Summer Picnic Essentials from Chicago’s Chefs
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as outdoor dining in the summer. Whether you’re going for a fresh lake breeze while you eat beach-side, or want to lounge in the grass at one of the city’s many parks, there are so many beautiful spots where you can gather your family or friends for a planned meal outside in Chicago. Heck, you can even plan an at-home picnic if you’re one of the lucky Chicagoans with a yard! The point is, you should get outside whenever and however you can while summertime lasts, and we have the best from Chicago’s restaurants to help make that picnic extra delicious…
Goddess and Grocer Summer Menu
Technically this could be your only stop for picnic prep because this women-run market has locations across the city, and shelves stocked with everything you could want in summer picnic materials. Their chefs are always whipping up delicious seasonal specials like Broccoli Caesar Salad or Grilled Eggplant Caprese, not to mention specialty desserts like Blueberry Lemon cake. Add in grab-n-go products like chips, dips, beer and wine, and you have everything you could ever need!
Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Chicago Sparkling Beverages
Relax in the sunshine with a spritz! The Reserve Roastery is of course known for their coffee, but they also have plenty of other offerings, from sandwiches and salads, to their new menu of summer sparkling beverages (we love the Sparkling Cucumber Mint Spritz). Everything is prepared and packaged so you can take them on the go with ease.
Mott Street Everything Sauce
When they say “everything” they MEAN it. This sauce is perfect for everything from grilling protein to dunking crudite, so you can use it to cook up the perfect picnic lunch in all kinds of ways. Plus, you can now pick it up from Mott Street, Foxtrot Markets across the city and Goddess and Grocer Bucktown so it’s an easy grab on the way to the park or beach!
The Peninsula Picnic
Let one of the city’s best hotels make your picnic-ing extra easy while they handle all the hard work! Guests of the hotel can order The Peninsula Picnic online and pick up a feast of local artisan charcuterie, selected hard cheeses, Country Paté, Chopped Salad and much more, all packaged and ready to eat. This is a great option for visitors who want to explore the city!
City Winery Chicago Summer Essentials Wine Pack
No picnic would be complete without wine! And if you’re going to imbibe while you dine, you might as well have variety to choose from. The City Winery Summer Essentials Wine 6-Pack comes with a wide range of vinos - from Pinot Noir to Riesling and more! Host a beach wine tasting for your friends and find your new favorite summer sip.
Pick-nic Baskets from Travelle at The Langham
If you have more specific picnic dreams or want to have a park meal with a picky eater or two, the Travelle pick-nic menu allows diners to choose from a variety of a la carte dishes so you can customize your meal. They include everything from spreads and dips, gourmet sandwiches, savory salads, and delectable sweets, all in seasonal flavors.
Osteria Via Stato Limoncello Kit
Limoncello is a perfect warm weather sip and Osteria via Stato is making it an interactive one as well. Gather your crew, and order a few pizzas for pick-up, then add on their Limoncello Kit too! You can make the bright cocktail for an after-dinner drink and really soak in the final weeks of summer with all your favorite people.
Geja's @Home Experience
Now, fondue might not be the first thing you think of when you’re planning a picnic…but it sure as heck should be! For an at-home picnic, or if you don’t have to go far, this @home fondue experience is easily transportable and a truly amazing meal from one of Chicago’s most long-loved spots. Gruyere cheese fondue is an ideal dinner for those first cool-ish nights as fall creeps towards us.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor