It's Picnic Season!

May is just around the corner, and any local knows it's one of the best months of the year. It's the perfect time to take advantage of the warmer weather, whether you're picnicking in one of our amazing parks, or just in your own back yard or deck. Anyone who knows me knows I love to cook and entertain, but even I don't always want to cook for a huge crowd. If you're planning a bigger event and don't want to do all the heavy lifting, there are plenty of resources out there for fun, affordable and delicious catering options.

•  A family-run business for more than 60 years, La Palma offers 10 person takeaway packages with rice, beans, salsa, tortillas and choice of two meats, or for bigger groups, pachanga trays for 25 people.
• New Mexican restaurant Green Chile Kitchen has build-your-own taco and frito pie bars, as well as a mini-burrito lunch for 12. For something sweet, their dessert table features their spectacular pies. If you just want to bring something to contribute, their roasted Mary's chicken dinner is a crowd pleaser.
• If smoked meat is more your thing, pick up some bulk meats from Cat's Head BBQ, and pair them with some sides (the pimiento mac & cheese is recommendable) and their ginormous cat's head biscuits.
• Got a grill? 4505 Meats' sausage bar lets you choose three of four options: Bacon studded hot dogs, cheddar bratwurst, chicken beer sausages and chicken apple calvados sausages, plus toasty buns, pickled slaw and all the fixins.
• Popeye's is a popular picnic pick, but Little Skillet serves up excellent fried chicken, as well as po'boys, jambalaya and more Cajun goodness.
• Speaking of chicken, Limon Rotisserie's succulent slow-roasted chicken and lomito saltado, stir-fried sirloin, star in their catering packages, or opt for a tray of flaky empanadas.
• The aptly named Mission Picnic has sandwich and salad combo platters for groups of all sizes.
• For a really broad selection of finger foods, sandwiches, salads and of course sweets from the Creamery, Bi-Rite Market's catering options are expansive. They catered our wedding, so we can vouch for the quality.
• If you've got a really big group, street food trucks are a fun way to go. Mission mainstay El Tonayense is available for hire, serving up fresh soft tacos with grilled meats, but many of the modern fusion trucks also cater, such as Curry Up Now. Not sure which truck you want, or want more than one? Off the Grid can help you pick, and will manage the entire process.

Looking for a home with a yard or deck where you can do some summer entertaining? Contact me, and I'll cater to your real estate needs.