Pack a Perfect Picnic
By Jennifer Olvera, Contributor
From Filipino barbecue on a stick to high-end cheese, here's where to stock up for that perfect picnic on the beach or park near your 'hood.
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Pasticceria Natalina
5406 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Skip the savories: Sweet tooths will find their match at this quaint Sicilian pastry shop that's frequented for its dried, candied fruit peels, infused rice pudding and pizzelles--not to mention decadent, custard-filled pastries. Load up, then walk off the calories (at least some of them) at nearby Andersonville Park. -
University Market
1323 E 57th St, Chicago, IL
Before scouring the museum campus, check out this fab grocer, which is stocked with packaged eats from some of the city's favorite spots, including Soul Vegetarian's craved carrot salad. But you can also snag custom-made sammies and treats like new potatoes with caviar and creme fraiche. -
Juicy Wine Co.
694 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
This chill wine bar and market, which isn't far from Oak Street Beach, is where hipsters grab great bites on the fly. The gourmet deli downstairs carries a bevy or artisanal cheeses and hand-churned butters--the perfect counterpart to a crusty baguette. -
Uni-Mart / Original Baker's Delight
5845 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
If you're a fan of food on a stick (and live near Montrose Park), there's no better place to grab a bite than at this Filipino grocer in Edgewater, where grilled beef and chicken skewers can be had alongside pancit noodles and meat- and veggie-filled lumpia. -
Southport Grocery and Cafe
3552 N Southport, Chicago, IL
Can't stand waiting for a table (or enduring all the tots) at this perennially packed eatery? Order an impossibly moist scone, addictive cupcake and a grown-up Pop Tart (filled with gooey mascarpone, jam and candied nuts) before sauntering over to neighboring Lincoln Park. Just be sure to you have plenty of napkins on hand. -
August Grocery Store
1500 W Division St, Chicago, IL
Leaf through the cookbooks for dinnertime ideas before setting your sights on grab-and-go items--from chocolate to olive oils--at this small neighborhood store. Stock up on items from the limited (but always enjoyable) prepared menu, seasonal produce or top-notch seafood selections before scarfing it down at Humboldt Park.
