Spirit of the Moment Picnics
by Sue Zelickson, Tastemaker in Residence
A picnic adds a wonderful breath of fresh air and ambiance to any meal. So find a table or a flat spot on the ground and spread out your favorite table cloth. Although you can create an indoor picnic, the frame of reference that comes to mind always seems to link picnic to food that's eaten on an blanket outside, or on a porch or patio. Find a cool spot under a big shade tree and go for it!
Memories of woven baskets and coolers filled with cold fried chicken, chilled potato salad (so no salmonella strains evolve), cole slaw, pickles, radishes, carrots, sliced tomatoes, fresh squeezed lemonade with fresh mint leaves and of course lots homemade chocolate brownies and chocolate chip cookies. (always bring lots of ice)
If an outing is more appealing than your backyard head for the lakes, parks or even the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN; (Chaska is home to the upcoming Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course). The recently added Harrison Sculpture Garden provides the perfect setting to picnic amongst 3 acres of rolling hills where Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison donated 23 of their magnificent 20th and 21st century international art collection; these powerful works of art will be on permanent display thoughout all our Minnesota seasons.
Set up your picnic spot between the trees and sculptures under the bright blue sky; sounds pretty romantic doesn't it! You might change the menu up a bit for a more romantic flair by packing up some Champagne, wine or beer along with pate', cheeses, French bread, grapes and chocolates. Bring along your iTunes and maybe a few games or good books; or just take in these amazing works of art, the views and the fresh air. Who could ask for anything more?
For directions and information call the MN Landscape Arboretum at 952 443 1400 or click here.