DINING

RESTAURANTS: Pampered Picnics


For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/15/08

It's concert season, with musical performances popping up on town squares and greens around the metro area. Half the fun is bringing along a picnic. But let some of these experts do the work: All you have to do is pick it up.

The New Yorker Deli

This new addition to the Marietta square, and its sister operation in Smyrna, prepares individual boxed lunches that include a full sandwich, side and drink for $9.50. For a crowd, pick a selection from the menu of classic deli sandwiches (including a turkey Reuben) and the cooks will cut them up into quarters for a platter than can feed up to 20. Order the size you want; pricing is $6 per person. For $1 more, add sides such as Caesar or pasta salad.

> Close to: Marietta Square, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

168 Roswell Street, Marietta, 770-424-1402; 4691 S. Atlanta Road, Smyrna, 404-799-8500; www.thenydeli.com

Wildflour

Boxed lunches of gourmet sandwiches are $10 each and come with a side of pasta or potato salad and a cookie. For $14 a person, diners can order customized hot foods to go. Chef Michael Field will create a platter of your choice (maybe pork tenderloin, seafood or chicken in a caper sauce) and package it to go with sides of garlic mashed potatoes, squash and asparagus and a toffee brownie trifle. Utensils and accessories included.

> Close to: Roswell Square

555 S. Atlanta Street, Roswell; 678-822-9453; www.wildflouratlanta.com

Alon's

This smorgasbord of a market has several prepared food sections where you can assemble a feast to go. Pick up a half rotisserie chicken with two sides for $6.99, or order a platter of hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches, veggies, fruit or salads. Other delectables include mini goat cheese bruschettas and artisan cheese boards. The store also stocks individual desserts, chocolates and wines to round out your picnic.

> CLOSE TO: Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 678-397-1781 1394 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta; 404-872-6000; www.alons.com

Muss & Turner's

Go from simple to sublime, starting with an M&T sandwich with a side, brownie or cookie. Order an array of small plates to nibble, such as duck confit or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, or a platter of cured meats, cheeses, olives and bread. Another option is the spread of five deli salads (maybe shrimp, pasta or roasted beet) that comes with bread and pastries. Go all-out with any entree from the dinner menu that changes monthly. Whatever your choice, try the M&T special: one of their coolers for $29.93, packed with your selections at a 10 percent discount. And every time you bring it back for a refill, you get the same discount.

> Close to: Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Chastain Park

1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna; 770-434-1114 www.mussandturners.com

Fancy Pantry

Keep it simple with a boxed sandwich, $8.25-$8.95. Selections include roast beef and cheddar; tuna walnut salad; or a Thai Cobb salad, with vegetarian options, too. A side salad and dessert come in each boxes. The Pantry chefs also prepare to-go dinners with appetizers, desserts and entrees, such as grilled chicken and salmon, beef tenderloin or herb-crusted chicken. Prices range from $20.95 to $24.95 a person with a six-person minimum.

> Close to: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (tailgating only)

10595 Old Alabama Connector Road, Alpharetta; 770-650-6544; www.fancypantry.com

Blue Rooster Cafe

This cafe and bakery in the old part of town puts together "blue ribbon boxed lunches" for $8.95. Order your favorite deli sandwich or one stuffed with the restaurant's signature chicken salad. Sides include fruit, pasta or potato salad, coleslaw or chips, with a brownie or cookie for dessert.

> Close to: Lilburn City Park (home of Movie in the Park)

107 Main Street, Lilburn; 770-931-2445

Vote for this story!


Kudzu Services » Find the right people for the job