@ Large

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Su Casa, the recurring event formerly known as Mi Casa. This was in part due to a somewhat ambiguous event flier and because it was taking place at Dharma Lounge. Dharma is still set in my mind as that place where Le Bang happens – a hipstery Look At Me! Fest I tend to avoid.

Even with the vagaries of the flier, it appeared as if that this was going to be quite different from Le Bang. This hunch fortunately proved true.

For one, the crowd was decidedly more ethnically diverse and a bit older – think more late twenties/early thirties than late teens/early twenties. The place was also a lot more sparsely attended than the average Le Bang affair. Fair enough, it was a Sunday night, after all, and Mother’s Day at that, though one assumes most people have finished their familial duties by 9 o’clock when the event began. At least it made getting a drink at the bar an easier task. When the bartender wasn’t busy texting, that is.

My slight reservations aside, and the somewhat less than impressive attendance, I found myself pulled into what was going on around me pretty quickly.

Immediately upon entering I noticed a topless woman standing on a platform, body paint serving as her only covering above the waist. Local artist Mark Doepker was seated before her on the floor, busily sketching her half-clothed figure, while the artist responsible for her painted chest saw to a succession of attendees looking to have their faces painted in similarly swirling patterns. This was definitely not your average Charlotte club scene and for that I was thankful.

Across the room, photographer Jasiatic Anderson set up in one of Dharma’s signature semi-private lounge booths, capturing images of couples and friends in casual repose.

While the patio wasn’t necessary as the escape from madness that it usually provides, it was still nice to go outside and enjoy the seasonally warm weather from time to time.

The music – provided by DJs Diarra Mayfield and ThatGuy Smitty – shifted from funk, soul and afrobeat early on to house and downtempo as the night progressed, bringing more people out onto the dance floor. It was a nice mix, and was well timed as the more laid-back sounds made for good entry and chill music while the dance tunes kicked off a more energetic mood right as the drinks began to collectively take hold and loosen inhibitions.

With this lively vibe playing out for the rest of the evening, 2 a.m. came much more quickly than anticipated and as I closed out my bar tab I found myself glad to not have overlook this event. I even found myself making plans to attend again in the not too distant future.

Su Casa has been recently scheduled to take place on the second Sunday of every month at Dharma, so if you didn’t get a chance to come out make sure to get there next time. You will experience an event unlike most others in the Queen City.

— Jeff Taylor

The Deal: After experiencing the authentic Mexican food at Paco's, we headed to Plaza Midwood. Loco Lime hosted their 2nd annual block party in celebration of Cinco de Mayo with a parking lot party fully equipped with DJ and wall-to-wall Corona flags and flyers.

The Good: What better way to celebrate this (faux) Mexican holiday than a parking lot behind two cinderblock buildings, packed with people and a sea of sombreros? What if it was topped it off with one multi-colored strobe light? Welcome to Loco Lime’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party. And what’s a fiesta without a little entertainment? Not to worry: entertainment we had in the form of a three-piece ensemble: one fake mustache-donning senorita spilling her margarita all over her Jack Rogers Sandals, swaying to the DJ’s beats, and two token drunk guys in ponchos break-dancing to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s own “Jump on It.” But hey, the most interesting man in the world did made an appearance … in cardboard cutouts. Mexico should be proud.

The Bad: I was expecting a piñata, but for this particular Cinco de Mayo celebration my paper mache vision translated to cornhole. Apparently this bar game is a favorite in Mexico, too. Who knew? Also, for a fiesta the music sure sounded familiar. I was unaware that Michael Jackson was also a favorite below the border, nor did I realize that the Hispanics were such strong advocates of “Bringing Sexy Back.” You learn something new every day.

The Verdict: Loco Lime successfully put an American spin on this Mexican holiday, and although I didn’t see a single person of Mexican decent present, I’m sure they would have loved it.

— Jordan Bullington

The Deal: Paco’s Tacos & Tequila went all out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Mexican beer garden, $2 Coronas, and $5 margaritas. Also, all patrons rocking cowboy hats received $5 off their meal.

The Good: Let’s just say the cowboy hat proclamation was heard loud and clear — cowboy hats as far as the eye could see. The restaurant was packed, but the hour-long wait was fine by us because what is Cinco de Mayo without authentic Mexican food … and Paco’s Tacos delivered. So, it was a great place to kick off the holiday festivities. Not to mention, all those waiting were pushed into a tented court yard with Coronas by the barrel and margaritas already on ice.

The Bad: This mock “Alive After 5” waiting spot may have included alcoholic beverages in mass amounts, but the tender for these: little pink raffle tickets. People everywhere were walking around with raffle tickets spilling from their pockets. Have you ever tried to count raffle tickets while intoxicated? No easy feat. I’m sure the only people more annoyed by this were the bartenders who were getting tipped in raffle tickets. Inside, the packed house prohibited any sort of conversation between friends. Across the table my friend and I were actually screaming at each other over the noisy crowd. Raffle tickets AND an unruly throng of customers — are we having dinner at Paco’s Tacos & Tequila, or Chuckie Cheese?

The Verdict: Great food, cheap drinks, loud mass ... I’m not sure how much more authentic we could get on this (faux) celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Well-played Paco’s Tacos & Tequila, well-played.

— Jordan Bullington