One of the coolest and most unique ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holy day known as “Day of the Dead,” will be to stop by Stephen Starr’s newest eatery, El Vez.
On Saturday, May 8, beginning at noon, the festivities for this internationally recognized and observed annual event will be a day-long fiesta and street party, hosted by Starr, at El Vez, along what developer Tony Goldman is dubbing these days B3, the business development corridor on South 13th St., between Walnut and Sansom streets, in Center City.
Not surprisingly, Starr, as the cities impresario of theme restaurants, is going all-out for this special Mexican event at his beloved El Vez. The already-popular Mexican restaurant will feature food, outdoor cooking, and festive Mexican cocktails. The day’s event will culminate in a free, outdoor, open-to-the-public appearance by extraordinary singer El Vez, the restaurant’s namesake, who will perform at 3 pm.
The Mexican Elvis, El Vez, is the post-modern king of rock and roll with a Latin twist. His performances have captured the attention of millions by transcending the Chicano experience through the songs of Elvis Presley, in a hilarious multicultural hybridization of Mexicano iconography and Americana idolatry. He has attracted his own following among Philadelphians who have enjoyed his performances at various city venues, including Silk City.
The Chicago Sun-Times describes El Vez as the world’s most intelligent Elvis impersonator. While Rolling Stone says the entertainer is more than an Elvis impersonator,”[El Vez] is an Elvis translator, a goodwill ambassador for Latin culture.”
Other highlights will include a rousing demonstration of authentic Aztec dancers. Throughout the day and into the evening, the restaurant will be open for diners to enjoy cocktails, light bites or a full, sit-down meal. El Vez will be enhanced with “Day of the Dead” motifs and assorted kitschy Mexican accents, in addition to its homage to ’70s Latin Cha Cha sensation Charo, and the authentic Chicano low-rider bicycle rotating from above the bar that has already made the ambiance El Vez unique and legendary.
El Vez, 121-123 S. 13th St., 215.928.9800.
AroundPhilly Staff
