Your hard-earned cash is burning a hole in your pocket. There’s only so much Amazon grocery delivery and online shopping that you can do to feel like you’re having an experience. Because 7+ months into this pandemic, you’re ready to do something – almost anything – that doesn’t involve pretending like making bread is a substitute for living life. With everyone forced to spend more time outdoors, picnics are having their moment (see picnic at The Rink at Rockefeller Center).
To celebrate the art of picnicking, Galavante has prepared a list of some of the most extravagant ways to enjoy an al fresco meal.
NYC or the Hamptons
Many New Yorkers are either lingering in Central Park or fleeing to the Hamptons, and luckily this luxury picnic experience from Perfect Picnic is offered at either location. A team of design experts sets up a fabulous display of soft blankets, umbrellas, plush pillows, china, glassware, fresh flowers and champagne. The food can be everything from meat and cheeses with seasonal fruit and crudités to an incredible selection of fresh seafood delicacies like king crab legs, caviar, blinis and crème fraiche, lobsters with truffle butter, oysters, neck clams, ceviche and shrimp. If you’re in the city but prefer your picnic on the beach, hitch a ride on a private helicopter to and from the Hamptons and enjoy your feast while watching the waves.
Perfect Picnic: US$375 to US$8,300 including helicopter round-trip, for two
Las Vegas
Four Seasons’ elevated picnic experiences around the world were already a hit before the pandemic, and they’ve returned this summer more popular than ever. The Las Vegas picnic begins with a helicopter tour to discover the impressive natural wonders of the region. Midway through the tour, stop at a private landing area and enjoy dishes like ahi tuna crudo, Wagyu beef carpaccio and blackened salmon salad, while sipping Champagne and taking in breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas: US$7,495 including a two-night accommodation
Los Angeles
At the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, enjoy a gourmet picnic designed by Wolfgang Puck. Inside the basket, you’ll find charcuteries, artisanal cheeses, Mediterranean mezze, garden crudités, sandwiches and seasonal pastries. Sitting by the hotel’s picture-perfect Swan Lake, you can sip on a selection of white wines from Napa Valley or Champagne and enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures: a picnic.
Hotel Bel-Air: US$350 for two
Quebec, Canada
Just north of the border, La Cabane d’à Côté, from famous chef Martin Picard, offers a picnic nestled in its sugar shack orchard. The delicious basket is filled with locally sourced Quebec produce and ingredients (#eatlocal). The seasonal menu changes monthly and includes a different grilled meat each time. Grab a log or an Adirondack chair in the orchard (or bring your own) and enjoy the day. Rillettes, charcuteries, garden salads, gazpachos, grilled meat: this is a simple and authentic basket that won’t leave you hungry. Wine can be added to the meal.
La Cabane d’à Côté: CA$80 for two
London, UK
London’s poshest picnic, the Windsor Hamper, is sure to make you feel like royalty! It includes some favorites of the Royal Family, such as pistachio and cream biscuits, marmalade, lemon curd, raspberry preserve, smoked salmon, fig cheese, foie gras, camembert, Somerset reserve cheddar, Marc de Champagne truffles and, of course, Golden Oscietra caviar. To make sure you’re well hydrated, the basket is delivered with vintage port, Pomerol, Barolo, Champagne, and Rwanda and Ceylon orange pekoe loose leaf tea. Can’t make it to London? Not a problem as Fortnum & Mason offers a variety of picnic baskets available for worldwide delivery.
If you feel like treating your four-legged quarantine friend, they also offer an adorable dog hamper filed with toys and treats that will definitely please your pup.
Fortnum & Mason: The Windsor Hamper £1,000, the Fortnum’s Dog Hamper £65
