The Sauce has been a little thin lately, you may have noticed. This is due to the fact that I was having a little Illinois adventure last week. But I’m back and there’s a lot going on.

Let’s get to it.

Wednesday, May 4 Lupec Seattle will hold its monthly meeting. This time the ladies will be heading out to Woodinville Whiskey for a tasting class. The suggested donation—which will go to relief efforts in Japan—is $20. See the Lupec Seattle’s site for more details.

Thursday, May 5 is of course Cinco de Mayo, so we’ll be wanting to drink some margaritas. You could hit up La Carta de Oaxaca but let’s face it, that place is likely to be a total cluster on Cinco. Maybe try one of these parties instead: Milagro Cantina in Kirkland is rolling out the $5 food menu and a $5–7 specialty cocktail menu. Bottleneck is offering a special taco menu that night. Bandolero in Greenlake is having a Cinco de Mayo party too and margaritas there are always $5 during happy hour (4–6 and 10–midnight).

Also on Thursday: good beer! West Seattle’s Beveridge Place Pub hosts the Three Matts brewers night with, you guessed it, three brewers named Matt. The Matts in question are Matt McClung from Schooner Exact, Matt Stromberg from Scuttlebutt, and Matt Lincoln of Fremont Brewing. This starts at 7pm.

One more thing on Thursday: Theo Chocolate’s Abby Culin is heading over to Wine World Warehouse to conduct a wine and chocolate pairing class with WWW’s owner, sommelier David LeClaire. That’s from 7pm to 9pm and costs $20.

Saturday, May 7 is Derby Day, so if you’re one of those royal wedding hat people, here’s a chance to give that kooky headwear a second life. Bottleneck hosts a costume contest with prizes during its annual derby party, and Skillet will show up from 2 to 4 to dole out burgers and poutine and so forth. Just a little way’s away on Capitol Hill, Tavern Law will be doing its annual Derby Day party. That’s from 1 to 7pm and it, too, features a costume contest.

Looking forward to next week: Bartender Miles Thomas will work his last shift at the Hideout on Friday, May 13. Should be a party….