With the weather finally clearing up after weeks of rain, grab the chance to enjoy the outdoors while you can – and what better way than to dine amidst the greenery of a park or at the end of a hike? Beachside barbeques and al fresco meals on rooftops are tried-and-true summer activities, but there’s something to be said for the classic picnic. Personally, I take joy in the process of planning one, from finding the best spot to making picnic nibbles. But if you’re short on creativity, or time, or both, you can still plan a chic picnic with a pick-up-and-go hamper.
Here are a few of our favourite places in town that provide all-inclusive picnic sets for a spontaneous, effortless day out.
Picnic on Forbes
While a picnic is all about the experience – lounging in the sunshine with the breeze ruffling your hair – that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on gastronomy. Founded by Philippe Orrico of Michelin-starred Upper Modern Bistro fame, Picnic on Forbes in Kennedy Town is inspired by the casual vibe of French bistros. The Picnic Complete set feeds 3-4 people and includes a platter of cold cuts and cheeses, a roasted half chicken and brown jus, and more. Keep the basket by paying an extra $80.
Invisible Kitchen
Gourmet catering company Invisible Kitchen offers seven-course picnic menus – with an all-vegetarian alternative and the option to add on a bottle of bubbly, to boot. The chef and mastermind behind the company, Tom Burney, has cooked for celebrities and socialites from Lady Gaga to Karen Mok, so you know your picnic spread will be top tier. The courses span appetizers, mains, and dessert: start with ham and asparagus before moving on to sandwiches and chicken Tikka skewers before finishing up with macarons and artisanal cheeses. Invisible Kitchen does door-to-door delivery, so booking is required two to three days in advance. Each basket feeds two people, with a minimum of four people per order.
Brick Lane
Named for the bustling street in East London, the Brick Lane restaurants in Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui combine British comfort food with artistic, edgy flair. Its picnic baskets offer up all you need for a traditional British picnic, including a blanket, crockery and cutlery on loan alongside the food and basket. We particularly like the Baron basket, which features salad, sandwiches and drinks of your choice along with black truffle fries and brownies. All of the baskets can be customised according to your taste, too. Place your orders online three days in advance and pick up the basket from either of the restaurant branches. Vegetarian options also available.
The post Take it Outside: Three hampers for the ultimate picnic appeared first on Home Journal.
