Remember how fun picnic outings were as a kid? As adults, that excitement does not have to wane. We know that the planning is half the battle. That’s why we’ve started the work for you, filling your basket with delicious ideas from foodie shops around town. With that, we give you ingredients for the picnic-to-die-for. So, off you go. Be a kid again and have yourself a tasty adventure!
First thing first: the basket. You’ll need a way of transporting your goodies safely and securely. We’ve selected a handsome basket from Bed Bath and Beyond with an old-time picnic vibe. It includes four plastic place settings—plates, silverware and mugs—and an insulated lower compartment to keep your food at safe temperatures.
Summer is the season and the heat must be taken into account. Refreshing drinks are key. In addition to bringing plenty of water, wine can make an excellent picnic pairing. If you seek red, Princeton Liquors offers an Astoria Primo Rosso Red Blend: a drink with smooth flavors and a bit of sweetness. For the white wine drinkers, there is the Bianchi New Age White, an Argentine wine best served over crushed ice with a lime wedge. Princeton Liquors also has a non-alcoholic drink for the kiddos. How about a Shirley Temple? Pour Kristian Regale’s sparkling juice beverage over ice, mix in a splash of cherry juice and drop in a maraschino cherry for pizazz.
Now, on to the main event. Sandwiches are always delicious options and here are a few local ways to give them life. Brothers Meat and Seafood offers meat and cheese platters, served with three meats, two cheeses and garnished with leaf lettuce, pickles and olives. On to the bread; how about a classic baguette or focaccia from Great Harvest Bread Co.?
You have your breads, your meats and your cheeses. Consider adding a little garnish for the sandwich from Love That Olive. Make it a muffuletta by adding Boscoli family Italian olive salad to the sandwich: a blend of sweet red peppers, cauliflower, carrot, celery, green olive, black olive and capers packed in olive oil.
Next up, the finger foods. Fill your picnic basket with colorful snacking treats for before, during and after the meal. Pack your choice of fruit and vegetables from the farmers market to dip in Love That Olive’s balsamic vinegars and Italian olive oils, bought directly from a grower in Italy and perfect for roasting those vegetables too, if there’s a grill nearby.
We didn’t forget, only saved the best for last. Nadia Cakes has unbelievable sweets, and with hundreds of cupcake flavors to choose from, we are confident you will find one that suits you. Here are a few summery flavors to try: Lemon drop, wedding cake, blueberry crisp or, for the chocolate lover, triple chocolate. If not cupcakes, the decadent cookies from Great Harvest—oatmeal chocolate chip or salted caramel cookie—might be the perfect ending to the day.
And, if you happened to bring your dog on this pinnacle of picnics and he’s been a good boy while you devour your feast, there’s a treat for him too. Nadia Cakes makes doggy cupcakes in mini and large sizes.
So, the meal is complete. The last dessert has been eaten and the sun is setting over your idyllic gathering. By this time, your basket is empty, but your heart and belly full. Stuffed to the brim, you can eye that beautiful picnic container and imagine its contents for next weekend’s picnic.
Item Prices
Focaccia bread: $4.25
Baguette: $2.95
Cookies: single: $1.50
Picnic Basket: $39.99
Cupcakes: $3.25-$3.50 (Four-pack, $12.50; half-dozen $18 and dozen $33).
Doggy Cupcakes: $3.50 (large), $2 (mini)
Olive Salad: $9.99 (15.5 oz. jar)
Pretzel Stick: $1.00
Meat and Cheese Platter: $47, serves 10-15
Kristian Regale Sparkling Juice: $3.99
Bianchi New Age: $9.99
Primo Rosso Red Blend: $8.99
