Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at El Rey

We're all a little Mexican today as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  And contrary to what you might think, today is not Mexican Independence Day.  It's actually an observance of a victory battle against the French in 1862.  

I thought today would be a great day to visit El Rey's Tortilla Factory on Milwaukee's south side where tamales are also made.  It's quite a production, and the day starts very early for many of the workers.  

I also had the chance to visit one of the four stores across the metro area.  This one is in the heart of the south side, at National and 16th.  Two things caught my eye immediately.  The number of pinatas hanging from the ceiling and the very expansive meat counter where all types of meats, pork, and chicken are sold.  There's even cow tongue available for tacos.  

El Rey began as a corner grocery store nearly fifty years ago but has become Wisconsin's largest Hispanic-run corporation.