By Sue Pitts
Consider the perfect summer getaway: a cozy blanket spread over the perfect plot of lush green grass with fluffy white clouds hanging low in a blended blue sky while a soothing breeze brings sounds of distant laughter and loved ones gather round to share a fabulous al fresco feast from a brimming picnic basket.
Sounds perfect, except you sense that plopping a piece of pastrami on rye with a pickle on the side is not what we mean by “al fresco feast.” Before the brimming basket brings on an anxiety attack consider checking out these local area grocers’ that offer an array of prepared foods sure to please any palette.
Nature’s Bin, located in Lakewood, specializes in all natural and organic foods. Vegans and vegetarians will be especially pleased with the unique options available. Menu items include delicious dishes such as potato, spinach, and Swiss cheese casserole, polenta with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, or a wheat berry salad of whole grains blended with parsley, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and plump dried cranberries tossed in a slightly sweet sesame oil dressing. The deli counter also carries organic lunchmeats that are nitrate and preservative free. Prepared food selections change daily.
Nature’s Bin also supports the local economy by purchasing food items from nearby sources when available. Additionally, the store is also owned and operated by Cornucopia, Inc. whose mission is the “help people” with disabilities achieve successful integration into the work place. Nature’s Bin employs individuals with significant physical or mental disabilities, along with full-time staff professionals and specially trained coaches.
Miles Farmers Market, located in Solon, offers gastronomical delights sure to please the most finicky gourmet. Along with staple grocery items, Miles Farmers Market is divided into several departments that specialize in high end domestic and international delicacies. Their cheese shop boasts a variety of over 450 artesian, domestic, and imported cheeses. The Miles Hidden Cellars is a find for wine enthusiasts. They carry a vast variety of wine selections from the very basic to the extremely rare. Miles Hidden Cellars can also assist in locating that special bottle of hard to find wine. Shipping is also available. Let The Bistro pack you picnic basket with fully cooked, ready to share meals. With call a head meals to go your guests can enjoy delights such as grilled salmon, vegetable couscous, served with roasted corn black bean salsa, and asparagus. This gourmet grocer can take the guesswork out of menu planning.
Heinen’s Fine Foods, with several locations throughout northeast Ohio, has a large selection of hot and cold prepared foods. From traditional potato salad to potato pancakes, Heinen’s has something for everyone in your group. The prepared meals conveniently come in variety of sizes so at the end of the day you won’t be stuck taking home a pound of tofu lasagna. Certain stores also have an in house café that serves a daily selection of gourmet sandwiches such as prosciutto, sundried tomatoes and feta cheese on French bread. The café also cooks to order stir fry selections and has an extensive soup and salad bar. The grocery store carries a large selection of wines. Stop by the bakery for signature and seasonal specialties sure to satiate your sweet tooth.
If these recommendations have not slowed your heart palpitations there is another option. Let someone else do the work for you.
Desiree Schmitt of Southside Concierge (216) 241-7720 in Tremont can restore your resting heartbeat by planning your entire event. From simple snacks of wine and cheese to a small tent with linens, side cart, and server, Schmitt can create a custom occasion. She uses a combination of culinary treats from local Tremont restaurants and produce from the Westside Market. Schmitt can also pull together a crowd with games and activities or orchestrate romantic rendezvous for two. Schmitt can make your image of the perfect picnic become reality.
Whether you prefer potato salad or pate, make planning the perfect picnic simple by letting someone else do all the work. All you need to do is lay back, relax, enjoy, and take all the credit for a pleasant afternoon in the park
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