Picnic is a-Packin’
Photo: Fairmont DC
There is nothing like a spring day in DC. The sun shines bright, not a drop of summer’s humidity can be felt, the birds chirp and the smell of flowers waft in the air. What is missing from this lovely scenario? You, a few friends, a blanket and a picnic basket filled with good wine, cheese and olives and a really good loaf of bread — you get the idea — and so do many in the hospitality industry who’d be happy to pack a picnic for you:
Le Diplomate
In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Le Diplomate has curated a spring picnic basket brimming with all the elements of a picnic including a Sakura-inspired cocktail, salamis and fromage selections from Executive Chef Greg Lloyd, silky foie gras parfait, all accouterments including mixed olives, fresh muesli, crostini, French cornichons, and whole grain mustard. The Cherry Blossom Picnic Basket will also include an embroidered Le Diplomate blanket and two handcrafted 'S'Espanouis' cocktails. The cocktails are made with Belvedere vodka, Lillet Rose, Luxardo, and fresh blackberry and basil. 1601 14th Street NW; lediplomatedc.com
NRG Provisions Go On A Picnic
Let Neighborhood Provisions’ll bring your picnic provisions. Just add in a bottle of wine to split, or perhaps a couple of bottled cocktails or fine craft beers are more your speed. Options include the lunch for two picnic basket including egg- or chicken-salad sandwiches, fresh seasonal fruit, bag of chips, and two Buzz Bakeshop cupcakes; Buzz biscuit box picnic, including savory or sweet options; the cheese & charcuterie basket, including four cheeses, four portions of Red Apron’s finest, housemade rosemary garlic crackers, and seasonal fruit, and the chips & dips basket, including salsa, tortilla chips, muhammara, hummus, and housemade za’atar crackers. All picnics come packed up in a classic bamboo basket, ready to take with you on your springtime adventures. Opt for an expertly paired cocktail, craft beer, or sippable wine, or throw in a classic red-and-white checkered picnic blanket.
Opaline Bar & Brasserie’s Sofitel Picnic Baskets
Opaline Bar is welcoming spring by partnering with Sofia Rosé Wines on Sofitel Picnic Baskets. Executive Chef Kevin Lalli has paired the wine with a selection of French cheese and charcuterie. Sofitel Picnic Baskets for two are available to-go Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The baskets include four Sofia Rosé wine cans, Brillat-Savarin, manchego, saucisson sec, bresaola, crackers, honey jar, dried apricots, and Marcona almonds. Baskets are $79 and serve two people. To reserve, call 202.730.8800. 806 15th Street NW; opalinedc.com
Susan Gage Caterers
Susan Gage Caterers is celebrating the start of the season, safely, with its Backyard Spring Soirée Dinner Series - assembling its fully vaccinated team of party professionals to create a lively atmosphere with sumptuous cuisine and attentive service for a memorable evening of fun with family and friends. The events staff will provide setup, breakdown, on-site cooking, and table service. The SGC culinary team has carefully crafted two custom dining experiences - a traditional three-course dinner for a seated experience or an elevated buffet, offering a more casual atmosphere for a get-together. Dishes are matched with the inclusion of two bottles of white wine, one bottle of Rose, 1 bottle of red wine, and 4 bottles of beer. All boutique wines and craft beers are of notable, respected labels. 7100 Old Landover Road #200, Landover, MD; 301.839.6900; susangage.com
