Suzanne Goin's 'The Larder at Tavern' Introduces Summer Picnic Baskets

It's (nearly) summer, which in LA means two things: 1) June Gloom has reared its ugly head, and 2) The Hollywood Bowl's concert season has officially begun! If you've never been to the Hollywood Bowl, it's a must-do summer experience. It might be located in a canyon just North of Hollywood & Highland, but the "Bowl" makes you feel like you're a world away from the busy streets of L.A. To get the best Hollywood Bowl experience possible, you need to do three simple things: organize a group of fun friends, buy tickets to one of the Bowl's fantastic shows -- the concert schedule has everything from Dolly Parton to jazz nights to John William's Star Wars extravaganza (think lots and LOTS of light sabers dotting the night sky) -- and pack your picnic!

The Larder at Tavern's "Young Frenchman" Picnic Basket

That leaves one very important question: where do you get the best picnic basket? I'm very excited to report that The Larder at Tavern (aka Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne's artisanal marketplace inside their upscale Brentwood restaurant), has recently created themed picnic baskets perfect for a Hollywood Bowl evening. Heck, they're even perfect for the beach, the park or even a day-trip to the wine country. But I digress...

There are four baskets (descriptions below) to choose from, each priced at $28, and come complete with main course, side dishes and dessert. Twenty-four hours notice is required for most of the baskets, so once you know your date, get your order in. Pick up a few bottles of wine while you're at it, as Caroline Styne has suggested at least one wine pairing to complement each basket.

Box #1: The Young Frenchman
Ficelle sandwich (prosciutto & butter OR cheese & apple)
Italian broccoli with garlic & chili
Marinated beets
Sweet potato chips
Chocolate chip and oatmeal cookie
*Suggested wine pairing ~ 2009 Broc Cellars, Rousanne, El Dorado: $33

Box #2: The All American
Fried chicken with buttermilk dressing
Corn salad with avocado, cilantro and lime
Watermelon salad with tomato, mint & feta
Mini baguette with butter
Lemon shortbread bar
*Suggested wine pairing ~ 2007 J & H, Chardonnay, Napa Valley: $19
*Suggested wine pairing ~ 2009 Arnot-Roberts, Syrah, North Coast: $42

Box #3: The Matador
Lomo, chorizo, and manchego with olives & quince paste
Grilled flank steak with chickpea salad
Curried cauliflower with piquillo peppers & Marcona almonds
Mini baguette with butter
Dulce de leche brownie
*Suggested wine pairing ~ 2007 The Warrior, Red Blend, Washington State: $23

Box #4: The Brentwood
Slow-roasted salmon with cucumber yogurt
Farro tabouleh with summer vegetables & feta
Broccoli with buratta, currants & pinenuts
Mini baguette with butter
Berries with creme fraiche
*Suggested wine pairing ~ 2009 Moulin de Gassac, Vin de Pays de L’herault, Rosé, Guilhem: $18

The Larder at Tavern

11648 San Vicente Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Larder phone: (310) 806-6460