THE PERFECT PICNIC

It’s picnic season! Grab your friends, family, and pets for an al fresco feast. Whether you want to make the meal yourself or grab grub to go, we have you covered. Keep reading for everything you need to make your next open-air occasion a success.

MUST-MAKE Recipes

COMPILED BY MEGAN WISKUS Impress your pals by making one (or all!) of the following recipes that are portable, easy to prepare, and best served with sunshine.

Pasta Salad

Recipe by Sonya Keister of The Rustic Fork, Folsom, therusticfork.com

• 8 oz. (2 cups) elbow macaroni • ½ cup mayonnaise • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard • ½ tsp. sea salt • 2 cloves garlic, diced • 1, 5 oz. package diced pancetta • *1 small Fresno pepper, diced • 2 tbsp. olive oil • 1 cup fava beans** (shelled and blanched) or edamame

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. While cooking, whisk the mayonnaise, cheese, mustard, and salt together in a large bowl. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain and immediately toss with the mayonnaise mixture. (The noodles will soak up the mixture better if they’re hot.) In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the olive oil for about 30 seconds. Add the pancetta and cook low and slow until crisp and all the fat is rendered. Add in the pepper and garlic, and cook for 30-60 seconds.

Remove from heat and pour mixture, including the oil, over the pasta. Fold in the fava beans or edamame and taste for seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Note: Salad can be made up to one day ahead of time to let flavors meld.

*Can be substituted with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. **About 1 lb. of fresh fava beans. Remove from their pods then blanch in simmering water. Drain, cool, and remove the beans from their shells.

SET THE SCENE: Locations

The setting is almost as important as the people and provisions. Here are some of our favorite places to post up.

Kalithea Park, El Dorado Hills Willow Creek Recreation Area, Folsom John Kemp Park, Folsom Lions Park, Placerville

Marshall Gold Discovery

State Historic Park, Coloma

Cronan Rach Trails

Regional Park, Coloma

Diamond Oaks Park, Roseville Royer Park, Roseville

Peter Hill Heritage Park, Rocklin

Crab Roll

Recipe by La Provence Restaurant & Terrace, 110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville, 916-789-2002, laprovenceroseville.com

• 8 oz. high-quality crab • 2 tbsp. celery leaf, rough chop • 1 tbsp. small red onion, diced • 1 tsp. chervil, finely chopped • 1 tsp. dill, finely chopped • Juice of 1/4 lemon • 3 tbsp. aïoli • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 fresh French roll • 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, julienned • 1 ripe tomato, sliced

Add ingredients thru aïoli to a small chilled bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon, taking care not to over stir. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut the French roll and put the lettuce on the bottom half, followed by the tomatoes and crab salad. Cover with top of French roll. Cut in half and keep cold until reaching your picnic locale.

French Onion Dip

Recipe by Andis Wines*, 11000 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, 209-245-6177, andiswines.com

• 3 tbsp. olive oil • 1 lb. sweet yellow onions, diced • 3 fresh lemon thyme sprigs • 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided • 1 1/2 cups sour cream • 3/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder • 1/4 tsp. white pepper (freshly ground) • Assorted fresh or blanched vegetables (mini peppers, carrots, radishes, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, etc.)

Place the oil, onions, lemon thyme sprigs, and half the salt in a 10-inch sauté pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 15 minutes. Place the remaining ingredients and the remaining salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the cooled onions and stir to combine.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and stir again before serving. Serve with assorted fresh or blanched vegetables, pitas, or crackers. Note: Dip can be made up to one day ahead of time to let flavors meld.

Chopped Salad

Recipe by Vaiano Trattoria, 7160 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, 916- 780-0888, vaianotrattoria.com

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped • 10 thin slices provolone, chopped • 12 thin slices of salami, chopped • 1/2 can garbanzo beans, rinsed • 1/2 can black olives, sliced

Italian Dressing

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 3 tbsp. lemon juice • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning • 1 tsp. sugar • 1 tsp. mustard • 1 cup olive oil Whisk all dressing ingredients together thru mustard, and then add oil. Mix salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with dressing.

OTHER PICNIC ESSENTIALS…

Sunscreen Bug spray Baby wipes Trash bag Plates, utensils, napkins Paring knife Something to do (Frisbee, football, kite, deck of cards, etc.)

*Adapted from altonbrown.com/ onion-dip-recipe-from-scratch

Gear&Gadgets

BY ALESANDRA VELEZ & MEGAN WISKUS Don’t show up empty-handed! The following products are functional, fashionable, and delicious, ensuring your next picnic will go off without a hitch.

