Summer is in full swing. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the season is just calling for you to get outdoors. So here are 8 restaurants helping you to get out more by offering delicious set meals that you can pick up and take out to enjoy as a picnic at your local park.
Tacomio
1245 Glen Dr, Vancouver, BC
(778) 868-7041 or tacomio.com
Tacomio brings delicious Mexican street food to Vancouver. And what better way to get a taste of their menu than through one of their taco kits. Their Family Taco Feast gives you everything you need to customize your own taco, then go back for two or three more, topping each differently. You get your choice of three fillings between variations in chicken, beef, pork, and plant-based options. With it comes Mexican style rice, pinto beans, jalapeños, red onions, pickled veggies, cilantro, frituras, corn chips, corn tortillas, and their house-made salsa in mild, medium, and spicy.
Nuba
146 E 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC
(604) 568-6727 or nuba.ca
Better known for its fresh plates and pita wraps, this Lebanese restaurant prepares its food with exotic ingredients from the Middle and the Far East, utilizing as much local and organic produce and meat as possible. They have three different meal kits that feed 12 and “the works” that satisfies 20. Prepackaged and doled out for a meal that includes stew, rice, hummus, pita, and plenty of sauces.
Whiskey 6 BBQ
826 Renfrew St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 428-4050 or whiskeysixbbq.com
Located in East Vancouver, this hole in the wall barbecue spot is offering smoked meats, sandwiches, and sides with ingredients sourced from local producers. Grab ahold of their H44 Platter, named after the 1920’s McLaughlin H44 Buick (aka “The Whiskey Six’), and get a taste of all their meats and your choice of sides. Brisket, pulled pork, back ribs, smoked chicken, mac & cheese, dirty fries, and biscuits; to name a few.
Juke Fried Chicken
182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 336-5853 or jukefriedchicken.com
Nothing reminds me of summer or picnics quite like fried chicken does. And with two locations to pick up from Juke Chicken can help to satisfy all those cravings with their crispy, gluten-free recipe. They don’t have a set picnic box to order, but with an easy to navigate the menu of chicken in legs, strips, sandwiches, and burgers; you can craft your own with the likes of fried pickles, chicken skins, corn on the cob, and even salad on the side.
Dachi
2297 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 569-0456 or dachivancouver.com
Vancouver 2019 newcomer Dachi on Hastings has assembled a few picnic boxes, bringing together the perfect combination of handheld nibblers from their favourite local and organic suppliers. Cured meats, sharp cheeses, fresh salads, pickled vegetables, and crusty bread to snack on. Proudly showcasing product from Two Rivers Meats, Les Amis du Fromage, Cropthorne Farm, Klipper’s Organic, Hannahbrook Farm, Glorious Organics, and Livia Bakery.
The Dirty Apron Cooking School, Delicatessen & Catering
540 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 879-8588 or dirtyapron.com
All year round Dirty Apron cooking school and delicatessen offers up gourmet fare perfect for dining at the beach, park, waterside, or even in the comfort of your own home. Pick and choose to craft your ideal meal, or simply pick up one of their picnic sets. Their Picnic for Two includes two sandwiches, two salads, two cookies, and two beverages for two. All packed up with eco-friendly plates, napkins, and cutlery; and ready for take-out in their reusable totes. For a little more you can upgrade to their Gourmet Picnic set to get all of the above along with charcuterie, local cheese, house-made dips, crackers, and fresh fruit.
Chancho Tortilleria
560 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 336-9219 or chancho.ca
Known for their house-made tortillas, Chancho on Davie has Backyard Kits that brings a convenient meal option to any threshold. And best of all, they include alcoholic drink options. Choose between Mexican beer or margaritas you blend yourself and enjoy them with their fresh-made native corn tortillas. Price is by quality and selection of pork meat or vegetables. And to it, you add beans, salsa, and red cabbage.
The Lazy Gourmet
1545 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC
(604) 734-2507 or lazygourmet.ca
The Lazy Gourmet makes mealtime easy with an assortment of fresh meal options, freezer meals, marinated meats, and baked goods to help turn your kitchen into a bakery. For something a bit more involved you can indulge in their weekly dinner set, or pick up their weekend away package, that takes all the guesswork out of mealtime. But for something quick and easy, with no cooking needed; seek out their Lunch in the Park set. Grilled sandwiches, potato salad, fruit kabobs, dessert, and sparkling water. And to it add-on wine by the bottle or beers in six-packs.
Featured Photo by Tim Collins
