Picnic Perfection

Picnic perfection There's nothing quite like alfresco dining at a picnic in the park, at the beach, in the garden or poolside in the great outdoors. While picnic fare can range from easy to elaborate, it's best to keep it simple, advises Sara Deseran, author of the recently released ``Picnics: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining'' (Chronicle Books; $14.95) with 45 contemporary recipes for salads, sandwiches, main dishes, desserts and drinks. ``There's something about abandoning the formalities of the dining room and taking it outdoors that just makes food taste better,'' she says, adding that ``one of the joys of picnicking is that there are no hard rules.'' Rely on takeout establishments or supermarket delis for sandwiches, salads or deli meats, cheeses, breads and the like that travel well and are attractive as well as easy to pack, serve and eat. For something different for Memorial Day and beyond, opt for an ethnic menu. Stop by a Middle Eastern market or takeout restaurant (Zankou Chicken, Tarzana Armenian Grocery & Deli and Carnival are good bets) for assorted mezze (appetizers) like baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, falafel, etc.; assorted sandwich rolls (in pita bread) or whole or half chickens or shawarma; and assorted salads like tabbouleh. Or how about trying a Mexican fiesta-style picnic with all the trimmings? Simply pick up everything at Vallarta Supermarkets and head to the park or beach with a small barbecue grill for cooking the ranchera steak and fresh corn-on-the cob. Serve with warm tortillas (heat in foil on the grill), guacamole, refried beans and plenty of salsa. Don't forget watermelon and fresh strawberries for dessert and, of course, frosty-cold Mexican beer and soft drinks as desired. For more sophisticated fare, pick up prepared picnic baskets from a restaurant like BG To Go Cafe in Studio City. Six menu options are available (featuring chicken, filet mignon, etc.), ranging in price from $19.95 to $33.50 per person. Everything you'll need is included, excluding wine and other drinks, plastic wine and drink glasses, blankets, tablecloths, etc. The most popular basket, according to Carolyn Pappas, owner of the cafe and Bistro Garden restaurant next door, is the cold poached salmon selection. Tote a citronella candle to keep bugs away, along with a plastic tray to act as a mini-table. Don't forget a corkscrew (or a Swiss army knife that has one) if you plan to serve wine. Be sure to take plenty of bottled water, too, and clean-up items like garbage bags, moist towelettes, paper towels and food storage bags. If you want to whip up some of the picnic dishes yourself, there are plenty of ways to raise the bar and create memorable picnics, says Deseran. Liven things up and have more fun by thinking beyond the usual hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, sodas or sandwiches. Opt for fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil on focaccia or roasted pork loin with sliced fennel, sliced apples and grainy mustard, she advises. A homemade sweet roasted pepper relish can turn grilled sausages into something special. Think beyond potato salad and coleslaw, too. A chopped spring salad with asparagus pieces, fresh peas, cucumber and avocado is one of Deseran's favorite offerings, as is a green bean salad with an almond butter-ginger dressing. For desserts, she suggests an English berry pudding, a lemon and creme fraiche loaf cake or nectarine tarts, all easily transported. In the drink department, offer honey-ginger lemonade or watermelon-lime agua fresca. Pack according to the site. For beach or lawn picnics you'll need large straw mats, a tarp or large piece of plastic (to prevent moisture from seeping through) or plastic-lined blankets, towels, folding chairs and such. Jazz up the festivities with colorful and sturdy acrylic and plastic plates and utensils from places like Target, Wal-Mart stores, grocery and drugstores. Just before leaving home, pack the food in the order it will be eaten to keep it cool until needed, advises Deseran. Use a cooler (some of the newest ones have wheels), basket or insulted bag with ice or frozen gel packs. Pack hot and cold foods separately _ and don't leave food out more than two hours. When it comes to picnic wines, Deseran notes that easy-drinking choices like sauvignon blanc, pinot blanc, drier rieslings, pinot grigio and quality roses tend to be more food- and hot-weather friendly than other wines. Search Picnic Supplies