Picnic NYC

As summer draws to a close, you might realize that you've let the whole season go by without enjoying one of NYC's great pleasures: a picnic in Central Park.

I myself had this very epiphany while walking down gritty Chrystie Street last night. I don't know exactly why I turned my head near a sign advertising "gas burner parts and supplies," but I'm so glad I did; if I hadn't, I wouldn't have noticed the Picnic NYC food shop. (It's easy to miss.)

The small, bright store is a sight for sore eyes in the middle of all the industrial supplies dealers. Shelves and countertops overflow with many kinds of locally-produced fruit chutneys, cookies, quickbreads and other goodies. There is a serving dish piled high with mini ham and cheese quiches and a tray full of Nutella panini. There is also a small but wonderful selection of cheeses (Piave, Appenzeller, spicy Gorgonzola Picante) from Artisanal Cheese Shop. Tonight, the gracious proprietor, Lex, offered me a taste of the Gorgonzola and I almost bought a pound right there.

Soon, however, my attentions were distracted by the most extraordinary bread-and-butter pickles. Slightly sweet, spicy with hot pepper and pungent with cumin, they were a many-flavored revelation. They could easily put Vlasic out of business forever. But don't take my word for it: attend one of Picnic NYC's weekly pickle tastings! You have three more chances: September 16, 23 and 30 from 6-8 p.m.

Lex was happy to answer any questions I had, and she could describe each product in impressive detail, from its origins to its ingredients. It was gratifying for me to know that I was supporting a cookie baker from Poughkeepsie and a quickbread maker from Long Island.

Central Park is 51 blocks long, so you'll have plenty of room to spread out your luxurious feast. Fill your basket with Picnic NYC's sandwiches, cheese, pickles and cookies, and enjoy the slight breeze as you watch the September sun begin to wane.

Picnic NYC Inc.: 187 Chrystie St., (212) 420-0028.