Continuing the trend of L.A. Weekly’s recent article [by yours truly] about LA Cycle Tours’ Dim Sum Tour, a tour which combines bicycling with historic tales and delicious food samplings, we’d like to turn any would-be hungry bicycle peddlers on to another tasty route.

Since 2010, CicLAvia has been commandeering various Los Angeles streets and turning them into temporary parks, through which pedestrians can walk, skate or bicycle. As the summer rolls along, CicLAvia will present several such events, including: “Mid City Meets Pico Union” on June 30; “Meet the Hollywoods, presented by Metro” on Aug. 18; and “Heart of LA Celebrating UCLA 100, presented by Metro” on Oct. 6.

The CicLAvia website publishes a blog with entries to complement the rides it schedules. Upon this blog, folks can find listings of the various gems that reside within the areas of their events — be they cultural or historic sites or shops. The following is a list of some of the eateries that CicLAvia recommends for the “Mid City Meets Pico Union” event.

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(Courtesy of Alibi Coffee)

Some folks say that caffeine and exercise don’t mix. But for those who don’t subscribe to that particular philosophy, Alibi Coffee, at 2268 Venice Blvd., is waiting to energize you for the rest of your sojourn in the area. All of the coffee at Alibi is roasted in-house, and the environment is conducive for experiencing the culture of the neighborhood — their neighbors are the creative collective START Los Angeles, and there is a mural yard next to the cafe.

Ye who say that coffee goes well with pastries are wise, indeed, so it’s a good thing that the Mid City/Pico event has the Pacific French Bakery (4152 W. Washington Blvd.) in its midst. Naturally, sweets are only half of the delectable delights of this bakery. They also make baguettes, and they are well-known for their bolillo. However, just their website description of their bread pudding seems to generate a natural reaction of the salivary glands: “There are no short cuts in the making of our bread pudding. The batter is slowly churned and baked for hours. After it cools, we top the rich custard with raisins and a sweet, pineapple glaze.”

After some coffee and a pastry, you’re probably going to be ready for a little lunch. At Izzy’s Taco (1901 8th Ave.), hungry walkers, runners, skaters and bikers can get themselves some tacos, a burrito, some huevos rancheros, or maybe just their cheeseburger combo. Alternatively, Gish Bac (4163 W. Washington Blvd.) offers classic Oaxacan dishes. Got a taste for some barbacoa blanca (slow-cooked lamb with herbs and spices) or some tamal de mole (a tamale with pulled chicken and mole negro), look no further!

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(Courtesy of CicLAvia)

Finally, it is often said that music goes well with the digestion. So, if you decide to stop in for the Sunday buffett at Simply D’Licious (4641 W. Washington Blvd.), you’ll also get to take in the live jazz they have there for the occasion. As for the cuisine, they’ve got everything from southern Creole style to gourmet burritos. Whether you’d started this event as a runner or a skater, after filling up on the rich cuisine at Simply D’Licious, you’ll likely be finishing your day on the Mid City/Pico tour as a slogger.

 

For more information on the Mid City Meets Pico Union Event (and others), visit the CicLAvia site.

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