How to Create the Perfect NYC Picnic in the Park

One of the best things about New York are the beautiful parks that surround every corner of the city. Throughout the five boroughs there are 1700 parks and playgrounds to run, rollerblade, tan, swim, and of course, picnic! Picnics are one of the best ways to gather a group of friends, family or just the one you love and eat alfresco.

Dust off your picnic basket (ok, you probably don't have a picnic basket) and pack it up with some of these favorite snacks, a bottle of wine or a growler of beer and soak up NYC in all its natural glory. Instead of dining in and doing the usual routine, mix it up and take these snacks to-go, creating the most enviable picnic around. By Sarah Mintz and Joleen Zanuzoski

Buvette
Photos: Buvette

One-Stop Shop Picnic Planners at Buvette
42 Grove Street nr. Bleecker St.
Chef Jodi Williams is wrapping up her perfect indulgent treats in a basket and offering them to her loyal following as a part of her new summer picnic program that is soon to come. Charcuterie, cheeses, croissants and much more will be offered from this French gastroteche. Bonus: If you need wheels to complete your picture perfect day, vintage bicycles will be available to rent. Can we say 'perfect date?' Gentlemen - take note of this one. Nearby Place to Picnic: Hudson River Park

Salumeria Rosi 

Meats and cheeses at Salumeria Rosi
283 Amsterdam Avenue nr. 73rd St. 
If sandwiches are on your menu, Salumeria Rosi is a required stop before you spread out your picnic blanket. Most of the meat is supplied by Parmacotto, the most popular deli meat in Italy. The selection of mortadella, salumi, prosciutto and tons of cheese is major and if your are still hankering for more check out their prepared foods case, filled with bean salads, peppers, greens and more. Nearby place to picnic: Riverside Park 

The Growler Station 

Jug o' Brewski at The Growler Station
26 West 8th Street nr. Macdougal St. 
Ditch that six-pack of Coors Light and graduate to the next level - it's all about the craft beer these days, folks. Not only do you get to carry around a snazzy growler of brew, you can fill it up with one of the Growler Station's 24 craft beers on tap. Chose between a 32oz or 64oz growler depending on how many people you are entertaining, or maybe how thirsty you are? We're not judging. A couple quality option on tap at the moment? Cisco Brothers Summer of Lager and Smuttynose Brewing Company Wheat Wine? Fill 'er up! Nearby place to picnic: Washington Square Park 

The Main Dish at Charles' Country Pan Fried Chicken
2839 Frederick Douglas Boulevard nr. 151st St. 
A picnic would not be complete without some crispy, crunchy fried chicken and if you ask anyone around, they will send you to Charles' in Harlem. For $12.99, get a bucket of chicken and while you're at it, throw in some black eyed peas and banana pudding. You won't regret it. Nearby polace to picnic: Jackie Robinson Park 

Levain Bakery's cookies
Photo: The Chocolate Peanut Butter Gallery

Cookies and carbs at Levain Bakery
167 West 74th Street nr. Amsterdam Ave. 
We're not uncovering any kind of cookie secret by listing Levain's legendary cookies. Take this as a gentle reminder to not forget these amazing treats that are perfect to pack up and take with you. These cookies are the most decadent disc of sugar around. For $3.75 each, they better be. Need some bread for your sandwiches? The sourdough baguettes are a fantastic for sandwich making. Nearby place to picnic: The Great Lawn, Central Park

Fruits and veggies at Forager's Market
300 West 22nd Street nr. Eighth Ave.
Broccoli raab, grilled yams, honey roasted baby turnips, edamame & leek salad to name just a few farm fresh prepared dishes you can grab and go at this new Chelsea addition. Also, if you're not in the mood to make your own sandwiches or really want to pick up a chicken fresh off the rotisserie, stop into Forager's and make your picnic complete. Nearby place to picnic: The Highline

Pork buns at Momofuku Milk Bar
251 East 13th Street nr. Second Ave.  
In addition to compost cookies and crack pie, you can pick up David Chang's infamous pork buns to go at one of the three Manhattan milk bar locations. Call ahead for the quickest turnaround if you're planning on ordering more than a dozen and trust us, this is probably the wisest decision. These buns will be disappear before you can say "frisbee."Nearby place to picnic: Tompkins Square Park

Bottle of Rosé at Pasanella and Son Vintners
115 South Street nr. Peck Slip
In 1882, the building that houses Pasanella & Son used to be a brothel. Now it houses one of the most well respected wine stores and vintners in town. It's mandatory that you head down to South Street Seaport and pick up a bottle of their own rosé from Tuscany to complete your summer picnic. Not only do you feel like you're stealing it for $10.99 a bottle, the provencal freshness and subtle cherry aroma makes it the perfect pairing with charcuterie and barbeque. Cheers! Nearby place to picnic: Battery Park 

Recent Recommendations from the Experts!

