The GOODS from Granville Island

Vancouver, BC | Picnics can be a relaxed meal or a day-long luxurious and peckish outdoor affair. Regardless of what’s on the menu, everything tastes better when fortified with fresh air and sunshine.

Assembling your ‘picnic basket’ doesn’t have to require preparation, if you make Granville Island your grocery shopping stop en route to the park or beach. The ideal edibles are portable and fuss-free, like a container of Duso’s Greek salad and a small prepackaged Tiramisu – perfect for sharing (or not). Terra Breads’ focaccia and CHAU Veggie Express’ salad rolls are great grab n’ go options if you’re trying to stake out a sunny picnic table post-haste. If you’re the impromptu picnicking type then take a quick detour to the Market Kitchen in the Net Loft to grab the necessary cutlery (BPA Free Nude Food Mover set with knife, fork, spoon and chopsticks in a handy little case covers all bases) and maybe an avocado slicer that you didn’t realize you needed. The kitchen store is also packed floor to ceiling with anything that you could desire to “pretty up” your al fresco dining experience including printed tea towels, napkins and plates.

If packing light is your main goal, then skip the cutlery and instead opt for snack-able options. Filling up on grapes and cherries is a summertime necessity, and the addictive candy-like morsels were meant for al fresco feasting, fruit kabobs also travel nicely. Round out your spread with a visit to Benton Brothers Fine Cheese for some Marcona almonds and cheese curds made from Okanagan cows’ milk or try small parcel of PEI Cows Creamery butter, round of Crottin de Chèvre and a miniature jar of Rhubarb & Vanilla jam, paired with a Terra Breads tear-able epi and a couple of packets of their signature pecan crisps. Miniatures are ideal portion sizes for picnics!

Crunchy, salty cravings tend to creep up with the increase of temperature and a cone of Lime Pepper Pistachios or Maple Sriracha Pecans from the Nut Merchant can help with those hankerings. A container of pickles from Kaylin & Hobbs and a Landjager or bison pepperoni stick from Oyama Sausage Co. are salty and versatile options for snacking or sandwiching. For those willing to put in moderate effort, packing your bag with sandwich fixings is the best route to take. Depending on your mood, the actual assemblage may or may not be necessary because the ingredients are just as satisfying on their own. Regardless of the effort you choose to make, a pair of chocolate-dipped strawberries from Olde World Fudge provide an idyllic finish to dining at dusk.

Of course, thirst-quenching is crucial! But it doesn’t need to be boring if you peruse the well-stocked selection of sodas, kombuchas and juices at the Milkman for hydration inspiration. The Stock Market’s array of spritzers are convenient and creative options too – especially the Mango, Pomelo, Ginger & Lime or Persimmon & Cardamom flavours.

The beauty of the summer is how little energy is required to create a delectable and satisfying event, especially when you cede your trust to the remarkable vendors at the Public Market.

Details

Granville Island
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 About Granville Island

Granville Island is an urban haven spilling over with fine restaurants, theatres, galleries and studios, and of course, fresh food. For over 35 years, the Public Market has delighted Vancouverites. Some of the Market’s businesses continue to flourish after 20, 25, and even 35 years on Granville Island. Some of the newer businesses are fast becoming Vancouver traditions in their own right. You’ll find over 50 passionate experts eager to share their knowledge on everything there is to know about their offerings of fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, seafood, and more.

Granville Island’s restaurants are downright tantalizing, ranging from laid-back West Coast to elegantly gourmet. A romantic night out, a café lunch with friends, meeting the gang for patio cocktails at sunset…our places cover the waterfront. Outdoor seating extends out onto old wooden piers, providing an up close view of Vancouver’s scenic water life along with your meal.

Along with the Railspur District with handmade apparel and jewelry, The Net Loft Shops with arts and crafts, local breweries & distilleries, and annual events and festivals into the mix, Granville Island is a destination where locals and visitors come together to be inspired, entertained, or simply to relax in a truly unique atmosphere.