Restaurants
Best Vancouver Picnics
By Angela Murrills published Aug 6, 2009
Additional Images click to enlarge
Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than to dine al fresco. Here's where to go, and where to shop along the way
Picnic idea #1:
Shaughnessy Park, the Crescent at Hudson Street
Provisions Meinhardt Fine Foods, 3002 Granville St., 604-732-4405
Word from the Vancouver parks board is that you can take one barbecue, one small table, blankets, lawn chairs, and up to 50 friends to any of their 200-plus parks, including a certain oval green space in Shaughnessy. Arguably the city’s most enviable address, this hectare and a half of treed tranquillity stands at the very centre of the Crescent. Hot dogs? Perhaps not. Instead, pick up a gourmet déjeuner sur l’herbe at Meinhardt Fine Foods. We’re thinking crisp baguettes, local cheeses, fresh fruit, grilled salmon, and rotisserie chicken. Simpler still: takeout sandwiches or salads, plus yummy desserts, from Picnic next door.
Picnic idea #2:
Cates Park, North Van
Provisions Jolly Meats & Fine Foods, 111 Charles St., North Van, 604-929-7937. The Crab Shop, 2455 Dollarton Hwy, North Van, 604-929-1616
Oddly sited in industrial surroundings, Jolly Meats & Fine Foods, jaunty with scarlet awnings and cheerful window boxes, is your pit stop for house-made Scandinavian pâtés, cheese, pickles, rye bread, and soft drinks. Just note the quirky hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. Plan B: fish and chips or fresh salmon for the barbie from The Crab Shop. Then onward to Cates Park. Loads of Frisbee-worthy green space, tree-shaded spots for snoozing, a concession stand, and tables—what more could you need? How about a beach with photogenic driftwood, rocks to sit on, water views, and rentable kayaks.
Picnic idea #3:
Margaret Pigott Park
Point Grey Rd
Provisions Parthenon Supermarket, 3080 W. Broadway, 604-733-4191
Below the gazillion-dollar properties on Point Grey Road, gaze out on the wine-dark sea from the rocky shore. Just head north on Trafalgar Street till you hit the water, and descend the steps. Rocks and logs to sit on, the occasional golden retriever, a noodling guitarist—no Kits-style flesh-flashing here. Ambling west at low tide eventually brings you to Jericho Beach. Fill your basket en route at the Parthenon Supermarket. Start with hummus, tzatziki, and insanely garlicky skordalia for scooping—don’t forget the pita. Add hunks of feta, black olives, and fresh-made Greek salad, and finish with honey-sticky desserts like baklava. Rinse your hands in the ocean. Epic.
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Finger foods are very ideal for picnics. At least you don't need to bring to many basic kitchen utensils used for eating like spoon and fork.Jane @ rain boots
