3 Things to Consider Before Your Next Picnic

Summer is the time for picnics and parties and food on the go. Who knows more about food that travels well than Vmeals?

We work with restaurants and caterers who are expert in food delivery – that means more than just putting your order in a "to-go" box. When you take food off premises, there are many things to consider that we think about and discuss with our catering partners to ensure the best outcome.Whether you are hosting a picnic or bringing a dish to a neighborhood block party, here are a few things to consider:

Temperature

Temperature is critical to both the safety as well as the enjoyment of food. When you are planning your menu, ask yourself these questions: Does the food need to be served hot or cold? Will it be served immediately or will it be sitting out for a while? Will you need a chafing dish, grill, or coolers? Will it get soggy, limp or melt? Remember those french fries you brought home in a doggie bag? Not good. Food that travels well can brave the elements for an hour or two without diminishing flavor or texture.

Presentation

Let’s face it, you might be able to put together an impressive and meticulously prepared platter that looks gorgeous, but getting it from kitchen to dining table is not nearly as dangerous as toting it across town in your car. I can't tell you how many disasters and near-disasters I’ve had driving with one hand while trying to keep something from sliding, spilling or tipping with the other hand. (You may recall that’s why I moved my Peaches & Cream Cake from a plate to a bowl.) So consider how your food will be transported. Can it be put in a container with walls and a lid like a hotel pan or Tupperware? Can it be securely wrapped with foil or plastic on a tray so that it doesn’t get smooshed or slide away? Can it withstand a little jostling (or a lot, depending on how you drive)?


Serving

At Vmeals, all of our caterers make sure to bring all necessary set ups – i.e. paper plates, napkins, utensils, serving spoons, etc. There is nothing more frustrating than a rocking potato salad and no spoon to serve it or forks to eat it. (Well, a bottle of wine and no cork screw is pretty dang frustrating, too.) My preference is almost always to go with something that doesn’t require utensils. I love finger food! Not only does it cut down on dishes and clean up, but I like to nibble while I circulate – as long as I’m not circulating too far from the buffet.

One item that fits the bill on all counts are bar cookie or brownies. It is hard to go wrong with those. You could try these Blueberry Crumb Bars (seeing as it is National Blueberry Month) or these Oreo Cream Cheese Brownies (which would no doubt make you the most beloved party guest!).

You could always let Vmeals worry about all the details. Just sayin'.

What do you bring to a party?