Steeplechase tailgates, park concerts, outdoor sporting events and balmier beach days are on the horizon. It’s time to unpack the coolers and picnic baskets—and then let one of these eight gourmet shops prepare the menu.
Janssen’s Market
The Greenville landmark’s prepared foods include beef tenderloin, meatloaf, sesame Asian noodles and garlic-braised broccoli rabe. Want something special? “With a little notice, we can prepare anything you want to serve your guests,” says owner Paula Janssen. Visit the website for the gourmet du jour and catering menus. However, customized menus are available with up to 48-hour notice. Janssen’s also has seasonal menus, such as a race-day dishes for the Winterthur Point-to-Point Steeplechase. Janssen recommends easy-to-eat items such as skewers of teriyaki chicken and grilled pineapple, caprese salad or fruit salad. And don’t forget the flowers. “Our florists will help make your presentation memorable,” she says. 3801 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 654-9941; janssensfinefoods.com
“Lewes’ hidden gem is tucked inside Liberty Gas Station. However, it’s no ordinary sandwich shop.”
Back Burner to Go
You can’t go wrong with sandwiches, salads and soups from the long-standing establishment, and who doesn’t love Better Cheddar spread or pumpkin-mushroom soup? The shop is an offshoot of The Back Burner, and catering is available.425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin; 239-2732; backburner.com
Centreville Place: Café & Market
Given the café’s proximity to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, it’s unsurprising that customers pop in for a box lunch to enjoy on the attraction’s grounds. “They can also get a bottle of wine or a cheese board to go with lunch,” says owner Elizabeth Moro. “We have cute little canned wines.” Bestsellers include chicken or tuna salad on croissants, tea sandwiches—the café is known for its high tea menu—charcuterie and crudité boards. There are also French cheeses and sparkling waters. Says Moro: “Bring your picnic basket, and I’ll pack it up!”5800 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 777-4911; centrevillecafé.com
Toscana to Go
Adjacent to Piccolina Toscana, the Trolley Square shop fills its cases daily with up to 30 items, including salads—the “kitchen salad” is legendary—vegetable sides, such as Brussels sprouts, and proteins, including salmon, flank steak and chicken. Mix and match to your heart’s content. Take advantage of the three salads for $12 special. Order ahead for specific entrées and charcuterie boards. A separate casual catering menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwich trays, entrées and desserts. (Order in advance.) Toscana has a full-service catering menu if you want to go all out.1412 N. Dupont St., Wilmington; 655-8600; piccolinatoscana.com/to-go
Patty’s
Lewes’ hidden gem is tucked inside Liberty Gas Station. However, it’s no ordinary sandwich shop. Owner Patty Jacobs uses extra-virgin olive oil, imported Dijon mustard, house-made aioli and vinaigrette, and only Hellmann’s mayonnaise. The pepper is freshly cracked, and the salt is kosher.
Deli case items are prepared in small batches. “There’s no food sitting around for days here,” Jacobs says. “Our lunch meat sandwiches are sliced to order—nothing is pre-sliced, even on the busiest days.” Vendors deliver bread and rolls each day. The shop will prepare party trays and boxed lunches. 1141 Savannah Road, Lewes; 313-5824; pattysdeli.net
Beachin Bash and Beach Baes
Beachin Bash, which specializes in romantic beach picnic and bonfire setups, recently launched Beach Baes, a catering division. Charcuterie cups are an easy way to take meats and cheeses on the road, says co-owner Jim Kirlin. Chef Erikah Fitz, formerly of Full Belly Bistro, has also crafted colorful egg bites, skewers, bite-sized sandwiches and taco bars. “We are a one-stop shop for all event needs, from tables and chairs to staffing to decorating,” Kirlin says. If it rains on your parade, they offer in-home services.298-1414; beachinbash.com
Lydia’s Grab & Go Bistro
Lydia Croce’s intimate eatery is new to Baltimore Avenue, but Croce has been in the hospitality business since she was 14. Previously, she was the general manager at DiFebo’s.
Croce’s chicken salad with cranberries and chicken Caesar salad wraps have quickly become hits, and customers come just for the Tunisian-style chili with harissa spice.
The team makes most items to order, but you can peruse the dips, spreads and salsas in the refrigerated case while you wait. 33 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 567-2971; lydiasbistro.com
DiFebo’s Market
Speaking of DiFebo’s, Lisa DiFebo–Osias opened a Bethany Beach market across from the original restaurant. The daily menu includes soups, salads, panini and brick oven pizza. Moreover, the catering menu features the Beach Box—artisan cheeses, cured meat, honey and accompaniments—for two to four people. The market also has sandwich boards, pastry and cookie boxes, and cupcakes. 788 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach; 539-3220; difebos.com
