It's the perfect time of year to get outdoors and enjoy a picnic. It may seem intimidating, but you can do it with ease. Here are some essential items you may want to remember.
INTIMATE PICNIC (4 - 6 people)
Accoutrements:
- Bamboo Plates, utensils
- Cloth Napkins
- Reusable cups
- Basket or cloth Satchel for carrying goods
- Blanket for sitting
- Tablecloth
Featured Sample Menu (Mediterranean):
- Charcuterie
- Roast Chicken - either make pick up at one the mentioned markets
- Antipasto - of seasonal produce
- Hummus, Baba ghanouj, Romescu
- Tabouleh, Pita
- Beet Salad
- Northern California Cheese Selection
- Dried Fruits and Nuts
- Baguette
- Fruit Tart, Brownies, Cookies
POT LUCK PICNIC (10 - 20 people)
Accoutrements - same as above
Menu:
Organize the menu with other attendees so as not to repeat items. Have guests prepare items in the following categories:
- Meat
- Salads
- Sides
- Breads/savory tarts
- Dessert
- Beverages: Wine, Beer, Water, Sodas, Juices, Lemonade, Iced Tea
Additional equipment: charcoal, serving utensils & platters, ice, etc.
If you are planning the picnic at a city park, remember to check with them regarding a liquor license.
PLANNING TIPS
Where to Shop
First think "local" whenever possible. Here are a few markets that cater to farmers and carry local products:
- Your local neighborhood Farmers Market
- Bi Rite, Castro
- D' Lessio's , SF ( two locations)
- Canyon Market (Glen Park)
- Molly Stone - different locations
- Market Hall, Oakland
- Woodlands Market, Marin
- Safeway (has a section on organics)
Where to Picnic
Again, think about your community and the myriad of parks and open spaces that are conducive to picnicking.
- Neighborhood parks
- GG Park
- Dolores Park
- Lake Merced
- Fort Funston
- Baker Beach
- Ocean Beach
- Mt. Tam
- Angle Island
- Tildon Park
(Partial List)
What to do: Games
- Volleyball
- Croquet
- Horseshoes
- Softball
- Kick ball
- Football
Other things to consider
- Weather
- Music - bring instruments
- Pillows, chairs
- Tablecloth clips
- Garbage bags
- Umbrellas
- First aid kit
- 'Bee away'
- Charcoal
ABOUT TASTE CATERING
Established in 1978, Taste is women-owned and operated and has provided the very best in catering and event planning services for private and corporate clients in the San Francisco Bay Area for almost 30 years. From an elaborate and very private rock-star wedding in Napa to a Fortune 500 company picnic for 4,000 in Silicon Valley to an elegant, high security sit-down dinner for the President of the United States, our client list speaks for itself. Taste is committed to making your unique event the best that you or your guests have ever attended.
For more information, visit www.tastecatering.com
