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Picnic-Friendly Events Make City Life a Walk in the Park
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The summer months are finally here, so get outside and play, feel alive and take in some much-needed vitamin D. Just don’t forget the sunscreen, because those burnt-on sundress straps look hideous! Thankfully the city also has plenty of picnics planned during dusk when the sun is setting. After a long day at the office, grab friends and family and head to a park for a free concert. Before you get there pick up some tasty snacks or have a picnic delivered. Yes, restaurants are getting savvy and bringing the meal to you, which means no more schlepping heavy bags with sore, red hands.
If you’re headed to Central Park, consider Nanoosh Organic Mediterranean Hummus Bar (2012 Broadway, 212-362-7922). Perfect for four people is its tray of hummus, tahini, lebane, baby carrots, celery, broccoli and pita bread ($23.95). All items off the regular menu (kabobs, salads, etc.) are available for delivery as well, daily from 11–11 to the West 72nd or West 65th Street entrances. The best part is, you don’t need to call ahead—they accommodate last-minute requests!
When nothing but pizza will do, opt for healthy and organic offerings at Slice (1413 2nd Ave., 212-249-4353, sliceperfect.com). Steaming pies can be delivered to your picnic blanket in Central Park—well, almost. Like Nanoosh, they’ll meet you at the various entry points (anywhere along Fifth Ave. or at Sheep Meadow). Choose from one of 16 different pies or build your own. Favorites include the 20-inch honey whole wheat crust topped with free-range barbeque chicken and part-skim organic mozzarella ($24), and a Mediterranean-influenced creation with organic hummus, kalamata olives and bruschetta topping ($25). Conveniently for our picky friends, they offer the Genius, a build-your-own that includes somehow delicious options like spelt (wheat-free) and rice (gluten-free) crusts, and cheese options like goat, dairy-free and rice-based.
Also near Central Park is the delicious French eatery Petrossian Boutique & Café (911 7th Ave., 212-245-2217). Last year we enjoyed its $49 isothermal tote with house-made sandwiches, potato chips, fresh bread, heavenly cookies and cold drinks. We’re hoping they’ll be offering the same this year—if so, we’ll be the ones donning the red-and-white checkered tablecloth!
When heading to Prospect Park for a Celebrate Brooklyn performance, have your picnicking needs fulfilled by All About Brooklyn Concierge (718-859-0229, allaboutbrooklyn.com/picnicdayout.htm). The people behind Carroll Garden’s Stinky Bklyn and Smith & Vine wine shop will help you choose the right basket. Just give them 12 hours notice, and either pick it up before the concert or have it delivered for $20 extra.