romance under the explosive colors of independence

What better way to celebrate independence day then sharing a blanket and tasty delights under the stars. But then again, July 4th weekend is ripe for many opportunities for food and romance. The perfect set up–a picnic for two. The  time of day is up to you, a lunch time fiesta in the shade, a blanket under under the explosive colors of fireworks, or a serene sunrise on the beach. Whatever your style, the magic will be  there as you revel in each others company while sharing edible delights. Don’t forget to bring a few sparklers

Grab your favorite picnic blanket, a basket equipped with wine glasses, corkscrew, silverware, cloth napkins, salt, pepper and smartly wrapped foods; complimented by your favorite wine. You might want to also bring a small cooler filled with ice for the items that need to stay chilled.

 

I like to keep things simple. Finger foods, prepared foods, even
take-out should all be considered when assembling your tasty treats. And be creative. Do something different. Shower your date with dazzling surprises. Instead of a bottle of wine, try whipping up a couple of martinis beautifully topped with slivers of hand-chipped ice. The possibilities for culinary magic are endless. Below are a few suggestions for the type of picnic you can assemble. If you plan on enjoying a long day or night together, bring fun things you can both do together: scrabble, share your favorite poetry, binoculars for people watching, or the NY Times crossword puzzle.

elegant picnic for two

• martini topped with hand-chipped slivers of ice
• endive leaves with taramasalata, red caviar, topped with a thinly sliced black olive ring
• kalamata olives
• octopus salad with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, with thyme
• chilled strawberry soup (served in the cleaned martini glasses)
• blueberry peach galette

To keep thinks simple, go to your favorite Greek restaurant or market for the taramasalata, octopus (ask them to slice it), and olives.  For a more hearty meal, instead of strawberry soup, you can buy spinach pies.

Japanese elegance

Perhaps you are near a really good Japanese restaurant; think of the
beautiful presentation this food brings. All you need to do is be creative with the colors of your set up. A beautifully patterned or bold colored blanket, red candle holders, plates for the sushi, and a good quality bottle of sake, chilled.

• an array of color sushi and sashimi
• a
  bowl of edamame
• mix of chicken and beef yakatori (skewered meats)
• chilled saki served with thin slivers of
  cucumbers slices
• watermelon

casual picnic for two

• smoked salmon served on black bread, with sweet butter, freshly squeezed lemon, and cracked black pepper
• sesame chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce
• fig n frisee salad
• pre-prepared creme brulee served with strawberries in good spirits on the side

Have a wonderful July 4th Weekend!