To celebrate the easing of restrictions, turn a humble picnic into an event with a hamper from some of the city’s best restaurants. Here are five of our favourites.
Chef Scott Pickett knows what we want to eat, whether that’s at one of his restaurants or for takeaway. He’s put together a luxe picnic spread for two people, $70, which includes a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, duck rillette, smoked chicken and chive sandwiches, potato salad, puffed veal crackers, lavosh, baguette, raisin pear chutney, quince paste, pickles and a selection of fruit; matilda159.com/brunch-at-matilda.
You expect a cheese shop to put together a fantastic cheese plate and the Victorian cheese platter for two, from $45, doesn’t disappoint. You’ve got three local beauties, including Brigid’s Well Holy Goat Organic and Berry’s Creek Riverine Blue, plus honeycomb from the Apiarist in Woodend, a selection of fresh and dried local fruit and water crackers. There’s also the option to add matching wine. Click and collect from Prahran Market or delivery within 15km; makerandmonger.com.au.
Kings Domain Park is just across the road from Maison Entrecôte, so it makes sense they’re doing a hamper with French flair. The Parisian pique-nique boxes for two, $94.90, include the usual suspects plus petit French quiche Lorraine, chicken and tarragon terrine, rare-roasted Cape Grim porterhouse, chocolate opera tart and lots more. There’s also a vegetarian version. To really upscale your picnic, you can also hire the restaurant’s French café tables, bistro chairs and even pentaque sets. Order 24 hours in advance at order.hungryhungry.com/entrecote/menu
If you’ve been missing Earl Canteen’s epic sandwiches, you’re going to love their picnic share platter. As well as brie and prosciutto, it comes with mini classic chicken sandwiches, seasonal veggie tartlets, corn, herb and zucchini fritters, plus berry friands and triple choc brownies. It feeds two to four people, depending on whether you’re grazing or gorging, for $60. There’s also a vegetarian version. Pick up from a store or get it delivered; earlcanteen.foodstorm.com.
Those who’ve been craving really good sushi will want to treat themselves to the real deal. These picnic boxes by Komeyui are beautifully presented and taste as good as they look. There’s the delicate Temari Sushi Box, $55, and the Appetiser and Omusubi Box, $98, which is all about delectable Japanese snacks such as tempura and edamame. Or go the whole hog and get both boxes for $153. Pick up from the restaurant or pre-order for delivery; komeyui.shop.
