Just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean your appetite has to suffer. With a little initiative (and some strategic shoehorning), you can pack a cooler for yourself so full of goodies, you’ll forget your kitchen is 10 feet away. (Total approximate cost: $225, including the cooler.)
1. Coleman 36 qt. electronic radio cooler
Features built-in speakers with radio and aux input.
$75, Europe Bound, 383 King St. W., 416-205-9992.
2. French Rabbit Chardonnay
Don’t be put off by the bright orange tetra pack. The fruity, citrusy notes of this French chard are a fitting accompaniment to summer picnic eats.
$11.95, LCBO, lcbo.com.
3. GSI Glacier stainless nesting wine glass
Sleek, durable, and the base screws off for space saving.
$12.99 each, Europe Bound, 383 King St. W., 416-205-9992.
4. The Chicken Mechanics Club from Garage Sandwich Company
The Village institution’s signature sandwich features house-roasted poultry, thickly cut artisanal bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cheddar, between slices of fresh-cut bread.
$6.75, 497 Church St., 416-929-7575.
5. Mountie cocktail napkins
$5, Drake General Store, 1011 Yonge St., 416-531-5042.
6. Maple sugar candies
$3.99 for box of 5. Gift Works, St. Lawrence Market, 92-95 Front St. E., 416-369-0635.
7. Crunchy spiced pecans from SOMA
$6, 443 King St. W., 416-599-7662.
8. Sponge toffee dipped in milk chocolate
Like the world’s most decadent little Crunchie bars.
$7, XOCOcava, 1560 Yonge St., 416-979-9916.
9. Butter tarts
Butter-tart purists may scoff at the shape of these treats (gasp, they’re square!), but these daily-baked desserts are still some of the best in the city.
$2.25 each, All the Best Fine Foods, 1101 Yonge St., 416-928-3330.
10. Blueberry tarte
This homemade tart has a smooth, creamy filling ripe with plump blueberries.
$3.15, Clafouti Patisserie & Café, 925 Queen St. W., 416-603-1935.
11. Aladdin collapsible bowl set
$18 for three, MEC, 400 King St. W., 416-340-2667.
12. Gryfe’s pizza bread
They’re even better cold.
$5.75 for pack of six, 3421 Bathurst St., 416-783-1552.
13. Light My Fire spork
$2.50 each, MEC, 400 King St. W., 416-340-2667.
14. Selection of olives
Mix and match varieties like baked black olives, crushed green olives with chili peppers, or red calce olives.
$9.99/lb, Alimento, 522 King St. W., 416-362-0123.
15. Mary Macleod’s shortbread cookies
Try the chocolate crunch, orange chocolate, and, of course, the ever popular traditional.
$9 for 6, 639 Queen St. E., 416-461-4576.
16. Small spinach chèvre quiche from Clafouti Patisserie & Café
$3.25, 925 Queen St. W., 416-603-1935.
17. Kimbap
Made with carrots, egg, and pickled daikon, kimbap are the quintessential Korean packed-lunch item.
$4, Seoul Restaurant, 621 Bloor St. W., 416-532-9669.
18. Salted chocolate
$6, XOCOcava, 1560 Yonge St., 416-979-9916.
19. Nicolas Alziari Fruittee Douce olive oil
A smooth, mild olive oil with an herbaceous aftertaste—great for dipping.
$18 for 100 mL, The Spice Trader & Olive Oil Pit, 877 Queen St. W., 647-430-7085.
20. Balsamic fig-and-date mustard
Pair with a mild cheese and some crusty bread.
$6 per jar, Kozliks, St. Lawrence Market, 92- 95 Front St. E., 416-361-9788.
21. Mild chorizo pepperettes
Salty, chewy, spicy, dense.
$4 for two. Sausage King Olliffe, St. Lawrence Market, 92- 95 Front St. E., 416-363-7712.
22. Chocolate Pockys
These classic Japanese biscuit sticks are portable, and ridiculously addictive.
$1.39 per pack, Loblaws, loblaws.ca.
23. White sourdough loaf
$6.50, Petite Thuet, 1 King St. W., 416-519-4847.
24. Sliced meat and cheese selection from Alimento
Try the sweet salame feline and spicy capocollo from Caledon’s El Tagliere Salumeria or a rich, bacon-like pancetta imported from Verona’s Leoncini. Soresina smoked provolone, and mild Italian fontal cheeses go nicely with the salty meat.
Prices vary. 522 King St. W., 416-362-0123.
25. Grape Kool Aid Jammers
$4.19 for 10 pouches, Metro, metro.ca.
