Leisure

Lawn and Order

The Best Picnic Baskets in Town

Eating on the ground. That’s a summery thing to do. But it’s not just blankets, shade and potato salad. No, sometimes it’s all those things <em>plus</em> crab Louie and dry rieslings. It’s an important distinction, and here’s how to do it right.

FOR OUTDOOR DATES

The Grill on the Alley

The basket: You’ve got choices here. Good ones, too, like crab Louie, cold poached salmon and filet mignon. Plus wine and some alfresco eating essentials like a tablecloth, plates and cutlery.
The rendezvous point: Anywhere you damn well please... that has a table... with a sturdy base for cutting steaks.

FOR INDUCING A SIESTA

Norma’s Cafe

The basket: A hearty spread of brisket sliders, fried chicken, coleslaw and a whole pie. Also some silverware and plates and stuff. But seriously: whole pie.
The rendezvous point: Lake Cliff Park, under a tree, away from prying eyes.

FOR SUBSISTING ON WINE AND CHEESE

Scardello Artisan Cheese

The basket: Cheeses, baguettes, chutneys... it’s all there. You can also add a bottle of wine, some beer and salami. Go ahead, live a little.
The rendezvous point: Find a spot along the water at nearby Lee Park. Have some cheese, feed a duck, really make a day of it.

FOR CLASSIC PICNIC FARE

Eatzi’s Market & Bakery

The basket: Fill one of their black tote bags with pastrami sandwiches, fresh salads and a few cold beers. Classic, tried-and-true picnic stuff.
The rendezvous point: Head east toward White Rock Lake, perch yourself on a dock and flout the open container law. Better not tell them we sent you.

FOR NOT LIGHT LUNCHES

Zoli’s NY Pizza Tavern

The basket: It’s actually a box. Of pizza, though, so you’ll let it slide. And in this case, it’s the delightfully named Mother Effer from Zoli’s, a smorgasbord of slices, garlic knots and zucchini fries.
The rendezvous point: A curb, a tailgate, your backyard. Now’s no time to get picky.