True Sommelier Waiter’s Corkscrew, $6.99, Cici’s Handmade Italian Vanilla Sprinkle Cookies, $11.99, and Underwood “The Bubbles” and “Rosé,” $6.48 each, at Fork Lift, 3333 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, 530-6729090, forkliftgrocery.com

Monet Mini Original

Water Crackers, $3.99, and Line 39 Pinot Noir, $9.99, at Whole Foods Market, 270 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-984-8500; 1001 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-781-5300, wholefoodsmarket.com

Picnic Time Kabrio Wine

Basket, $90 at Bag King, 230 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1217, Folsom, 916923-9530, bagking.com

Roundie Turkish Beach Towel, $75, and Square Pine Charcuterie Board, $95, at Brass + Oak, 320 Main Street, Placerville, 530-497-5529, brassandoakhome.com

Dalmatia Tangerine Spread, $4.99, and Supreme Brie, $8, at Nugget Markets, 771 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, 916-746-7799; 4500 Post Street, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-1433, nuggetmarket.com

Sun’s out buns out! We mean the doughy kind. Looking for the perfect picnic food? Look no further than the simple sandwich—it’s compact AND packed with flavor. Take a bite out of some of our favorites below. THE LISTHot Stellar Sandwiches | eat & drink || By Tara Mendanha and Tara Harbert // Photos by Dante Fontana

Sometimes simple is best, especially when dining al fresco, which is why our pick of the Chicken Panini at Bennett’s Kitchen Bar Market in Roseville makes total sense. This dainty sandwich offers a sweet and salty medley of tender chicken, apples, Brie, and caramelized onions on sourdough bread. The flavors are light on the palate and on the stomach— leaving you satisfied and ready to take on the day. bennettskitchen.com

You know that Coffee Republic in Folsom is famed for their sandwiches, so it comes as no surprise that they’re on this list. Their Pesto Turkey Melt is perfect for this weather—not too heavy and just indulgent enough. Wrapped in their heavenly focaccia bread, ample turkey and bacon are paired with tomatoes, red onions, Swiss cheese, and a house-made pesto that’s par excellence. coffeerepublicfolsom.com

Who doesn’t love a good Pastrami sandwich? It’s packed with one of the yummiest meats and is pretty portable. Lucille’s Coffee, Hops & Vine in Folsom makes a mean one with plenty of meat that’s held together with peppery horseradish, white cheddar cheese, pickled onions, and a creamy dijonnaise on toasted rye sourdough. lucillescoffeehopsvine.com

Timmy’s Brown Bag Café in Placerville makes their food an experience. With a menu that changes daily, you never know what you’ll find. What we can guarantee are combinations you won’t forget like the Cajun Fettuccine Alfredo, featuring a Texas kielbasa in alfredo sauce, buttered bay shrimp with fettuccine, parmesan crisps, kewpie mayo arugula, and a sweet Jamaican Pickapeppa sauce on a ciabatta roll.

timmysbrownbag.com

A BLT is always a tried-and-true crowd favorite. So when we heard that Farmer’s Delicateessen and Bakery in Cameron Park serves it on their house-made rosemary focaccia, we had to tell you about it. Along with their bread upgrade on this traditional sandwich, it’s stacked with fresh lettuce and tomato, mayo, and two layers of applewood-smoked bacon. This BLT is truly GR8.

farmersdeli.net

HBEST FOOD AND DRINKH

AMERICAN

Celebrating our 13th year in business, Heyday Café has been voted Best Overall Restaurant, Best Salad Place, Best Casual Restaurant, and Best Wine Bar! Heyday Café presents fresh California cuisine with international influences. Lunch 7 days and dinner 6 nights a week. Pouring over 40 wines! Reservations are encouraged.

AMERICAN

The Independent presents an outstanding American fusion menu and a top-tier full bar. The scratch kitchen uses only the freshest, finest ingredients creating exceptional grill and seafood entrées. The bar prides itself on artisanal cocktails, freshsqueezed juices, and house-made mixers. Beautiful outdoor patio!

Heyday Café

325 Main Street Placerville 530-626-9700 heydaycafe.com

The Independent Restaurant and Bar

629 Main Street, Placerville 530-344-7645 independentplacerville.com

AMERICAN

Great food and drink meet at Bricks! Gourmet crafted burgers, satisfying salads and hearty dishes will delight all appetites! Bring friends and family to dine in our uniquely casual atmosphere, or relax at the bar with a cocktail and a savory appetizer.

Bricks Eats & Drinks

482 Main Street Placerville 530-303-3480 bricksonmainstreet.com

AMERICAN

Daily: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Bennett’s is the place to be. Whether you’re the traditional meat and potatoes connoisseur to the ultimate health-conscious, low carb, gluten-free vegan aficionado— Bennett’s has you covered.

