Whether you'll be tripping the light fantastic at one of the outdoor events at Millennium Park (Grant Park Music Festival, anyone?) or heading to Grant Park for the Movies in the Park festival, pack a posh pic-a-nic basket with treats from Lockwood, the fine dining destination in the historic Palmer House Hilton, which is conveniently located near Chicago's lakefront parks.
Leave the soggy sandwiches and stale chips behind in favor of Lockwood's two "Picnic in the Park" options. The appetizer package ($40) includes your choice of two of the following: a selection of seasonal fruits and cheeses with crackers; bruschetta with heirloom tomatoes, portabella mushrooms and roasted red peppers on country bread; or shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce and lemon. Lockwood's salad and sandwiches package ($55) also features your choice of two items. Salad options include Cobb salad with chicken breast, prosciutto and roquefort cheese; Caesar salad; arugula salad with beef tenderloin, grapes and blue cheese; and Caprese salad with arugula, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Sandwiches offered are chicken Waldorf with celery, apples, walnuts and bacon on nine-grain bread; tomato-mozzarella on a baguette ; and smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onions and capers on rye. If you have tots in tow, kids' items include cheese and turkey sandwiches ($8 each) and PB & J ($6) and come with a fruit cup or chips.
All packages include your choice of two bottles of still or sparkling water, iced tea, Diet Coke, Coke, Sprite, soda water or tonic, and your choice of dessert (chocolate chip cookies or the famous Palmer House Brownies). Lockwood will also stock you up with silverware, plates and napkins, so no wiping your hands on the picnic blanket -- unless, of course, your date doesn't mind.
