More than 100 cyclists gathered at Miami Lakes Town Hall on a clear Saturday night for the 5th Miami Lakes Culinary Bike Tour.
Sergio’s Cuban American Kitchen treated them to empanadas (savory turnovers) and croquetas (meat-filled fried appetizers).
As Top 40 tunes played and friends snapped photos and cheered, bicyclists took off through blasts of smoke.
It was a festive start of the five-mile journey with pauses to enjoy sips and lite bites from 12 restaurants in two shopping centers and along Main Street on Feb. 28.
All the fun was had for a $30 ticket.
A group of friends cruised the route together on the popular party bike, run by Pedal Pub.
The first stop was Lake Patricia Shopping Center to taste offerings from Domenico’s Italian Restaurant and Vicky Bakery.
The pack of cyclists, escorted by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies on bikes and in an unmarked pickup, peddled to Cypress Village Shopping Center.
Waiting to serve them was Dr. Limon Ceviche Bar, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and La Diosa Taqueria, where margaritas were on the menu.
Upon reaching Main Street, they visited Acai Express, which offered juices and smoothies; ML Steaks + Sports (which served beef sliders); drank beers at The Garrison; paused at Francisca’s Charcoal Chicken & Meats for tequenos (breaded cheese sticks); snacked on appetizers from Bon Vivant Charcuterie & Gourmet Market and tried Spanish tortillas and guava pastries from BB’s Bakehouse.
First time riders Crystal Pena and Cassandra Zwick were excited to spend some time together and enjoy the different menus.
“I had heard about it and put it on the back burner, and I saw the email come up and I called her,” Pena said.
She and Zwick decided to make it a girl’s night.
“I personally have no idea what to expect,” Pena said at the start of the tour. “I’m just excited [to ride].”
They didn’t have a specific restaurant in mind that they wanted to try.
“It’s nice to come out, have a little exercise [and] a little community,” Zwick said.
When the ride ended, Chela’s Miami near Town Hall is where the party continued.
The restaurant has participated in the tour for several years. Its front lawn can accommodate the large crowd that the event draws.
“We like to help and support the community,” Co-owner Carlos Padilla said.
He is also a member of the town’s Economic Development Committee and said the Culinary Bike Tour is a great way for people to try what Miami Lakes has to offer.
“It helps a lot of people who don’t know the restaurants, and [to taste] their food,” Padilla said.
His neighbor on Main Street -- Bon Vivant Charcuterie & Gourmet Market -- has been open for nine months. The owners hoped the ride would attract new customers.
“We’re excited,” Lilly Tudela, co-owner of Bon Vivant said.
The shop gave away truffle cheddar cheese; wine salami; chorizo with jelly flavored with Cabernet Sauvignon and to drink, white and red wines.
Tudela said that being a stop on the tour allowed the business to be a part of the social life in Miami Lakes.
“It’s always fun to participate in the events that the town puts together,” Tudela said.
Photos: Alexandra Herrera