BENNETT'S • kitchen • bar • market

1595 Eureka Rd. Roseville 916-750-5150 bennettskitchen.com

ITALIAN

italian cuisine

A restaurant dedicated to bringing the flavors of Tuscany to our dining room. Named after the Italian hometown of 2 of our founding partners, we offer traditional cuisine of the Tuscany region, as well as other recipes popular all over Italy – simple dishes made to order with the freshest of ingredients, and always created and served with pride.

Vaiano Trattoria

7160 Douglas Blvd. Granite Bay 916-780-0888 vaianotrattoria.com

AMERICAN

Land Ocean offers distinctive menus that include hand-cut steaks, wood-fired rotisserie, fresh seafood, and delectable desserts. Showcasing a cozy bar with handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine. Upscale, yet casual in a lively atmosphere.

Land Ocean New American Grill

2720 E Bidwell St. | Folsom 1151 Galleria Blvd #241 | Roseville 916-983-7000 | 916-407-5640 landoceanrestaurants.com

AMERICAN SPORTS BAR & GRILL

your neighborhood bar & grill

Casual neighborhood bar and grill specializing in craft beers. Featuring over 20 beers on tap, great wine list & a full bar. 12 big screen TV’s for all your sports. MLB, NFL, NBA packages so you can watch all of the games. Happy hour–3-6pm M-F.

Folsom Tap House

25005 Blue Ravine Rd., Ste. #140 Folsom 916-292-5711 folsomtaphouse.com

ITALIAN

Best Italian Restaurant in El Dorado County- voted #1 for eleven straight years! Our old world family recipes are sure to delight. We invite you to enjoy an Italian family style feast or a romantic night out at Papa Gianni’s... your destination for an authentic Italian meal. Buon Appetito!

Papa Gianni's Ristorante

3450 Palmer Dr., Suite 1 Cameron Park 530-672-2333 papagiannis.net

DESSERTS

Icing on the Cupcake offers a wide variety of cupcake flavors, including gluten-free and vegan options that are available every day at our three retail locations. We also offer other sweet treats, baked fresh daily including brownies, pies, and cookie sandwiches using the finest quality ingredients.

Icing on the Cupcake

3 locations to serve you

Rocklin. Folsom Palladio. Sacramento 916-303-4333 icingonthecupcake.com

FRENCH

Combining the flavors of France and the Mediterranean regions with an emphasis on quality, seasonal, and fresh locally grown ingredients. The perfect location for private dining, special events, wedding celebrations, and corporate dinners/ presentations.

La Provence Restaurant & Terrace

110 Diamond Creek Place Roseville 916-789-2002 laprovenceroseville.com

WINERY/BISTRO

Wise Villa Winery is the only winery in Placer County to feature a full dining experience in our Tuscanstyle bistro. We use only the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients that are hand crafted to perfectly pair with our award-winning wines.

Wise Villa Winery

4200 Wise Rd. Lincoln 916-543-0323 wisevillawinery.com

MEXICAN

Cascada is your Main Street Placerville destination for the finest Mexican cuisine and best cocktails. Stop by and take in the Bell Tower views while enjoying an authentic south-of-the-border delight and a handcrafted cocktail! See why we are consistently voted a favorite by Style readers.

Cascada Restaurant & Cantina

384 Main Street Placerville 530-344-7757 cascadainplacerville.com

PIZZA

Voted best pizza and sports bar, Wally’s Pizza Bar is a full service restaurant featuring gourmet pizza, pasta, and salads. With our amazing recipes combined with our sports bar concept we’ve brought new life to Cameron Park. We look forward to seeing you soon at Wally’s Pizza Bar!

Wally's Pizza Bar

4079 Cameron Park Ln. Cameron Park 530-677-5205 wallyspizzabar.com

ITALIAN

At Visconti’s Ristorante, we’re honored to cook for you as we cook for our own family and we are proud to use only the freshest ingredients and imported meat, cheese, and wine. We welcome you and look forward to serving you!

Visconti’s Ristorante

2700 E. Bidwell St., Ste. 700 Folsom 916-983-5181 viscontisristorante.com

JAPANESE/SUSHI

Since 1987, the award-winning Mikuni restaurants have blended traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi with American innovation. Casual dining in a loud, energetic atmosphere. The menu features fresh, healthy seafood with a generous menu for two option, an extensive happy hour, and full bar.

Mikuni Sushi

4 Area Locations www.mikunisushi.com

CANDY STORE/CONFECTIONER

A Family of Candy Makers since 1963. With 3 generations of candy makers, Snooks continues the tradition of producing the finest freshly made confections on site in Historic Folsom. Come visit us or shop online!

Snooks Chocolate Factory

731 Sutter Street Historic Folsom 916-985-0620 snookscandies.com