Our Recent Recc's

Below are recent recommendations the EE team provided to the needy, hungry & thirsty that wrote in to us. Need a recommendation? Ask Eatery Expert

1.  Hot new opening on the LES: Mission Chinese  154 Orchard Street nr. Rivington St.

Asian import from San Francisco - finally!
Photo:  Time Out Magazine

2.  Dinner date in the East Village: Zi Pep 424 East 9th St. nr. First Ave.

Italian comfort food at it's finest - Zi Pep's lasagna

3.  Korean in Hells Kitchen: Danji 346 W. 52nd Street nr. Ninth Ave.

It's K.F.C - Korean Fried Chicken Wings!

4.  Pizzah Pie! Ribalta 48 E. 12th Street nr. Broadway

Opt for their pizza classes - more info on their website.

5.  BYOB sushi on the UES:  Poke Restaurant 343 East 85^th St. nr. First Ave.

Poke Restaurant
Photo: Chopsticksny.com

6.  Al fresco in the West Village: Mémé Mediterranean 581 Hudson Street nr. Bank St.

Grilled spiced calamari

7.  Mexican in Murray Hill: Baby Bo’s Cantina 627 Second Avenue nr. 34^th St.

Warning:  Margaritas are slightly addicting!
Photo:  Foodspotting.com

8.  Meeting your online date for drinks:  Sweet Revenge 62 Carmine Street nr. Bedford St.

Drinks and dessert - and if the date goes well head to Fatty Cue for a spicy bite. 

9. Chinese fine dining:  Shun Lee 43 W. 65th Street nr. Central Park West.

10.  Day Drinking by the Highline:  Standard Bar & Grill 848 Washington St. nr. 13th St. 

The Standard's Highline Fling: Champagne, Orange Liquor, Grapefruit & Lavendar, $55
Photo: Brunchgang.com

Recommendations for: Mother's Day in NYC

by Sarah Mintz, Contributing Writer  
Even if mom's cooking is the best, don't let her step foot into the kitchen this Sunday. Instead, treat her to a lovely Mother's Day meal at one of these delish alternatives: 

Photo: Burkeinabox.com

David Burke at Bloomingdales 1000 3rd Ave. nr. 59th Street

What do you do when mom doesn't want to go out, yet you also have zero desire to cook? Call David Burke. That's right, this year you can celebrate at home with a four-course dinner for four people all prepared by chef Burke. For $99, you'll get "Mom's Chicken Soup" with popovers, herb-crusted filet mignon, lobster mac & cheese, chocolate cake and more.  Not only is dinner taken care of for you, but Chef Burke is also including a relaxation kit of body lotion, bubble bath, candle and magazine in the price. All of this while watching Jeopardy and Access Hollywood with mom from the comfort of your couch? Sounds like a success to me!  

Dans Le Noir 246 West 38th Street nr. 7th Ave.

Want to do something clever and outside the box for mom? How about something in the dark? This year, take mom to a pitch black 5-course meal at NYCs first "dark dining" restaurant. Your menu order will be taken in the lit lounge before you head into the dark dining room. Previous menu items have included scallops a la provencal, smoked quail's breast, and crispy pork belly on roasted shallots. Don't worry, Mom gets a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival to help ease her way in to this unique experience! 

 

Photo: MyYoungAuntie

Wallse 344 West 11th Street nr. Washington St.

After a stroll through the West Village tree-lined streets and rows of brownstone homes, stop in to  Wallse. Hidden on the corner of a residential block you might miss it, so keep your eyes peeled. Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner will be serving up a $65 Mother's Day menu with his spring favorites including pea soup with Maine lobster and soft shell crabs with ramps. Make your reservation now and while you're at it, pre-order a personalized copy of Kurt's new cookbook, "Neue Cuisine", which showcases over 100 Viennese specialties like apple strudel and wiener schnitzel - maybe even have Chef Gutenbrunner sign it to make it extra special. 

Photo: Eric Issac

Miss Lily's 132 West Houston Street nr. Sullivan St. All mothers receive a beautiful lily on their special day this year. Miss Lily's is also offering a $30 prix fixe brunch, including two hours of unlimited One Love Bellinis or Hotstepper cocktails along with coconut pancakes, Jamaican rancheros, brioche French toast with bananas foster and more.

Rayuela 165 Allen Street nr. Stanton St.

