PhillyFoodGuys: Hittin’ the Streets for Underground Eats

Let’s talk about throwing a party. A formal party, the kind with lovely printed invitations and an RSVP date. Clearly, this event is going to require more than Chex Mix and soft pretzels.

The party I speak of was a co-ed baby shower for 30 people. People from New York City, who are used to great food and who probably expect great food.And of course I know how to make Jell-O salad and use one of those gun-like thingys that squirts out liquid cheese into little patterns on Ritz Crackers. I don’t have much time for that, what with my golf lessons, busy work schedule and parlole officer visits.

Catering to the rescue!

Picnic, at 3131 Walnut Street, is a wonderful little carry-out and catering outfit near Penn’s Class of 1923 Ice Skating Rink and the Left Bank Apartments. I love their turkey meatloaf and take-out sandwiches so they were a natural choice for my first foray into party catering.

The menu I chose: two kinds of lasagne - Green & White and Mexican Chicken. The Green & White was a huge hit with the guests. It was full of fresh vegetables (asparagus, peas, broccoli, zucchini) along with traditional ricotta (herbed) and Mozzarella cheese. The Mexican Chicken was a nice complement - tomato-based and slightly spicy. As for the side dishes, I chose the Green Beans with Shallots and Dill and the Greek Spinich Salad.

Everything was just as the name “Picnic” implies - simple, fresh and just plain good. Even better, my food arrived at my door, temperature-appropriate (hot or cold) and right on time, just as I’d arranged with the chef, Anne-Marie Lasher, who used to direct the kitchen at Fork.

So if you are in the area and are looking for a great lunch-time retreat or are considering a catered party, I highly recommend Picnic. It’s just that simple.

Picnic
3131 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-222-1608

TAGS: Philadelphia, University City, American Food, Picnic, Party Catering