We always love a picnic, but now that we’ve been deprived of grassy knolls, tartan blankets and teetering cups for weeks, picnics seem like the answer to all our get-out-of-the-house isolation cravings. If the kind of picnic you’re used to involves sandwiches, muesli bars and a few odds and ends, it’s time you ramp up the goodness of the humble outing, and make it one worth leaving the house for.
As eateries expand into new territories, following the ever changing restrictions and the ways in which they’re easing, we’re seeing a lot of innovation and happily participating in it. From cafes to bakeries, these businesses are plating up picnic boxes worth grabbing a blanket for, so get out to some of the best parks in Brisbane, get comfortable and dig in.
Joedy’s Cafe
New Farm
Joedy’s Cafe are serving up epic picnic charcuterie boards, perfect for your one-day-a-week outing. You can call or text to place your order for an olive, meat, cheese and cracker-filled hamper, topped off with strawberries, spreads and maybe a cheeky bottle of wine. They’ve also got vegetarian boards if you lean that way—and you can add cold-pressed juices for a little something extra.
Southside Bistro
Sunnybank
With a whole range of gorgeous, tastebud tempting platters that move from brunch to antipasto and into American and Italian style feasts, Southside Bistro won’t leave an empty stomach on the blanket. For the classic picnic makers, however, we suggest the antipasto board, piled with pancetta, prosciutto, soppressata, mozzarella, provolone…well, we could go on, but you get the picture.
St Coco Cafe
Daisy Hill
St Coco Cafe really know how to make the most of restrictions with their picnic hamper, paired perfectly with a blanket, bottle of wine and restriction-abiding attitudes. For a safe, 2-3 people hamper, St Coco Cafe will keep you well fed with house made focaccia, sliced jamon, danish salami, anti pasti, beetroot relish, pumpkin hummus, double Brie and red leicester.
Etto Cafe
Fortitude Valley
With a super fresh take on picnic hampers, featuring plenty of healthy nibbles, Etto Cafe is providing the goods not only in terms of food, but nostalgia. Feast on their platter reminiscent of a lunchbox with carrot and celery sticks, triangle sandwiches, cheese, crackers and shaved meats. It’s simple food done well, and you could even pass the creation off as your own.
Jocelyn’s Provisions
Fortitude Valley And Albion
With the classic paper wrapped goods that will have you feeling fancy even as you just miss an ants nest, Jocelyn’s Provisions will have your picnic dreams realised. Offering up a fully-loaded, carb heavy picnic basket with cakes, brownies, sourdough sandwiches and brioche savoury cups, Jocelyn’s Provisions also teamed up with Crubar Cellar to make wine and picnic perfection.
Botanica
Red Hill And Teneriffe
For a fresh and delicious box of goodies, look towards the team at Botanica, who are here to match you with salads, cakes and drinks while you relax. Available for a concierge style pick-up from their Red Hill and Tenerriffe locations, you can choose between an individual or a medium box (described as a bounty of food), Botanica will meet all your dietary requirements with their gluten and dairy-free goods and make your picnic one to remember.
Rosalie Gourmet Market
Paddington
Full of all kinds of delicious bites like ciabatta rolls, olives, mixed antipasto meats, d’Affinois brie, smoked Applewood cheddar and a choice of drinks, crackers, quince, strawberries, macarons and dip, the picnic box from Rosalie Gourmet Market will have you relaxing to the max, even if you only choose to go to your backyard. You can call the store or order online to get one of these bad boys made for the weekend.
Medley
Kangaroo Point
For a picnic box that’s a little more grown up, cast your eye towards Medley, who’ve put together a hamper that will complete your Barossa Valley day dreams. Full of wine, cheese, pate, house made terrines and preserves, and crackers to help get them in your gob, the team at Medley will happily customise a picnic box for you, and you can eat well knowing you’re supporting a local small business.
Sassafras
Paddington
Offering up grazing boxes that range from the mini graze (2 people) to the mega graze (6 people), Sassafras will have your weekend picnic looking full and tasting spectacular. With vegan, gluten free and dairy free options, Sassafras’s boxes feature nuts, cheese, meats and crackers, and can be topped off with a bottle of bubbles. Tip: if you order before 2pm you can collect your box the next day.
The Stores
West End
The Stores might be best known for their fresh produce and seasonal goods, but their picnic box packs just as much punch, full of meat, cheese, quince paste and crackers. Order online for driveway collection from their West End outpost, or for free delivery to the 4101 postcode, and your picnic will be looking fierce, fine and all things flavourful in no time.
If you’d prefer something different, these legends will deliver yum cha to your picnic blanket.
Image credit: St Coco Cafe