Crafting the Perfect Picnic
- Hilary Daninhirsch
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Summertime in Pittsburgh is a great excuse to take advantage of the numerous parks in our region and enjoy a picnic. Though there is no scientific proof, food seems to taste better when eaten on a picnic blanket, surrounded by nature.
Packing a picnic is easier than ever, thanks to local markets that offer prepared foods. Bistro To Go in the North Side, for example, has a selection of grab-and-go items along with a customizable menu that makes it easy to order picnic-style meals. Executive Chef Kevin Hermann said a boxed lunch includes a sandwich, a cold side—such as pasta or potato salad—a cookie, and compostable silverware. One of their most popular summer items is the chicken cheddar wrap, along with the classic ham and turkey. They also offer a boxed lunch with salads as the main dish. Bistro To Go delivers within the Pittsburgh region.
Mayfly Market and Deli, also located in the North Side, features a fully stocked market with pantry items as well as a deli with grab-and-go options. “We have a menu of sandwiches, a lot of salads, and various side salads,” said owner Ann Gilligan, adding that customers can order customized items, including meat and cheese plates and sandwich platters. She also carries canned, nonalcoholic spirits. Mayfly can pack up a disposable picnic box for customers on their way to an outing.
If you’re packing your own picnic lunch or dinner, the best foods are portable, do not require heating, and don’t spoil easily. Ice packs are recommended, and dairy products are generally not advisable. “Cheese is a bit different; it is often good for about a four-hour window. The rule of thumb when it comes to food safety is that anything sitting out above 70 degrees for more than four hours should be discarded,” said Hermann.
He added that picnics ideally should not be heavy meals. “I think of snacking—something to nosh on while you’re hanging out. My mind goes to charcuterie: meats, dried fruits, jams, crackers, a baguette, and cut fruit. Often, I stay away from things that require too many utensils,” Hermann said.
Sarah Tuthill, owner of EZPZ Gathering Boards in Aspinwall—which specializes in made-to-order cheese and charcuterie spreads ranging from single-serve boxes to grazing tables for large occasions—dedicates a chapter in her first book, Gathering Boards, to creating Insta-worthy picnic spreads.
“My favorite trick for picnics is to create a variety of individual charcuterie on a stick. Not only does it make for mess-free noshing, but you can pack a lot of flavor into your spread. One of my favorites, especially in the summer, is a twist on the Caprese skewer. Swap out the tomato for a slice of fresh peach, paired with basil, prosciutto, and a mozzarella ball. For classic charcuterie skewers, cut your favorite hard cheese, like cheddar or gouda, into small blocks and thread them on toothpicks with a slice or two of Genoa salami and a grape or a pitted olive for a perfect bite. Bring along a loaf of crusty bread and a bottle of wine, and you’ve got yourself a picnic,” she said.
Another pro tip from Tuthill is to pre-make individual cocktails to go in mason jars. “Place seasonal fruit and garnishes in the jar, top with your favorite spirit and fruit juice. Let the fruit marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Pack them up, and when you’re ready to enjoy, add some ice and top with chilled soda water or Prosecco.”
Now that you’ve packed your food, the next step is figuring out where to picnic.
Our region is fortunate to have nine county parks within Allegheny County, including beloved parks like Hartwood Acres and North Park; over a dozen parks in Butler County; and an impressive 176 parks within the Pittsburgh city limits. “These parks range from large regional parks like Frick, Schenley, Highland, and Riverview to smaller neighborhood green spaces tucked into every corner of the city. This incredible network of parks offers residents and visitors alike countless opportunities to explore nature, relax outdoors, and connect with their communities,” said Alana Wenk, Director of Advancement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, a nonprofit that aims to enhance and steward Pittsburgh’s parks.
Picnicking in the parks is both welcome and encouraged. Wenk noted that many of Pittsburgh’s parks have dedicated picnic shelters and pavilions that can be reserved in advance through the Citiparks online reservation system for gatherings of all sizes. “In addition to those more formal shelters, nearly every park offers open green spaces, scenic spots, and playground areas that are ideal for picnicking,” she added, noting that reservations are not necessary for using available picnic benches or simply spreading out a blanket on the grass.
Though almost every park in the area offers picnic opportunities with unique views and amenities, Wenk pointed out that certain locations are especially popular. “Riverview Park’s Chapel Shelter is actually the most rented shelter in the city’s park system—a perfect space for group gatherings. But beyond reservable shelters, there are plenty of iconic places for picnicking. The Walled Garden in Mellon Park offers a peaceful, flower-filled setting; Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park is a favorite for its wide-open space and skyline views; the Schenley Overlook provides a picture-perfect backdrop; and the scenic views from Emerald View Park are some of the best in the city,” said Wenk.
Wenk continued, “Picnicking is one of the simplest and most joyful ways to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and spend quality time with friends and family. We recommend exploring the different parks in advance to discover what fits your interests—there’s truly a space for everyone.”
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