Nothing sparks a warm-weather romance like a leisurely picnic under summer skies. And while scenic surroundings may be enough to create a memorable meal, many prime picnic spots offer live entertainment to boot. So grab your blanket — and someone to share it with — and make a date with the great outdoors.
For movie lovers
The grounds: For a twist on dinner and a movie, pack a picnic and head to one of the more than 150 free flicks screening throughout the summer as part of the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks series. On Wednesday, Brands Park (3259 N. Elston Ave. 312-742-7582) screens “Kicking & Screaming,” a movie about a kids’ soccer team that proves that even a PG-rated Will Ferrell is hilarious.
The grub: At only $2.99 each, you can’t go wrong with a sandwich from nearby S&S Deli (3290 N. Elston Ave. 773-267-4315). Fred’s Foreign Import, with capicola and mortadella, is authentic Italian fare served on your choice of eight breads.
For theater lovers
The grounds: Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan and surrounded by inviting lawns, Theater on the Lake (2400 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-742-7994) presents nine plays in nine weeks at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. This week, you can catch Lifeline Theatre’s “Gaudy Night,” but we’re holding out for Neo-Futurists’ critically acclaimed “Roustabout: The Great Circus Train Wreck,” playing July 11 to 15.
The grub: The new Lincoln Park location of Sultan’s Market (2521 N. Clark St. 312-638-9151) is just the place to grab a quick Mediterranean treat to eat on the lakefront before heading into the theater. Pick up some hummus and pita bread to share, ($3 for half a pound) or go for a falafel sandwich ($4).
For art lovers
The grounds: What could be more romantic than fine art, live music, gourmet food and a view of the lake? At 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660) offers free, live jazz performances on its terrace. Tuesday’s event features Jeff Chan’s Quorum with special guest Jimmy Ellis.
The grub: Puck’s at the MCA, inside the museum, offers boxed meals and wine by the bottle, so you can pick up a cheese and fruit plate ($12) and a bottle of chardonnay ($21) to share with your sweetie on the sculpture garden lawn. Alternately, swing by the City of Chicago Farmers Market (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays) on the museum’s plaza for fresh produce, baked goods and cheeses.
For music lovers
The grounds: In May, Dorothy and Toto joined their friends the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow in Oz Park (2021 N. Burling St. 312-742-7898), completing the park’s themed sculpture collection. At 5 p.m. July 29, roll out a blanket and join the crew from Oz for an outdoor concert by the R&B jazz group the Chicago Catz — just watch out for the many munchkins who will inevitably stop by.
The grub: Deli Boutique (2318 N. Clark St. 773-880-9820) is a European-style deli offering fresh bakery and ready-to-eat gourmet entrees. If you’re feeling bold, try the Matador panino, a combo of roast beef, blue cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms and horseradish sauce ($6.50) — just be sure to bring a breath mint if you have designs on cozying up under the stars later.
For garden lovers
The grounds: Jackson Park (6401 S. Stony Island Ave. 773-256-0903) is full of prime picnic spots, but for a lazy afternoon date, we like the trickling waterfalls, turtle island and moon bridge of the Osaka Japanese Garden on the park’s north end. Stroll along the zigzag path over the pond to rid yourself of evil spirits, who according to Japanese legend can only travel in straight lines.
The grub: The deli at University Market (1323 E. 57th St. 773-363-0070) is known for its tasty sandwiches — try the fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil ($4.50) — made with freshly baked bread from the Medici Bakery next door.
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metromix@tribune.com
