We may not be at a point where we can journey overnight, but there’s no reason we can’t enhance our day trips, hikes, and physically distanced greenspace gatherings by bringing along a picnic prepared by a professional.
Luckily, there are many good options for pre-prepared picnic boxes around Vancouver. Just remember: if your group includes folks outside your immediate bubble, make sure to order individualized picnic boxes, or have everyone bring their own utensils and plates and divide the food up before starting to eat—no sharing from the same box!
Dachi
Photo courtesy of Dachi.
Let Dachi owners Miki and Stephen take the hassle out of deciding what to put in your picnic basket. Packed with all your favourite nibbles—excellent cheese and salumi, pickles, nuts, olives, salad—as well as treats such as smoked sablefish and/or clams escabeche, the Dachi picnic box celebrates the best of B.C.
Available from Wednesday to Saturday by preordering online (for immediate pickup or a specified time), the boxes come in three sizes that will serve two to six, depending on appetites. You can also augment your very civilized eats by adding a bottle of wine.
Tractor
Photo courtesy of Tractor.
With pick-up locations across the city, Tractor’s healthy and very adaptable menu is perfect for picnicking. Build an individual power bowl from a base of brown rice or salad greens, two specialty salads, and a protein; go family style (where appropriate) with multiple portions of salads and sides, and add falafels or grilled chicken; or pack easy finger food for a hike with a sandwich and a power cookie. You can also pick up kombucha or Loop juices for healthy hydration.
Chancho Tortilleria
Photo courtesy of Chancho.
On a sunny day, is there anything better than a few tacos washed down with a margarita or a few beers? Not a lot, we would argue, and frankly, it’s the treat we all deserve right now. With picnic boxes to feed four, Chancho’s offering includes a choice of carnitas (lean or fatty or a mix of both) or two vegetarian options, served with tortillas, chips and guacamole, black beans, salsas, and either a 375ml bottle of tequila and margarita mix, or four bottles of Pacifico lager and michelada mix.
Juke Fried Chicken
The perfectly named Juke Box is ideal for easy ordering and individual eating at a physically distant social picnic. Each box includes two pieces of fried chicken, a quarter slab of ribs, and a choice of side. Vegetarians in your group? Pick them up a fried “chick-un” sandwich and some chili “cheeze” fries from sister restaurant Beetbox. Everyone will be happy.
The Fish Counter
Come on, you know you fancy fish and chips. And what better than those served up on Main Street by veteran Vancouver chef and sustainable seafood advocate Robert Clark? Choose halibut, salmon, or Pacific cod with fries, one of the specialty seafood sandwiches, or a box of excellent crispy cod tacos, pick up a drink from a selection of good quality pops, and head to the park to enjoy your alfresco chow. Gluten-free batter is available, and your fish will be cooked in a dedicated fryer. The Brits among you should feel confident to order the mushy peas, which are just the way you remember them from home.
For more inspired tastes, check out our Food and Drink section.
