This summer, leave those soggy peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches to the amateurs. From simple to sophisticated, local eateries offer lots of tasty picnics to go. (Make sure to call ahead at least 24 hours, especially on festival weekends.)
Metromix’s Chad Schlegel finds choices of everything from sausage po’ boys to chemical-free salads, and WGN Radio’s Dean Richards picks a Greek pocket sandwich and other tasty favorites.
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Heaven on Seven’s “Heavenly Picnic” features your choice of grilled andouille sausage po’ boy, fried chicken salad or grilled chicken sandwich. Fixings include jerk chicken wings and slaw, plus pecan squares for dessert. The portable picnics are available at all three Heaven on Seven locations for $16.95 per person.
Heaven on Seven on Rush, 600 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-7774; Heaven on Seven, 111 N. Wabash Ave. (seventh floor), 312-263-6443; Heaven on Seven on Clark, 3478 N. Clark St., 773-477-7818.
Foodstuffs, the North Shore’s legendary gourmet market, offers simple basket choices such as salad and sandwich, or the likes of “The VIP,” roasted tenderloin with horseradish sauce, baby green salad and a side of pasta. Prices range from $40 to $200.
Foodstuffs, 2106 Central St., Evanston, 847-328-7704; 338 Park Ave., Glencoe, 847-835-5105; 1456 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, 847-832-9999; 255 E. Westminster Ave., Lake Forest, 847-234-6600.
The Davis Street Fishmarket’s picnic includes smoked salmon and crackers, you-peel-’em shrimp, shrimp or tuna salad with pita bread and salad. For dessert: pecan or Key lime pie or chocolate “drunk” cake — fortified with vodka and Kahlua. Each picnic serves two for about $30 (the wicker basket with flatware and tablecloth is to be returned the next day).
Davis Street Fishmarket, 501 Davis St., Evanston, 847-869-3474.
Whole Foods builds custom picnic baskets stocked with sandwiches and salads of the chemical-free, non-irradiated variety. Popular items include Kung Pao tofu, chicken salad, organic fruit and sushi. Expect to pay at least $60 for a picnic for two. All locations can assemble a basket; the Gold Coast location will deliver for an extra $10.
Whole Foods Gold Coast, 50 W. Huron St., 312-932-9600; Lincoln Park, 1000 W. North Ave., 312-587-0648; Lakeview, 3300 N. Ashland Ave., 773-244-4200; River Forest, 7245 W. Lake St., 708-366-1045; Wheaton, 151 Rice Lake Square, 630-588-1500; Palatine, 1331 N. Rand Rd., 847-776-8080; Evanston, 1640 Chicago Ave., 847-733-1600.
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Chad Schlegel is dining producer for metromix.com.
Convito Italiano has long been a favorite of the pre-Ravinia set. This upscale Italian deli-cafe offers six pre-packaged picnic baskets. My favorite is the “The Riviera” — prosciutto and melon, sun dried tomato chicken breast sandwich, orzo salad, biscotti and pecan finger cookie. The food costs $11.95 per person; in a basket, it’s $7 to $10 extra.
Convito Italiano, 1515 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, 847-251-3654.
Artopolis is a European-style market specializing in Greek finger foods, fresh baked breads, cheeses and dips. Its innovative “Artopita” sandwich ($6 to $7) is a light bread pocket stuffed with your choice of spinach, cheese, salmon, chicken or portobello mushroom.
Artopolis, 306 S. Halsted St., 312-559-9000.
One of Chicago’s most inventive eateries, Zoom Kitchen offers seven healthy sandwich picnics. My pick is their meatloaf sandwich on sourdough bread with tomato chutney and carmelized onions for $8.
Zoom Kitchen, 923 N. Rush St., 312-440-3500; 1646 N. Damen Ave., 773-278-7000; 620 N. Belmont Ave., 773-325-1400.
Since 1948, Conte Di Savoia in Little Italy has been serving up incredible sandwiches and salads. Ask them to stock your picnic basket with bread, cheese, salami and wine. Another good choice is the fresh mozzarella sub sandwich with Italian roasted red pepper and watercress ($3.35 small, $4.10 large).
Conte Di Savoia, 1438 W. Taylor St., 312-666-3471.
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Dean Richards’ food and dining show is heard Sundays at noon on WGN Radio (720 AM).