under a leafless tree
Oh, Chicago. Forgive me. Just one post ago, I doubted you. I questioned why I put up with your snow, your rain, your biting wind. And, gently but surely, you showed me. You showed me that the sky that hangs over this skyscrapered city is not always low and surly and gray—that, instead, it can spread bright and high, like a brilliant blue canopy. You reminded me that the wind, once whipping, can mellow, becoming a gentle, warm breeze. After months of buttoning up, you got me to take off my coat. You let me eat dinner al fresco, wriggling my sandaled toes beneath the table. And you did all this in the span of one spring Friday by delivering sunshine and eighty degrees. Well played, Chicago.
You know what this means, though, right? I’m going to want more. I’m greedy that way.
I’m already daydreaming about gardening and marketing and barbecuing and general sun-basking—occupations that are best saved until June. But, for this weekend at least, I can pretend. A key portion of my plan to stage a make-believe summer weekend is this: a picnic. I’m envisioning a checked blanket spread out in lush green grass, under a giant, leafy oak tree. Being April, I suppose a leafless tree will do. Perhaps we can find one that’s sporting tiny green buds.
On the blanket, between Kevin and me, will be a spread fit for grazing and lazing: a sandwich, or two; a salad, of some sort; something crunchy and pickled; something sweet and bite-sized. Perhaps we’ll tote a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, too. To toast our beloved Chicago, of course.
Picnic Lunch Menu
Roasted Vegetable Sandwich with Goat Cheese
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Tomato, Mozzarella & Salami Pasta Salad
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Crisp, Pickled Vegetables
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Chocolate-Almond Butter Bars
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Sparkling Wine
11 comments so far. »
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How I love Chicago (I am from the Midwest). Your picnic recipe sounds wonderful and I am so jealous of your warm weather (my mom keeps calling to rub it in). I really love your menu posts and I can’t wait to see what is next!
Have a wonderful time!
This looks amazing. I love how you combine your stories with your foodie adventures. Your blog also has an incredible sense of place…and your writing is great too!
All around good site you have here.
I’ve lived in Chicago but currently live in San Diego. I’m thankful for both places! Thankful for your recipes too.
Awesome photos, Kris! Thanks again for everything these past (2!) weeks!
aaaaaaand it’s back to being a bitch of a city today. =)
Too bad the rest of the weekend went to crap. I got in a long run on Saturday morning thankfully before the ran.
The picnic looks amazing,as does the skyline.We also had some welcomed warmth in Minneapolis, but the farmers market required gloves!Enjoy the spring and we can’t wait to see more incredible food.Love,MOM
YEAH! Fellow Chicagoan reminded of the glorious things our city has to offer…. when she behaves. I have billed the coming months the “Summer of Fun!” This picnic will be added to me to-do list.
Ive never been to Chicago except passing through the airport! Loved your pics!!!
Megan: Thanks so much!
noble pig: Thanks! (And, we did.)
Half Assed Kitchen: Made my day. Thank you.
Kristen: Two great cities to have under your belt!
Ali: Why thank you! Come back soon, please.
kelly & Whitney: Honestly. The. Worst. Can’t even talk about it.
mom: Thanks! And, I bet the farmers’ market was worth it!
Caroline: Oh, she was so not behaving last weekend, was she? Sigh. Soon enough.
Jennifer: Oh, you must visit! Maybe give it till June though …
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