By Caroline Dalton By Caroline Dalton | April 4, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide,
It's finally spring! Pack your picnic basket with the finest specialty bites from these local shops.
Curate the perfect Italian picnic with goodies from Di Bruno Bros.
Ardmore Farmers Market
Please everyone at your outdoor fete with snacks and sips from Ardmore Farmers Market in Suburban Square. From remarkable Mediterranean cuisine at Tabouli to exquisite Asian food from Aziatisch, freshly squeezed made-to-order juices by Ardmore Produce and Italian goods from the iconic Di Bruno Bros., you can’t go wrong. Finish off with a sweet treat from The Ultimate Bake Shoppe. 120 Coulter Ave., Ardmore, 484.416.3311, suburbansquare.com
Bacchus Market & Catering
Since opening its doors in 1999, Bacchus Market & Catering has established itself as a Philadelphia favorite for inspired, fresh bites. Owner Tracey Wolfson is committed to serving the best of the best, from sandwiches to salads and sides. Beyond the weekly curated menu, Wolfson also stocks staple picnic items like Old Amsterdam Gouda, Stonewall Kitchen crackers and dips, as well as sips to quench your thirst. 2300 Spruce St., 215.545.6656, bacchusmarket.com
Biederman’s weekend brunch board.
Biederman’s
A taste of New York is never far away thanks to Biederman’s in Bella Vista. The classic Jewish deli serves up everything one needs for Sunday morning alfresco dining, such as a variety of smoked fish, caviars, spreads and freshly baked bagels and breads. Elevate your foodie gettogether with its signature brunch board: handsliced smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese, pickled onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, capers and, of course, dessert. 824 Christian St., 215.392.9229, biedermansphilly.com
A large grazing box by Charcuterie Chic
Charcuterie Chic
Combining their passions for food and fashion in 2020, co-owners Sarah Frank and Farah Farag curated an extravagant charcuterie experience for Greater Philly and South Jersey locals. Whether you’re feeding two or 20, Charcuterie Chic creates a gorgeous custom assortment of specialty cheeses, meats, fresh fruits, crackers and jams. Elevate your board with a bottle of bubbly, or request vegetarian and vegan selections. charcuteriechic.com
Claudio Specialty Food
From classic Italian bites to imported meats and cheeses or any other Mediterranean delicacy, Claudio Specialty Food has it all. Step through the Ninth Street entrance and sample tasty flavors like the popular 1-pound Claudio bocconcini—an extra-aged provolone imported from Italy—or the hot soppressata. To top off your spread, add an array of olives imported from all over Europe. 924-26 S. Ninth St., 215.627.1873, claudiofood.com
Di Bruno Bros.
From Rittenhouse to Wayne, this city staple can stock your basket with everything one could desire: Think delectable sandwiches, fresh-baked bread and pastries, decadent caviar, smoked fish, savory cheeses and tasty accouterments. Our favorite flavor pairing? The award-winning Prufrock cheese with apricot butter on a warm fresh baguette. Multiple locations, 215.599.1363, dibruno.com
Downtown Cheese
After a visit to Downtown Cheese, your guests will think they’ve died and gone to charcuterie heaven. Walk along the counter and let the staff guide you through their vast selection of artisanal cheeses, and be sure to ask for samples. Once you’ve handpicked a few favorites, finish off your spread with gourmet cured meats, fresh Dalmatia spreads and Bello Rustico crostini—all you’ll be missing is your checkered blanket. Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St., 215.922.2317, readingterminalmarket.org
Salt & Vinegar
Taste Philly’s latest flavors with snacks, sips and more from local vendors. Prioritizing selections from women-, minority- and immigrant-owned businesses, Salt & Vinegar offers a variety of healthy grab-and-go options like salads from goodbeet, gluten-free baked goods from Flakely and snacks like Nordic crisps by Hungry Bird Eats. For a finishing, instagrammable touch, pick up a fresh flower bouquet by Myrtle & Magnolia. 905 Christian St., salt-and-vinegar.com
Burrata from Talluto’s is never a bad idea.
Talluto’s
Although your neighborhood park is not quite the Italian countryside, with a few bites from Talluto’s, Philly will taste like Tuscany. High-quality cheeses like its homemade burrata and classic cured meats serve as the perfect base, while handmade taralli completes the perfect Italian alfresco cheese board. Multiple locations, 215.627.4967, tallutos.com
Venditore
Pop over to Venditore on Walnut Street to secure all your favorites. The aroma of locally made fresh breads is sure to pull you through the door, but it’s the carefully crafted sandwiches and wraps that will keep you coming back. Complete your picnic with a fresh cold-pressed juice, like the green Sunday Funday Detox. 1845 Walnut St., 215.660.9343
Photography by: COURTESY OF @DIBRUNOBROS; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND