Taking the GF out for picnic...suggestions?

[Slimfast]

Alright I'm taking the GF out during spring break for a romantic picnic. What are some good foods to bring? I don't want to bring simple stuff like sandwiches, but I want stuff that will be fine cold. I'm an alright cook and I am open to challenges.

So what can you guys suggest. Also, any wine & food pairings? I'm a big wine newbie, and so is she. So something that'll taste nice, but below $25 a bottle would do nicely.

Besides food and drink, any other suggestions?

[GT108]

Decide on the wine then go to a nice cheese store and have them put something together for you. Most places can suggest a good cheese plater to suit your need. Alot of good wine can be found for around $15. Decide if you like red or white then choose something accordingly. I find most LCBO staff are pretty knowlegeable and can make some suggestion for you when you tell them what you like.

As for food, sandwiches are great for their portability. If you want to be exotic, go to PUSATERI'S or other goumet food store and pick up some gourmet sandwiches for a change in pace. Antipesto, cold pasta, crackers and spread like humus will also be pretty good. I also like to bring alot of fruits, like strawberries, grapes and other finger sized fruits.

[MoonDoggy]

Finger food is generally the best for romantic picnic, because you simply don't want to (over) eat too much. Fruits, cheese, dessert are all good. It's best to pick things that you know she likes and 1 or 2 new and adventurous items for her to try. Making some of the food yourself would also score some points :cheesygri (i.e. chocolate dipped strawberries, salads, etc etc).

[Keelie]

a nice crusty baguette with a spread or two, these you could make, a couple different cheeses, veggies with dip, fruits... its nice to have everything finger food at a picnic.

sometimes i go to the italian deli and get small containers of things that look good, like giant stuffed olives, marinated squid, tuscan ham... it all goes good with a baguette.

great idea, hope it goes well.

[Slimfast]

Does anyone know of anywhere gourmet joints in Victoria for sandwiches or cheese? All I can think of the grocery store...and how knowledgeable are BC liquor store staff?

[Keelie]

i dont know victoria stores that well, but try looking for a deli of some kind, you should be able to find some good selections of cheeses there, and you can buy as little or as much as you want.

its hard to ask someone at the liquor store to give you suggestions as everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to wines.
i googled 'wine and cheese pairings' and came up with some really nice sites that should be able to help you.

if you and your gf are not big wine drinkers, i might suggest something nice and fruity like gewurztraminer, its a white wine and very easy to drink.
one i really like is the australian rosemount estates, traminer riesling, its a mix between riesling and gewurztraminer... very fruity and goes great with food, ~$15

some cheese i might have with this wine is swiss, gouda, or german butter

[duckdown]

my suggestion...

wait till its not so freakin cold out :)

[Spray]

haha I was about to say..


my suggestion...

wait till its not so freakin cold out :)

[Keelie]

if victorias weather is like ours here, its definitely nice enough for a picnic! :)

[billdozer]

strawberries, chocolate sauce, chloroform, and whipped cream.

[mecca89]

strawberries, chocolate sauce, chloroform, and whipped cream.

best post all day lol

[Slimfast]

Great ideas guys! And the weather is definitely nice enough for a picnic. It's a little chilly but we can cuddle!