Food
Picnic Picks
Locally made eats for your summer basket
SUMMER SANDWICH
What: Upton’s Naturals
Bar-B-Que Jackfruit
Why: This unique meat
alternative brings the sweet, spicy
and smoky flavors of a backyard
barbecue to your basket. Pair it with
coleslaw for sandwiches (recipe on
Page 35) or make wraps and tacos.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods Market,
Target, Upton’s Breakroom (2054 W.
Grand Ave.). Online at amazon.com
and veganessentials.com.
Web: uptonsnaturals.com
Planted | 40
UN-BEET-ABLE BEVERAGES
What: Bani’s Beets Lean Green Juice
Why: Owner Auriel Banister says
this juice — made from kale, parsley,
cucumber, celery, apple, pear, beet,
lemon and ginger — is cool and
refreshing, calming to the tummy
and loaded with nutrients. She says
it pairs well with light fare like salad
or sushi, and cocktail lovers can use
it to make mojitos or Moscow mules.
Where to Buy: Bani’s Beets (2537 S.
Wabash) and select farmers markets.
Web: banisbeets.com
SUPERFOOD SWEETS
What: Chia + Chocolate’s Superfood
Sweets Box (changes monthly with
different superfoods and flavors)
Why: Each box comes with three
types of sweets, making it perfect
for sharing with your picnic
partners. Owner Melanie Lennie
suggests pairing these delicious
and nutrient-rich treats with
something light and bright, such as
rosé or a bottle of coconut water.
Where to Buy: Contact Lennie on
Instagram: @chia.and.chocolate
DAIRY-FREE AND DILL-ISCIOUS
What: Cheeze & Thank You
Dill Havarti
Why: Every basket is
better with fresh summer
herbs. Founder Megan
Schmitt says her bright
yet creamy Dill Havarti is
perfect to eat when it’s hot outside
and pairs well with sauvignon blanc,
fresh fruit and a crusty baguette.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods Market.
Online at veganessentials.com.
Web: cheezeandthankyou.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT, PHOTOS COURTESY OF BANI’S BEETS; UPTON’S NATURALS; CHEEZE & THANK YOU; CHIA + CHOCOLATE
/amazon.com
/veganessentials.com
/veganessentials.com
/uptonsnaturals.com
/banisbeets.com
/cheezeandthankyou.com