A lot of decisions go into crafting the perfect picnic pleasures, so we’re taking the work off your plate. We asked three local foodies to give us their favorite location, their ideal menu and their picnicking tips so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious meal outdoors in Baton Rouge.
SCOTT HIGGINS
Founder, Happy’s Running Club
It’s a sunny Sunday—where are you picnicking in the city?
For me, the best spot is the lawn right behind the Baton Rouge Gallery. And the best part is you can tour the gallery before lounging out. It is always quiet back there with both shaded and open areas. And as an added bonus you get the peaceful roar of the large outdoor fountain.
What do you make sure is in your basket?
It’s all about the spread. Charcuterie, cheese, bread and wine are as good as it gets. I always try to have Bava Brothers Sopressata on hand. It’s made by two brothers in California, and it’s better than anything you will get anywhere. St. James Cheese Company in New Orleans is the best place to pick it up—unfortunately they don’t sell online. Any cheese from Cypress Grove, salami from Creminelli and a simple baguette will round out your snacks. For a bit of sweetness, I like to pick up a jar of Grinning Jupiter Jams—locally made by Ashley Savoy—from Red Stick Spice Company. A French Opinel picnic knife will not only open the wine but cut and spread your snacks for the perfect all-in-one picnic knife. Pack everything in a Tchoup Industries backpack from Noelie Harmon. They are made in New Orleans using upcycled sailcloth.
What are you drinking?
For wine, I am either drinking the Miraval rosé or a Belle Glos Las Alturas pinot noir—both available at Bin Q on Perkins [Road]. If I am in the mood for beer, I’ll take Tin Roof’s Parade Ground Porter, Parish’s Ghost in the Machine or Great Raft’s Commotion.
Scott Higgins’ picks for the perfect picnic spread
HEATHER DAY
Owner, The Red Cake Events
OK, you’re in the mood to picnic—where are you headed?
Ideally, on a perfect day it would be a bike ride from our house to City Park for some playground fun.
What foods make your menu?
I would have some snack packs from Magpie [Café] packed up—a hard-boiled egg, cheese, nuts and fruit. Also, juices from The Big Squeezy. The kids like watermelon, and I’m a grapefruit fan. We’d have to bring some cowgirl cookies made by Gourmet Girls—yum!
If I were lucky enough to have the whole family, including my husband Jason, we would stop at Trader Joe’s or Calandro’s first for a more sophisticated palette of cheese, crackers and grapes. After eating all that at the park, it would be time to head home for a hammock nap.
Do you have a drink of choice?
I’d have to start off with an iced latte from Garden District Coffee for the bike ride. For the picnic, a nice prosecco. It’s a great buy for a sparkling wine. It’s fun to say, and I’m half-Italian!
SHRUTI CHOWDHARY
Marketing consultant
Baton Rouge has a lot of great picnic spots, but what’s your absolute favorite?
Arsenal Park is magical for an afternoon picnic. It’s tucked away behind the Capitol, and hardly anyone goes there. You can rest beneath an ancient oak tree or sneak away to the banks of the lake.
What’s on your packing list?
All you really need is pear jam, Wheat Thins, a good goat Brie—it’s velvety and works perfectly with the jam—and a cozy blanket from Pendleton Woolen Mills.
What pairs well with goat cheese?
For a picnic, definitely white wine. Portuguese Vinho Verde is bubbly and light, and it is always refreshing on a warm afternoon.
