There’s nothing like finding a grassy spot with a great view, spreading a blanket, and eating alfresco without the hassles of waiters or bar tabs. But what to put in those baskets? Here, to-go options that somehow seem to taste better outdoors.
Asiago cheese, sliced pear, arugula, olive oil, and cracked black pepper on French baguette from Stan’z Cafe (Larchmont 914-833-9760, $7.95). The perfect fruit/cheese/bread combo feels oh-so-Parisian. It’s ideal for picnics, too, because it travels well.
Bacon, corn relish, wild arugula, and Georgia peach aïoli from Cooked & Co. (Scarsdale 914-205-3939, $9.50). Think of this sandwich as a sexy BLT. Served on ciabatta, it’s filled with ingredients that have a way of making simple taste sassy.
Italian Combo from A&S Marketplace (Mount Kisco 914-241-6919, $6.50 roll, $7.50 hero). Put together all your favorite meats—Boar’s Head ham, Genoa salami, sweet soppressata, and pepperoni—with lettuce, tomato, fresh provolone, and your choice of sweet or hot peppers, plus a little oil and vinegar, and you’ve got a meal (definitely big enough to share). Add some sides, i.e., marinated artichoke hearts, stuffed cherry peppers, olives, and a chunk of Parmesan cheese, along with a bottle of wine, and life’s one big picnic.
V-Gone from Nevaèh Cuisine (Pleasantville 914-495-3440; nevaehcuisine.com, $10.95). If you could package a wrap that tastes like a farmers’ market, this would be it. The combination of seasonal vegetables, field greens, and sesame cabbage on either whole wheat or rice paper makes for a sandwich that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Cran-Apple Tuna Wrap from Tazza Cafe (Armonk 914-273-0788; Millwood 914-488-5227; Somers 914-276-2233; tazza cafeny.com, $5.95). White tuna mixed with cranberries, apple slices, scallions, tomato, lettuce, and mayo (also available in a light version with low-fat mayo) makes for a light, no-guilt meal that leaves plenty of room for dessert.
