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Picnic anyone?
Revive the art of the picnic this spring. Gather some epicurean treats, a good friend or two, and dine alfresco. Sound like too big a hassle? It doesn’t have to be. Let us remind you how to prep the simple, stylish affair—plus, see our list of scenic spots in and around Baltimore…
Stone Mill Bakery Owner Alfie Himmelrich has Maine lobster flown in every Friday for his sensational lobster roll. It’s not on the menu, so you’ll have to ask for it by name. The assorted salads make great side dishes, and the portable, bite-size desserts are picnic perfect. Local caterer Carrie Talucci urged us to give The Vine a try for cheese, and we’re so glad we did. We met an informative cheese expert and enjoyed a small but unusual selection of cheeses (with generous taste testing) and cuts to order—this is a cheese lover’s paradise. Fresh seasonal fruit and fun fizzy drinks from Eddie’s are essential… Old-fashioned picnic hampers from Yoicks! bring elegance to the experience—or try picnic backpacks from The Sporting Life. They feature the same accessories as a hamper, with plates, cups and utensils attached, but the ability to carry the feast on your back is a nice bonus. Nelson Carey, of Grand Cru, recommends rose champagne, the best accompaniment to lobster, he says.
Picnic Hits: Lenny’s Deli fried chicken, Graul’s Market carrot cake squares and ham salad, Ceriello’s tuna salad (the best in town), Neopol’s cheese pies, Whole Foods’ basmati rice salad.
Picnic spots: Manor Field, Shawan Downs, Oregon Ridge, Sandy Point Park, Lake Montebello, Patterson Field, Rooks State Park, Fort McHenry, Federal Hill Park and your own back yard.
Menu: lobster roll, roasted potatoes, marinated cucumber salad, chocolate valhrona brownies, heart shortbread dipped in chocolate, madeleines, linzer cookies and assorted breads - Stone Mill Bakery; Fresh fruit, Linora French Orangeade - Eddie’s; Assorted cheeses - The Vine; Cotton cable knit picnic blanket and mulit-woven blanket - The Sporting Life; Picnic hamper and wine carrier - Yoicks!; Rose Champagne, Piper Heidsieick & Co. - Grand Cru