4th of July picnicking picks

When Terry was growing up, every holiday was an excuse for the whole family to have a picnic in the park. It was an all-day affair that included huge amounts of food brought potluck-style and a mélange of pre-Frisbee sports.

For Terry’s family, the meal was always her mom’s fried chicken, grandma’s spicy chili, Molly’s potato salad, Bea’s mushroom soup/green-bean casserole, Aunt Dubby’s chocolate cake and watermelon ? plus chopped liver, deviled eggs, potato chips, onion dip, fruit and cookies. On the Fourth of July, she got to stay up late to watch the fireworks display across the lake.

There are several theories about the origin of the word “picnic.” We prefer the idea that it derives from the French pique-nique meaning “nothing much.” The first picnics were the province of the wealthy; elaborate movable feasts that took place out-of-doors. They were excursions to a spot in the country where each person contributed a share of the provisions and entertainment, or someone “gave” a picnic.

Now it transcends class and is “ ? a celebration of the human spirit and cultural diversity.”

In a few days from now in Heisler Park, people will be eating everything from shish kebabs to sushi and stuffed tortillas to sandwiches. As the sun sets, they will all become childlike with wonder as the sky lights up with color.

Fireworks originated in China 2000 years ago. The story goes that a Chinese cook accidentally combined three common kitchen ingredients: salt peter, sulfur and charcoal and then lit the mixture, which produced colorful flames. He also noticed that if it was burned in the enclosed hollow of a bamboo shoot, there was a tremendous explosion.

The first application of this technology was for entertainment, but gradually the idea took root that this noise was perfect for chasing away evil spirits and so was used to celebrate weddings, victories and religious ceremonies. Legend has it that it was Marco Polo who brought this marvelous new invention to the West.

Fireworks and picnics never lose their appeal, as evidenced by the enormous numbers of people who pack their baskets and our beaches.

Unfortunately, someone has to cook all that food ? or maybe not! Takeout food is available these days in all supermarkets and many restaurants. However, there are a few places in town that offer selections of a higher quality, which are especially delicious.

We must confess to being somewhat prejudiced, since one of them is A La Carte. Having owned it for 20 years, we were delighted that the recent change of ownership has resulted in the return of a superior product.

Their picnic menu features entrées with two side dishes or a sandwich combination that includes one side dish, fruit salad and a cookie. The entrée selections can save you the trouble of barbecuing. Choose from chicken, beef, ribs, kebabs and sausages, in a variety of sauces from chili-lime to teriyaki to traditional American, just to mention a few.

The 20 side dishes include these interesting salads: spicy noodles in peanut sauce, tomato basil goat cheese salad, pasta provençal, Cajun potato salad and roasted vegetables. Some of the best sandwiches in town are available here as well.

Try the Cajun fried chicken or, if you’re brave enough, the really spicy rajun’ Cajun. Baja chicken is another highly seasoned winner. Meat eaters can chow down on prime rib, top sirloin, roast beef or meatloaf. Vegetarians can get a great eggplant sandwich with ricotta cheese, roasted peppers and Caesar dressing. A selection of easy-to-eat bar-type desserts and cookies make a mouth-watering finish. How about a chocolate espresso brownie or a crème brulée cheese bar?

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike have been feasting at Café Zinc for about 18 years and the food has always been fresh and tasty. Now their menu is even more extensive and includes a selection of artisanal cheeses as well as appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wonderful breads and desserts, all available for takeout.

You could start with a selection of olives, some marinated goat cheese and garlic knots or guacamole and salsa. If you are feeding a crowd, the pesto cheese torta can be ordered to serve six, 15 or 25. From the salad menu there is artichoke pasta with pine nuts and sundried tomatoes as well as curried cauliflower, southwest corn and bean, spicy Thai tofu, Asian coleslaw and Beluga lentil curry salad.

In the sandwich department, the Brie and arugula or the mixed vegetable on La Brea rustique bread with fennel, tapenade, aioli and hard-boiled egg will tantalize your tastebuds.

Also tasty is the Mediterranean-on-rye with house-roasted tomatoes, pesto, smoked gouda and arugula. Another way to go would be to choose from their wonderful cheese selection and combine it with a few choices from the best breads in town.

Top off your picnic with some cookies like chocolate-chip coconut, snickerdoodles or pecan with lemon glaze. If you are serving 10 or more, you can order a crudité basket as well as cheese, sandwich or fruit platters.

Last but not least, Laguna Culinary Arts Cheese and Wine Shop in the canyon is the perfect place for those who shop for their wine first. They have an excellent selection of reasonably priced bottles and their staff will gladly make recommendations for pairings with food. They also have a beautiful array of cheeses, olives, paté’s, dry-cured meats and Italian-style salamis. Plus, you can pick up their fresh-baked baguettes.

In order to avoid disappointment as well as the crowds on July 4th, don’t forget to order in advance.