We’ve settled into summertime and although things aren’t exactly business as usual, the fact that more takeout options than ever are popping up during picnic season is a pretty nice perk. Here are a few recommendations for great summer eats around the country.
Calgary
Alforno Bakery & Café in Eau Claire
Despite its name containing the words bakery and café (which, to be fair, it also is), Alforno is a great place to pick up pizza or pasta (like the regular favourite bucatini carbonara) with a bottle of wine before walking shortly to Eau Claire Park for a perfectly delicious evening outdoors.
Montréal
Palme in the Village
This West Indian neighbourhood favourite has come up with a BBQ picnic kit for 4 people. Just order the previous day and pick it up right before heading over to your choice of outdoor dining room! A few steps from Charles S. Campbell Park, they’ve also got a pretty extensive menu of tropically-inspired fare for a more spontaneous outing.
Winnipeg
King + Bannatyne in the Exchange District
This self-described premium sandwich shop will have you drooling over their homemade brisket, thick-cut pork belly, and braised jack fruit sammies. A short walk from Stephen Juba Park, grab one of the best on-the-go meals you’ll ever have and enjoy it near the water!
Khao House in West Broadway
This Laotian restaurant offers an eye-popping menu of Asian comfort food, like their noodle and cheese bowl, or deep-fried cauliflower bites. Perfectly located right between Memorial Provincial Park and Vimy Ridge Park, you can alternate between these two open-air lunch spots every time you get a craving for a steamed bun or pulled pork ramen.
Vancouver
Boulevard Provisions, Downtown
Boulevard Provisions is a recently launched, self-described safe, sanitary and socially distant takeout service. This not only means provision packs, but also some pretty impressive prepared meals (meatloaf! curry! casserole!). This one might call for a closer to home outdoor spot, since most of their meals need to be reheated before serving. And if you weren’t already on board, they also have happy hour kits containing cocktail ingredients and instructions.
The Acorn in Riley Park
This already beloved restaurant recently launched The Acorn Market to provide a takeout option for plant-based meals and local wines and beers. From snacks (grab them before walking over to nearby Prince Edward Park) to ready-to-heat meals and organic farm-direct ingredients, the Market’s selection changes as different products become available. Ready for more? They’ve recently opened a curbside patio where you can enjoy their tried-and-true à la carte menu.
We hope you’re all doing well, and that you’ll get to enjoy as many tasty picnics as possible! Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to pick up our order.
