July is National Picnic Month, Grab Your Baskets

BYOB (B stands for Blanket!) No, you do not need a reason to pack a picnic, but! July just happnes to be National Picnic month and who are we to argue? Area restaurants and markets are packing up everything you need - snacks, salads, wine, etc - to help you better enjoy these lazy summer days. All you need to do is pick the location and lay out your blanket. Pro-tip: Don't forget the corkscrew ~


Baker's Daughter
101 Hospitality's Baker's Daughter cafe and market offers plenty of sandwiches, sides and picnic favorites like deviled eggs and pasta salad. Plus their savory and sweet gift boxes are perfect for dining al fresco. 1402 Okie Street NE; bakersdaughterdc.com

Beauty’s Big Board at Beauty Champagne & Sugar
Beauty’s Big Board features a selection of favorites from DiBruno Bros, a beloved Philly food retailer, that includes pinot grigio & fig spread; cheddar, horseradish & bacon spread; finocchiona salami; white truffle honey; blood orange & grappa jam and olive oil crostini along with prosciutto; brie; housemade pimento cheese; brine-cured gaeta olives and crackers. The board serves two to four people ($36). DiBruno Bros (and other picnic) treats are available individually in their retail store or the entire selection can be packed for a picnic. Add on Le Grand Verre Rosé, a 6.3 ounce vial of rosé wine crafted by a French woman-winemaker ($6) or mini bottles of Pizzolato, an Italian Spumante rosé ($10) and a selection of their housemade desserts. In addition, Beauty sells custom and curated picnic baskets. 576 23rd Street S, Arlington, VA; beautychampagneandsugar.com 

Bollywood Bistro's Patio Picnic
Bollywood Bistro now offfers its Patio Picnic experience. The Patio Picnic offers you a delightfully casual way to chat, nosh, sip, and enjoy the weather without committing to a full meal. In true picnic style, the experience includes a bottle of sparkling wine or rosé, served with a delectable bread basket, a mouthwatering selection of chutneys, and their choice of two flavorful appetizers. 3955 Chan Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA; http://bollywoodbistro.com

NEW: Dumplings To Go from ChiKo
The modern Chinese and Korean fast casual concept is perfect for taking on the road. Add some variety to your picnic spread with options ranging from their famous Orange-ish Chicken, Cumin Lamb noodles and of course, DUMPLINGS. The local go-to also offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails to take along for the ride. Locations throughout the DMV; mychiko.com

Picnic Perfect from District Boards
There's a new shop in miXt Food Hall from a mother-daughter duo, chefes Jazmine and Trinna Moor, featuring charcuterie boards. In addition to their variety of boards including vegan, paleo, pescatarian, and gluten-free options, District Board serves up mocktails ready to add to or be enjoyed as is. You can also grab an “add-on” like their best-selling vegan artichoke dip or caviar, perfect for rounding out your picnic basket. 3809 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD; Theultimatenosh.com

NEW: Picnic Baskets from Housebar
Housebar is the traditional liquor store reimagined as your one-stop neighborhood spot for inspiration and execution for entertaining at home created by husband and wife David and Courtne Jones, alongside friend Jesse Jahr. Picnic baskets are now available to pack in all you need to enjoy a great day outdoors for $115.  Fill your basket with bottles of wine, ready to drink beverages (no mixing needed, just pour over ice), local snacks (including caviar, cheese, charcuterie), boozy sorbet, and even games. 1299 First Street SE; housebar.com

NEW: Who Says Picnics Have To Be Lunch?
For brunch, CapHill mainstay IEggYou offers a range of breakfast sandwiches and breakfast options such as loaded potatoes, toasts, and beverages such as coffee, frozen Irish Coffee, mimosas, bellinis, and Bloody Marys, all prefect for a picnic Brunch. 423 8th Street SE; ieggyou.com

NEW: Charcuterie Board Pizza from Pupatella
It’s National Picnic Month, and Pupatella’s new “Tagliere Charcuterie” pizza’s got all your picnic needs covered. Their unique take on a traditional Italian charcuterie board includes a variety of meats and cheeses like salami, mortadella, brie, and mozzarella as well as additional fixings like fig spread, pistachios, roasted red peppers and pepperoncinis. The twist? Instead of a baguette or crackers, the boards are made atop their hand-made, signature Neapolitan pizza crust. Pick one up on its own for just $18 or purchase it in combination with their house bottles of wine for $35. 1801 18th Street NW + locations throughout VA; pupatella.com

More-Than-Tacos at Taco Bamba
Taco Bamba is a great picnic option for folks who like to picnic, but want something a little hardier than cucumber sandwiches and watermelon salad. More than just tacos, Taco Bamba offers empanadas, super tortas, the Jeffrey, and chips and dip dips, for options that will hold up well over time. Plus, don’t skip the bottled carryout margaritas! The recyclable cardboard packaging that Taco Bamba uses solves the picnic flatware problem and offers guilt-free disposability. Locations all over Northern Virginia and Montgomery County; tacobamba.com 

Picnic Red from 2Amy's 
While a perfect accompaniment to appetizers, charcuterie platters, and warm summer days, the Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes 21 is the quintessential picnic red. Beaujolais wines are known for their vibrant and fruity character, making them a great choice for casual outdoor gatherings. The Les Griottes cuvée, in particular, is made from Gamay grapes and offers a light to medium-bodied profile with a bright red fruit flavor profile. It exudes notes of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, with a subtle earthy undertone. This Beaujolais pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, and soft cheeses. It's lively acidity and gentle tannins make it an easy-drinking and versatile option for a picnic. 3715 Macomb Street NW; 202.885.5700

Pack Local with Union Kitchen
Union Kitchen is a food business accelerator that was built with the mission of building successful food businesses in the DMV by helping to grow local businesses, and making things people want. What we want right now is picnic supplies, and Union Kitchen stores are one stop shops for all the essentials, from locally made snacks and cold drinks, to beer, wine, and sandwiches. When you shop at Union Kitchen stores not only are you walking away with a basket full of snacks and drinks, but you are also supporting the growth of local businesses and building the community. Union Kitchen has five locations in NE DC and Arlington, VA, open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. unionkitchen.com

Quaffable White from Wardman Wines
The Domaine des Cassagnoles VDP Cotes de Gascogne Blanc 22 is a refreshing white wine from the Cotes de Gascogne region in Southwest France. It is known for its crisp and vibrant character, making it a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings. This wine is a blend of local grape varieties:  Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng. It exhibits bright citrus flavors, hints of tropical fruits, and a zesty acidity that adds a refreshing touch. It pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and goat cheese, but the lively and aromatic profile makes it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for a picnic setting. 625 Monroe Street NE; wardmanwines.com