It’s Picnic Season! Where to Go and What to Bring

Before the hot and humid days of summer arrive, why not go outside for a breezy spring picnic? Pick up something healthy and delicious at one of the following Clean Plates-approved spots, grab a friend or two and celebrate the sunshine and these blissful spring temperatures.

Weekday Lunchtime
The Plan: Snag a Picnic Table at Burger Guru
If you don’t have time to pack a blanket and pick up supplies, Burger Guru will set a picnic table for you. This Williamsburg spot has a spacious back garden with picnic tables and bright umbrellas. Burgers are served on blue-and-white-checked paper in adorable stainless steel pans. Try the sunshine burger with avocado, arugula, and tomato on top of a lean bison patty. For some greens on the side, order the baby greens salad with crunchy walnuts, goat cheese and beets.

Leisurely Weekend Lunch
The Plan: Order from Abigail, Picnic in Prospect Park
A weekend picnic can be a more leisurely affair. Stock up on picnic nibbles by ordering from Abigail, a neighborhood café and wine bar. Start with a couple small plates, such as peppadews (sweet and spicy peppers) stuffed with chèvre cheese, an order of smoky hummus or mixed olives. Choose between a casual main course like their mozzarella, avocado, and pesto sandwich, or a heartier dish like wild striped bass with leeks, mushrooms and asparagus. Prospect Park is a short stroll away.

Sunset Evening Picnic
The Plan: Pick up Supplies at Iris Café, Picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park
An evening picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park is made simple thanks to nearby Iris Café. Grab a sandwich such as the avocado, pickle, cheddar, and lettuce on toasted 7-grain bread or a smoked bluefish salad with crumbled hardboiled egg, asparagus and pickled red onion with a lemon dressing. Set up your picnic right in time for sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

With the help of these healthy restaurants, planning a fun spring picnic is a breeze.

Photo courtesy of the Jessica Colley.