Soaking up the sun on Longboat Key
Grilled burgers and potato chips make for an easy beach picnic, whether you're soaking up the sun in the afternoon and taking in a sunset in the evening. But what if you want to up the ante?
Conjure up a vision of your dream picnic and add some magic with a few quick preparations along the way:
1. Name the place
Where should you spread the blanket?
On Longboat Key, snag one of the parking spots on the 3200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. This stretch of beach is an absolute jewel in the midst of many beach gems in Sarasota. You'll likely find total seclusion, day or night.
On Casey Key, Nokomis Beach is a top-notch spot inviting folks to set their picnic baskets and coolers in the sand.
On my last trip, a woman exclaimed, "You must meet us down here!" into her cell phone as she walked, talked and carted two beach chairs one early evening.
Her husband wheeled along a huge blue cooler while a teenage son multi-tasked, carrying two Whole Foods bags while listening to his iPod. Other folks in their group followed, carrying plastic bags, duffel bags, soft-sided coolers and several tiki torches. It looked like they had enough to feed several armies of friends.
Siesta Key Beach is always a sure bet with plenty of room to lay your blanket in its soft, white sand.
2. Create the menu
You might take a cue from one couple I observed who planned a romantic sunset nosh with take-out from Café L'Europe on St. Armands Circle. Chicken, Caesar salad and crème brulées melded beautifully with the notes of Diana Krall sounding from their portable CD player.
Harry's Continental Kitchen is another winner with its take-out deli. Try the gazpacho; it's sublime. So are the bleu cheese-stuffed olives at the Longboat Key Publix and the grocer's wonderful array of cheeses.
I equate Whole Foods to "picnic central." Scour the deli cases for all sorts of goodies to take along: chicken salad, fresh bread, pizza and even pre-made sandwiches--so convenient to toss in your beach cooler!
On Siesta Key, grab a sub from one of the Village sub shops or pop into one of the Key's conveniently located grocery stores--whether you're sticking to the grill or filling your basket with goodies, you'll find everything you need.
The Publix Supermarkets in Englewood and Venice are consistent, so you know you'll be able to get creative in stocking up for your picnic.
3. Add finishing touches Food, of course, is important, but don't forget the touches that make dream picnics pop.
A few candles in clay pots, wicker tiki torches (available at hardware stores) and a portable CD player will have you set to go. Candles placed in old glass jugs filled with a few inches of sand will add to the ambiance as you toast the sunset.
Bon appétit!