If a brunch filled with eggs benedict, quinoa-crusted oysters and sangria isn't what Mom is looking for this year, Rayuela is also offering a $55 4-course menu from 2pm-10pm. This diverse Mothers Day menu includes lamb stuffed papaya, crab and shrimp wrapped in sashimi tuna, beef tenderloin with shrimp chimichurri and duck breast with mango sweet potato risotto. I want it all and I'm sure mom will, too.

Recommendations for: Cinco de Mayo in NYC

Where will you be donning your sombrero this weekend? Here are our favorite picks for Saturday's fiesta!
by Sarah Mintz, Contributing Writer

Empellon 230 W 4th Street nr. 10th St.

The hottest chef of the moment, Alex Stupak is offering a five-course prix-fixe menu at Empellon Taqueria and Empellon Cocina. Both will include an open-bar of margaritas, beer and sparkling wine for $75-$90. The menu includes chorizo queso fundido and six types of tacos including a must-try, the lamb barbacoa. dishes such as Ruby Red Shrimp with Crispy Masa, Mezcal Cured Ocean Trout, and Melted Tetilla Cheese with Lobster. Both locations have 3 seatings at 5pm, 7:15pm & 9:30pm and reservations are going fast - this is the spiciest ticket in town!

Get your drink on at Hecho en Dumbo

Credit: Robyn Lee, Serious Eats

Hecho en Dumbo 354 Bowery nr. Stanton St. 

We love us some Danny Mena, especially on the fourth drunkest holiday of the year. In true celebration of the Battle of Puebla, Mena will feature a battle of Pueblan delicacies - Mole Poblano and Las Monjas de Santa Rosa. In gringo terms, this means two awesome sauces that are going to ordain all your food the entire day. This all-day party will start at brunch and continue through dinner service with Mexico City's own Juan Cicerol performing live at 11pm. 

Pulqueria 11 Doyers Street nr. Bowery

Who says Cinco de Mayo can only be celebrated one day a year? Not Pulqueria! Festivities start on Friday, May 4 and last through Sunday, May 6. Stop by to taste Pulqueria’s new spring menu, listen to live Mexican music, take a swing at a piñata, and maybe even kiss a donkey!

Toloache 251 West 50th Street nr. 8th Ave. Toloache 82 162 East 82nd Street nr. Lexington Ave. Try the “French Invasion” Margarita made with tequila, tarragon, spring peas and lime or the “Mexican Passion” margarita made with pineapple, horseradish and Valentina sauce. To soak it all up, Medina is offering a $50 menu which includes adobo-marinated sea bass, skirt steak fajitas, and more. Each entrée is served with rice and beans, Toloache salad, corn tortillas, and a trio of salsas. Everything is served family style, so bring friends and make it a true Cinco de Mayo party!

Pampano 209 East 49th Street nr. Third Ave. 

If you're on a budget, this is the place for you! Forget happy hour, Pampano is offering drink specials from 5pm-close including $6 margaritas & cocktails and $4 cervezas. Not feeling so crazy? Head straight to the dining room for a special 5-course Cinco de Mayo menu for $50 or $75 with wine or Latin cocktail pairings. 

Flex Mussels 154 W. 13^th Street nr. 6th Ave. & 174 E 82nd Street nr. Lexington Ave. Stop by this Saturday for a huge pot of Fiesta Mussels for $24,  a one-day special that combines a tequila-infused broth with sweet shrimp, bell peppers, lime, and japaleno. No trip to Flex Mussels is complete without dessert from Zac Young, so make sure to save room for the drunken margarita-custard filled doughnuts.

Suenos 311 West 17^th Street nr. 8th Ave.
If you're heading to your standard Saturday brunch, make it a little caliente on Cinco de Mayo where the fiesta kicks off at noon. Chef Sue Torre’s  will be dishing out breakfast burritos, chilaquiles with sunny-side up eggs and salsa verde and eggs benedict with chochinita pibil, and coconut-habanero shrimp tacos. Finish it all off with churros, sweet tamales and tres leches. Ariba!

Maya NY 1191 First Avenue nr. 64th Street
We recommend Maya for delicious, authentic uptown Mexican fare quite frequently, and the added bonus is they have 150 tequilas in the house! On Saturday from 6-10pm Maya will be jamming to a live mariachi band and handcrafted margaritas. Doors open at 3pm  at the tequila bar so when you are properly sauces from delish margaritas, head to dinner in the dining room for a $50 prix-fixe menu which includes an achiote marinated filet mignon and tequila flambe shrimp. 

Dos Caminos Various locations, see website
The fiesta starts on Friday and ends on Sunday, so you know if you go with Dos Caminos, you will be in good hands. They have a DJ lineup at all three locations, tons of special eats including a lobster guacamole ($24) and margaritas, galore. If you're looking for something a little crazier, the 27th & Park and MePa location are for you. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, hit up the Midtown resto.