DIY Al Fresco In Columbus

Words by Canaan Lendell / Photography by Ben Callahan / Styling by Brie Augsburger and Megan Smith / Layout by Tori Smith

Often relegated to little more than sack lunches in twee packaging, a well-assembled picnic is a masterclass in curation. When the stars align — good weather, good company, and good food — one captures a wholly unique sense of conviviality and gusto for life. This can be a tall order for even the most experienced picnickers; luckily, Columbus has plenty of well-equipped small and family businesses ready to do the hardest work for you.

Inspired by the idea of a Tuscan picnic, our stop at Carfagna's Italian Market didn't disappoint. The large Polaris store is bursting at the seams with meats & cheeses, baked goods, house-made pasta, salads, wines, coffees, and Italian sodas. Grab some of their famous chicken salad, a wedge of cheese, a baguette, a DIY cannoli kit from their bakery, and a bottle of wine to create a perfect picnic for two. If you call ahead, Carfagna's famed cheesemonger will craft a charcuterie board, especially for the occasion. Or head to their extensive butcher department where they sell braciole — thinly sliced beef specially made to be breaded and fried for the classic Italian bistecca sandwich. Adorned with Italian dressing, roasted red peppers, arugula, and lemon juice, it is both hearty and refreshing, seemingly crafted with al fresco dining in mind.

For those looking to create a bespoke picnic, Dublins' Oakland Nursery HOME has something for everyone's tastes. Spread across two buildings, Mediterranean tablescapes coexist with sleek contemporary offerings that stun in equal measure. You may find an antique linen napkin set to dress up the quilt you'll lay in the grass or a set of modern Melamine plates that elevate even the most worn picnic table. A curated collection of wooden charcuterie boards and cutlery may catch your eye — or you may walk out with new patio furniture, an heirloom hutch, or an oversized cast iron duck for the garden (what we were eyeing). An old water pailturned-wine pitcher added a quaint, personal touch to our picnic, as did the small collection of Deroma terra cotta pots for our succulents. Creativity is encouraged here; picnicking is DIY at heart, after all.

Amidst all the opportunities for elevation, it's important to remember that picnics should be a fun affair. A little thought and planning go a long way, but good spirits and company make the day even when the elements don't cooperate, the ice cream sandwiches melt, or you leave the bottle opener on the counter at home. So, pass the cannoli and pour another round of limoncello. Your picnic companions will undoubtedly be saying ‘grazie mille’ to a job well done.

Charcuterie Primer

We met cheesemonger Michelle Vieira (@columbuscurdnerd) on our recent trip to Carfagna's, where she gave us a lesson in building a summer charcuterie board. When selecting cheeses for a picnic, Michelle looks for cheeses that will hold up in high temperatures. She suggests one of two directions: a hard cheese or a fresh, light, spreadable one. “I generally lean more towards cow or goat cheeses in this instance because sheep milk cheeses have a higher fat content, which is what gets extra sweaty out in the sun.”

Here is what Michelle assembled for our refined summer picnic:

MONTEGRAPPA (cow, Italy: Asiago)

This hard cow's milk cheese comes from the Asiago region in Italy and is super snackable. It has a lovely crunch from the long-aged tyrosine crystals throughout it. The flavor is reminiscent of a cross between an aged Asiago and a cheddar.

IDYLL FARMS CHILI BILLY

GOAT CHEESE SPREAD (goat, USA: Michigan)

This Upper Peninsula goat cheese is incredibly light and fluffy, which I'm always seeking when it's just too hot out. What I love about this one is the combination of Aleppo and chipotle peppers. It has a lovely heat to it without being too overwhelming.

MILTON CREAMERY MORNING HARVEST (cow, USA: Iowa)

This is a divine, sweet gouda/cheddar hybrid from Iowa. It has a nice brown buttery flavor that plays nicely with just about anything. There is something to love about it for the group's cheese novice and the bonafide curd nerd.

SPIANATA ROMANA

This is an excellent mild Italian salami with some garlic. It's super approachable and a welcome salty hit on the board.

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED CANTALOUPE

FIG SPREAD

FRUTTO D'ITALIA SPICY SICILIAN OLIVES

These come in convenient little snack packs in the store, and what's great about these is they don't have the brine in them, so you can take them on the go and put them on the board without it being a big mess.

DRIED APRICOTS

DIBRUNO BROS BLACK LAVA CASHEWS

These come to us from a fabulous fellow Italian Market over in Philadelphia. They make these lightly caramelized cashews dotted with black lava salt. A perfect sweet/salty bite with a nice crunch.

A REFINED PICNIC MENU

Food and drinks can be found at Carfagna's Market

BEVANDA/VINO

• A' Siciliana Sicilian Blood Orange & Lemon Sodas

• Granbazán Albarino Etiqueta Verde Wine

• Duca di Salaparuta Calanica Frappato Terre Siciliane Wine

CIBO BUONO

• Caprese with Orange Segments

• Charcuterie Board (see page 54)

• Pistachio Cannoli (premade cannoli and cannoli kits available)

• Marinated Tomato Cucumber Salad

• Bistecca Sandwich with Arugula and Roasted Red Peppers

TABLESCAPE DETAILS

from Oakland HOME

• Vietri Melanie Dishware $12-$70

• Napkin $8

• Napkin Ring $7

• Indaba Wine Glass $20

• Table Runner $50

• Wood Tiered Charcuterie Stand $129

• Wood Riser $35

• Wicker Tray $40-$60

• Placemat $30

• Vintage Galvanized Pot $60

• Vintage Pottery $70

• Vintage Wrapped Jug $99

• Italian Terracotta Deroma $16-$30

• Faux Succulent $5-$15

• Teak Butcher Block $189

• Dawn Outdoor Teak Dining Chair $999

• Agnes Outdoor Teak Dining Table $3999