Nothing says fun in the sun (or romance in the grass) as a made-to-order basket assembled and packed with Martha Stewart-like precision and filled with all your favorites. Here, our top picks for turning an average summer day into a glorious outdoor excursion—just remember to bring the blanket.
Auray Gourmet, Larchmont
The Spread: Select from its assortment of sandwiches, quiches, panini, salads, dried fruits, figs, and, of course, cheeses, often accompanied by grapes, fresh strawberries, and a fresh baguette.
Comes in: A wicker tray or box to go, or BYO basket/cooler and they’ll fill ’er up.
Advance Notice: No.
Details: Prices start at $20;
144 Larchmont Ave (914) 833-2274
auraygourmet.com
Bedford Gourmet, Bedford
The Spread: Epicurean options galore, including the curried chicken salad, ham and Brie with Champagne mustard, as well as delicacies like artisan cheese, pâté, and caviar. Also popular: Fromage D’affinois and the store’s local Rainbeau Ridge goat cheese.
Comes in: One of the store’s gourmet picnic baskets, from those with linen napkins and wine glasses to more casual options; you also can bring your own.
Advance Notice: No, though it’s best to call a few hours in advance for large orders.
Details: Prices start at $50;
652 Old Post Rd (914) 234-9409
bedfordgourmet.com
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese, Bronxville
The Spread: Its “Take Us to the Park” picnic basket includes four freshly made sandwiches on demi-fiscelle (mini-baguette), fresh goat cheese, aged Irish cheddar, four sparkling French lemonades, and Big Girl Baking almond sugar cookies. You also can customize your order.
Comes in: Attractive carryalls sold at the store, or bring your own; it also rents a large über-basket should your picnic be another word for ‘party.’
Advance Notice: Not for small orders, though, if you call ahead, it will be ready and waiting.
Details: $55 and up for individualized baskets; $10 to rent the large one with a $50 refundable deposit;
107 Pondfield Rd (914) 361-1770;
dobbsandbishop.com
Ladle of Love, Mount Kisco
The Spread: Pick à la carte items or get the standard picnic lunch for two: soup, salad, sandwiches (choice of two), cookies, and drinks. It also does a kid’s picnic with soup, sandwich, cookie, apple, and juice pack in a recyclable paper lunchbox.
Comes in: A wicker hamper (perfect for storing fruits and veggies on your kitchen counter après-picnic).
Advance Notice: No.
Details: $42 picnic lunch; kids lunch $15;
11B S Moger Ave (914) 242-9661
ladleoflove.com
Mint, Tarrytown
The Spread: A personalized mixture of prepared foods, cheeses, olives, etc. The store is well known for its international flavors including imported cheeses (40 to 45 selections from around the world); honey-baked pecans from Israel; and sobrasada (a Spanish-style spreadable sausage). There’s also a large selection of Belgian beers, a nice add-on for hot summer days.
Comes in: In-store basket, or bring your own.
Advance Notice: No.
Details: Prices start at $40;
18 Main St (914) 703-6511
Myong Gourmet, Mount Kisco
The Spread: Myong melds the flavors of various nationalities: think lamb sliders with coleslaw and curry dressing, bok choy salad and Asian coleslaw, and shrimp in a spicy sambal sauce with jalapeño tequila, pineapple, and chayote. Plus, of course, more standard options like grilled chicken and homemade potato salad, the latter being seriously addicting. They also do picnic barbecues to go.
Comes in: A recyclable container, though you can bring your own basket.
Advance Notice: Call that morning for pick-up.
Details: Prices vary, but range around $15 to $20 per person;
487 Main St (914) 241-6333;
plgourmet.com
Provisions, Pelham
The Spread: Package picnic-to-go includes a sandwich of your choice; a side dish (choice of small salad, sesame noodles, quinoa salad, fruit salad); beverage; and two award-winning cookies (see Best Of win on page 59). Customers who have their own hampers can pre-order and fill their own. And if you forgot the vino, no worries. Blue Dog Wines is next door.
Comes in: A red plaid box.
Advance Notice: No, though you can preorder.
Details: The packaged special is $15; customized orders vary;
209 Wolfs Ln (914) 738-6622
pelhamprovisions.com
Susan Lawrence Catering, Chappaqua
The Spread: A smorgasbord of some of the most delicious, mouthwatering food around, including more than 30 different kinds of salads and sides. Check the website for what’s made fresh daily, then call in your order; all baskets are assembled that morning and gorgeously presented.
Comes in: A to-go box or basket—either buy in store or BYO.
Advance Notice: Preferred but not necessary.
Details: Starts at $20 per person;
26 N Greeley Ave (914) 238-8833;
susanlawrence.com
Tastefully Yours Catering, Briarcliff Manor
The Spread: A nicely packed boxed lunch that could be fried chicken with cornbread, coleslaw, fruit salad, cookie, and a drink, or grilled salmon nicoise salad, bread, dessert, and white wine.
Comes in: Biodegradable serveware, usually boxed, but you can bring your own basket/cooler.
Advance Notice: Not necessary for small orders, though you do need to give notice if you want wine.
Details: Generally, $20-$25 per person (with wine being extra);
1250 Pleasantville Rd #1 (914) 762-0299;
tastefullyyourscatering.us
Turco’s, Yorktown Heights
The Spread: There’s not much Turco’s doesn’t do. Ask for Joe in the catering department. He and his team are happy to accommodate whatever you want—from a small order for two that includes wraps, salads, and beverages, to a large hero or rotisserie chicken with a variety
of sides.
Comes in: Select a basket from their large assortment.
Advance Notice: Only for large orders.
Details: Prices start at $20;
380 Downing Dr (914) 243-9100;
turcos.com
