by Frances Arnautou
Among the many lessons a year of Covid has taught us, one of my most cherished has been the reminder that time spent outdoors is the best time spent. For most of us, socializing in the last year has either been in Zoom conferences or sitting 6 feet apart, on grass, sand, and in lawn chairs. This summer, video chats are closing, restaurants are reopening, and masks are being pulled below chins, however, I still find myself longing for magical moments spent in fresh air, surrounded by nature.
While I know there are morsel-lovers near and far, I thought i'd write up my favorite Bay Area picnic ideas for this summer: where to go, what to bring, and most importantly, what to munch on. Send us pictures if you try any of these ideas (@margotsmorsels on Instagram)! :)
Where to go
Bolinas Ridge: If a sunset on top of the world sounds nice to you, take the scenic and unforgettable drive up to Bolinas Ridge.
The Presidio: Grassy, sunny, and surrounded by classic and iconic Presidio buildings.
Mission Dolores Park: Grab a burrito in the Mission district and walk over to this infamous and lively SF spot. Incredible people-watching!
Point Reyes National Seashore: Morning, noon, or sunset, that California coastline cannot be beat!
What to bring
As an artisanal small-business, it’s no surprise that we love supporting brands like us! Here are some awesome lifestyle & home brands that make gorgeous products perfect for summer picnics.
‘Lisa Says Gah’ wine totes for your bottle of choice — coming in at $14-35, these adorable wine totes are a must-have for outdoor gatherings of any sort!
Baina checkered towels — in love with their playful prints, 100% cotton material, and ethos of self-care and craftsmanship.
Clr’s beautiful handmade blankets — lay ‘em out for your picnic spread! Another example of summery, playful prints, these blankets can be used all year long, but will provide an amazing base for your perfect summer picnic.
Spikeball — a blast for kids and adults alike!
Grub
Margot's Morsels — Duh! Perfect snack for the drive there, addition to a charcuterie platter, or key player in a plethora of summer recipes. Whether salt, parmesan, BBQ, garlic, or rosemary, morsels never disappoint.
Check out the Recipes section of our website for some awesome ideas (all of which include our delicious morsels). Some picnic-friendly favorites: Morsel-ized Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad, Panzanella with Watermelon Dressing, Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Feta Dressing, Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan and Morsel Crumble.
Bon Appetit did a great picnic recipe guide: “easy recipes everyone will love...”
Juneshine — Sip on some kombucha with a kick of alcohol — bubbly, good for the gut, and great for a mellow buzz!
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Frances Arnautou graduated from Yale in 2020 and moved to Markopoulo, Greece to play professional volleyball for a year. While there, she fell in love with cooking and found great joy in learning about Greek cuisine and culture. Now back in the United States, she spends her free time writing music, playing beach volleyball, and of course, trying out new recipes in the kitchen. We are thrilled to have her managing our social engagement (IG:@MargotsMorsels, FB:@margotsmorsels, TW:@margotsmorsels) and look forward to following more of her adventures If you are in the San Francisco bay area, come to the farmer’s markets in the North Bay Area and look for us. Right now we’re in Mill Valley and Marin Country Mart in Larkspur. Or, buy our morsels from one of our retail partners. I would love to meet you and find out how you use morsels. Don’t forget to Get Your Crunch On! |
