Aug. 27--You and your friends decide to plan a picnic for Labor Day weekend, and you're in charge of bringing the food. You pencil it into your planner and begin brainstorming ideas -- ciabatta bread topped with slices of turkey, fresh avocados, applewood smoked bacon and a delicious Dijon mustard made from scratch. Everything that encompasses a warm evening with friends streams through your mind.
Unfortunately, you look at your planner and notice it's the day of; you forgot to prepare something delicious -- what do you do? If you need to fake the perfect picnic, we have a few places you can stop in for the right meal at a great price.
Andorka's Sandwich Shop: The eatery is currently offering a $20 picnic for two as part of its summer special. The price includes two sides (anything from egg salad, coleslaw, chips to a side salad); two sandwiches of your choice, two drinks and two potato wedges. Guests can choose to order the special online or in-house, and it's on sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday until the end of August. andorkas.com, 2110 South Halsted St., 312-763-6916.
Falafill: The fast-casual concept place known for its falafel sandwiches has four different lunchboxes to choose from, including pockets to wrap options with your choice of falafel or meat. The boxes contain your choice of a dip, fruits, hummus or salads, a bag of chips, baklava and a drink. If you're not planning a lunch get-together, there are picnic box options that are similar to the lunch ones. Prices range from $9 to $11 without tax, and guests can choose to order the boxes online for delivery or in-house pickup. While the boxes are pretty neat, you can always take the items out and pretend you made them. (Make sure to memorize some recipes in case you're asked.) eatfalafill.com, 3202 N. Broadway, 773-525-0052.
Fountainhead Market: If you're seeking fresh deli meats blanketed in the likes of fresh delicious bread options, look no further. The market not only sells an array of cheese and meats to choose from, but it also sells grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks along with a healthy selection of wine, beer and whiskies. The market, which sits right next to the Fountainhead Bar, is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. fountainheadmarket.com, 1966 W. Montrose Ave., 773-697-8204.
Sunset Foods: Organic and local food selections -- from fresh baked bread to premade sandwiches, salads and boxed lunches -- are offered at this chain of northern suburban supermarkets. Choose from fresh pastas, coleslaws, deli meats and finger food options along with a long list of wines and craft beers. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For locations, visit sunsetfoods.com
Bountiful Eatery: Are you a gluten-free foodie? This eatery has a vast selection of soups, fresh salads, grilled selections, combination dishes and so much more. Choose from a Mediterranean vegan pita or warm pesto bowl mixed with zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, onions and spinach served with a tasty fresh pesto. Most dishes come with a side option, and for a reasonable price you can satisfy yourself and your friends with a dish for every palate. bountifuleatery.com, 3312 N. Broadway, 773-687-9811.
Pastoral: If you're like me, you have a hard time making decisions. With that in mind, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread Wine offers a variety of picnic options. Starting at about $70, they are big enough to feed your whole crew. Guests can choose from eight picnic options, which all include selections of aged cheeses along with fruit preserves, deli meats, exquisite crackers, your choice of adding on wine and so much more. Each box is crafted with a special selection tailored to themes like "Best of the Midwest," "Lakeview Collection" and others. pastoralartisan.com, 2945 N. Broadway, 53 E. Lake St. and 131 N. Clinton St. (inside Chicago French Market).
Other places to visit when in a rush:
--Toni Patisserie and Cafe, near Millennium Park, 65 E. Washington St.
--The Goddess Grocer, 1649 N. Damen Ave. (along with other locations throughout Chicago)
--Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St.
--Publican Quality Meats, near Union Park, 825 W. Fulton Market
--Zaleski Horvath MarketCafe, 1323 E. 57th St.
--Smoque BBQ, 3800 N. Pulaski Road, #2
lcompton@tribpub.com
