Dolores Park Picnic

Dolores Park is located in between San Francisco's Mission and Castro districts and therefore attracts an eclectic crowd of hipsters. The look of our picnic will be very informal. First a large hippie blanket will be spread on the grass. The perishable food will be kept cold in a portable cooler while the rest of the dishes can be packed in a classic-style picnic basket. An inflatable ice bucket is a must have for keeping drinks icy cold.

Fill a screw-top pitcher with the lemonade and serve in plastic glasses. Bring paper plates and paper napkins, but be sure to recycle them if you can. Lastly, don't forget a hat to protect your face from the sun.

Photo by Loose Charm Productions

Typically when we go to Dolores Park on a sunny day, everyone brings a bottle (or two, or three) of wine. However, since this picnic is a plan-ahead event — rather than the normal impromptu affair — I'm making a special drink. Fresh-squeezed lemonade comes to mind when I hear the word picnic and this blushing pink version is prefect because it's spiked with vodka and sour cherries. It's a refreshing concoction that screams Summer. If you prefer not to imbibe alcohol, simply omit the vodka and enjoy the cherry lemonade on its own.

To check out the recipe, please read more

Although one can buy the famed Bi-Rite ice cream around the corner and creme brulee in Dolores Park, I still plan on making a delicious picnic dessert for my sister and her friends. The menu is healthy and light, so this theme will continue with a fruity, melt-in-your mouth crumble.

I chose this recipe because it utilizes blackberries: I'm always making sweet treats that feature strawberries or blueberries, but rarely plump juicy blackberries. These blackberry crumb bars come together quickly and simply and can be made up to three days in advance. To serve this recipe at your next picnic, read more

Dolores Park is San Francisco's see-and-be-seen picnic spot. On warm weekends, the park fills up with everyone from families to hipsters looking to soak up the sun. Since the weather here is unpredictable, rarely do I plan a picnic in advance. Every time my sister calls to invite me to D-Park, I simply grab whatever is in my fridge. However, with a warm week ahead of us, I promised her that I'd make the ultimate fresh, healthy picnic. The Mediterranean-inspired menu will consist of the regular store-bought suspects (salty cheeses, briny olives, cured meats, crispy crackers) supplemented with some homemade favorites.

I'll wrap eggplant caponata and mozzarella sandwich halves in parchment paper. Then, I'll pack two salads — three bean with honey-mustard vinaigrette and couscous with spiced zucchini — in reusable plastic containers. These vegetarian-friendly recipes are perfect for picnicking anywhere so why not add them to your repertoire? To do so read more