The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival–one of the summer’s hottest events–kicks off Tuesday in Grant Park, screening classic flicks for free. Take the dough you saved on the movie ticket and instead splurge on some tasty picnic fare at these top gourmet spots.
The Fairmont Hotel
All goodies are packed in a wicker basket with a blanket, freebie corkscrew and knife, and disposable cutlery. Choose from three baskets; each serves two to three adults ($35-$100). The $70 basket includes crackers and cheese, pasta salad, sandwiches, assorted truffles, hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, bottled water and even a disposable camera. You can add a bottle of wine to your basket, but remember that you’re not allowed to drink in Grant Park. Opt for the sparking cider instead. 24-hour advance notice required. $100 deposit required with your pre-paid order–you’ll get it back when you return the basket and blanket. 200 N. Columbus Drive. 312-565-8000.
The Green at Grant Park
You won’t get a picnic basket with your order at this 18-hole putting green and restaurant, but you don’t need one when you’re only steps from the screen–The Green even stays open ’til 11 p.m. on Tuesdays to accommodate moviegoers. Choose from salads, sandwiches and appetizers. We like the assorted fruit and cheese platter ($10) and salads ($4.50-$12). Starting Tuesday, the restaurant will sell bags of popcorn within smelling distance of your seat. 352 E. Monroe St. 312-642-7888.
Fox and Obel
This gourmet grocer hawks multiple picnic baskets such as the “The Imperial,” stocked with Asian chicken, soba noodles, tropical fruit and Thai cucumber salads, a crispy vegetable spring roll and coconut macaroons ($32). All baskets serve two and include choice of soda or bottled water, plus plastic silverware, and are packed in a wicker basket you get to keep. 24-hour advance notice and prepay required. 401 E. Illinois St. 312-379-0137.
Cooking Fools
This Bucktown deli will sell you an insulated picnic basket with all of the gear (plates, glasses, napkins, cutlery and more) for $43, or you can bring in your own and pack it full of goodies. Portable cold entree options include the shrimp-and-scallop cakes with citrus aioli ($10.95 a half-pound). Cold sandwiches like the basil Parmesan chicken salad ($5.95) also travel well. Call ahead with a credit card and your grub will be ready to go when you get there. Also: Check out the great selection of bottled water and gourmet soft drinks ($1.25-$2.95). 1916 W. North Ave. 773-276-5565.
Trotters to Go
Order a boxed lunch with a hand-carved sandwich such as beef tenderloin with Bermuda onion, Stilton cheese and watercress; a cookie and two or three salads ($12.95-$15.95). You also can purchase an insulated picnic bag for two ($45) and a blanket ($25) and make your own basket. Head to the deli and choose from salads including the Chinese beans with hoisin, roasted shallots and garlic ($14.95 a pound) or the watermelon with feta ($10.95 a pound). There’s also a grab-n-go cooler stocked with charcuterie ($12.95), artisanal cheeses ($9.95) and pre-made sandwiches. 24-hour advance notice and credit card required. 1337 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-868-6510.
Cinema under the stars
The Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park kicks off Tuesday at dusk with an 8:58 p.m. screening of “His Girl Friday.” Get there early to hear critics discuss the film at 8:15 p.m. Then check out the rest of the free films every Tuesday. Grant Park, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-744-3315.
– “The Birds.” 8:53 p.m. July 20.
– “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” 8:46 p.m. July 27.
– “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” 8:38 p.m. Aug. 3.
– “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” 8:28 p.m. Aug. 10.
– “Roman Holiday.” 8:18 p.m. Aug. 17.
– “Guys and Dolls.” 8:07 p.m. Aug. 24.
