheese, biscuits, green beans, fried chicken, Cajun shrimp and grits and banana pudding. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sat. Tickets, $60.25 per person, include buffet dinner and one mint julep. 30675 N. River Road, Harrison Township. macrayharbor.ticketspice.com/kentucky-derby-watch-party.

More food and dining news

Pop-up chef up for Hatch award: Four local businesses are vying for a $100,000 business grant in the annual Comerica Hatch Detroit contest. They are Amarra Beauty Products/G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs, Harry Rich Clothier, Khana and Roller Skate Detroit. Khana is a Pakistani street food pop-up from chef Maryam Khan. The winner will be announced at an event 7 p.m. May 9 at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, 461 Burroughs, Detroit. Hatchdetroit.com.

Hudsonville launches Super Scoop bars: Just in time for warmer weather, Michigan-based ice cream company Hudsonville has launched a new product. The super scoop ice cream bar is an easy-to-eat version of its super scoop flavor, which blends black cherry, blue moon and vanilla (also known as “superman” flavor). The bars can be found in four-packs at Kroger, Meijer and Walmart. Hudsonvilleicecream.com.

Asian Night Market at Eastern Market: In celebration of Asian American and Pacific American Heritage Month, local organization Little Asian Bites is hosting a gathering of AAPI-owned businesses, including restaurants, artists and vendors. 5-10 p.m. May 16. Free. Shed 5, Eastern Market, Detroit.

Melody Baetens