Whether your family is headed to Ravinia or just wants to spend a lazy Sunday people watching at the park, give yourself a break from prepping and packing your own meal. There are lots of local places that do it for you! Let these pros fill your next picnic basket.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Besides earning local fame from its delicious fried chicken, Honey Butter is also known for its Picnic Pack, a perfect grab-and-go option that combines the best stuff on the menu. For $65, each pack serves four people and includes fried chicken, corn muffins with honey butter, cold sides (kale and cabbage slaw, pasta salad) and snickerdoodle and chocolate toffee cookies. Picnic packs come with plates, silverware and towelettes.
3361 North Elston Avenue, Chicago
Pastoral
What could be better than a standard picnic basket? Three types of picnic baskets and only Pastoral offers them! Their Al Fresco Picnic Basket is simple, light and fresh, featuring fruit, veggies, spreads and nuts. Up the ante with a Sweet Picnic Basket, loaded with housemade spiced almonds, chocolate dusted cashews, shortbread cookies and spreads. Looking for a more filling option? Their Savory Picnic is perfect for carnivores, as the Jamon Serrano and spicy Calabrese salami are the stars of the show. All baskets come with recommended wine pairings. Depending on the number of people you want to serve, prices range from $30.99 to $95.99. Order online and pick up at the location closest to you.
Various locations in Chicago
Toni Patisserie & Café
Conveniently located a block from Millennium Park, Toni Patisserie & Café has plenty of experience prepping their famous “pique-nique” lunch and dinner boxes for movie and concert goers alike. For $15.95, you’ll get a single serving of everything you need to have the perfect French style picnic. All baskets include a gourmet sandwich on a baguette, a side (chips, fruit or mixed greens) and fresh baked pastry (brownie, macaroon, cookie). They’ll place it in a reusable tote for easy transportation.
65 E. Washington Street, Chicago
Remington’s
Remington’s
If you’re headed to the Grant Park Music Festival or Millennium Park Summer Film Series, Remington’s is not only an easy picnic option, but also a delicious one. Customize the perfect basket by choosing from a selection of meats and cheeses, sandwiches, salads or gourmet dips. Starting at $43, each option also includes two soft drinks, napkins, plates, silverware and serving utensils. What’s more, they’ll put it inside their insulated picnic basket. Bring it back for another fill-up and receive $15 off your order.
20 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Real Urban Barbecue
A perfect option for Ravinia guests, Real Urban Barbecue offers Family Packs that range in price from $60 to $160. All options include meat (pulled pork, chicken, turkey, ribs), sides (coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese), sauce, mini buns and lemonade or iced tea. All family packs include their famous Brain Buster Pickles — a sweet and spicy pickle that’s highly addictive.
610 Central Avenue (in Port Clinton Square), Highland Park
The Picnic Basket
Another great option for a Ravinia night (only a 15-minute drive), The Picnic Basket offers to-go portions of their offerings, all made from scratch. Voted “Best Sandwich Shop” in Lake County, they’ll put together a boxed option for $10 that includes a massive sized sandwich, salad, fruit and dessert (we also love that they throw in wet wipes). Head across the street to Cook Park or Independence Grove Park for the perfect picnic setting.
501 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
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