My sister and I turn 60 in a month. We're planning a family & friends picnic.

[pinto]

There's a great park in town, a little off the main roads so it's slow mid-week. Has a good size open field, horseshoe set-up, boccie court, BBQ pits, tables, etc. Anyway, so far I've come up with -

cold fried chicken
beef tri-tip (local BBQ fave, my BIL's specialty)
cole slaw (South County fields will be at peak)
potato salad
sliced watermelon / cantaloupe (crop will be in from our warmer North County)
beers (lots of local micro-brews available)
wine (duh, we're surrounded by vineyards)
root beer floats (local bottler makes a great root beer)
berry pie (local crop is a good one this year)

Obviously my focus is local stuff. I'm a big proponent of buying local whenever possible. But we're open, so...

Ideas? Suggestions? Any and all appreciated. Thanks ~ pinto

[Warpy]

1. All that's missing is the sweet corn.

Since it's likely not local this time of year, o bla di.

Few people will miss it, though.

[pinto]

3. Good idea. Corn will be in.

[Phentex]

2. Any other veggies available?

I see you have slaw but what about green beans or collards or something?

It all sounds great!

[pinto]

4. Green beans! Neighbor has a plot in and blooming / starting to bear.

Casserole may be a good group dish.

(aside) I love broccoli, but there's always a mixed take on 'em. fwiw, they're somewhere among our top 4 ag crops - grapes, strawberries, beef, broccoli.

[yellerpup]

5. That's a great menu.

And it all sounds fantastic. Sounds like a big party and one that takes exuberant advantage of what's best in the farmer's markets right now.

[cbayer]

6. I want to come to your party!

Probably can't, but want to.

[pinto]

10. You and the captain have an open invite...

We'll raise a toast to you in any event.

[cbayer]

12. You never know. Send me the date.

Right now, we are thinking we will stay over here until after Labor Day, but the way things break down on this beautiful old boat, we always stay flexible.

[pinto]

14. Will do. Spoke with my sister and the picnic idea at the park seems agreed. She's the micro-manager.

One thing about being a twin - you learn good-natured negotiation, consideration, mutual compromise or just outright disagreement. As we've aged, consideration and compromise have led the list.

[Lucinda]

7. Sounds like it will be wonderful!

I don't know if you plan on birthday cake, but I like cupcakes instead. You can make them fun and in a variety of flavors.
We would also probably have stuffed celery and other veggies snacks, like carrot sticks.
And maybe lemonaide for people that don't drink alcohol or sodas.

[pinto]

9. Yeah, lemonade sounds good. And there'll be sparkling water...

Love the stuffed celery idea. I actually like celery and cream cheese. Or celery and peanut butter...

[Lucinda]

15. Both are favorites with me, but I cant eat the peanut butter anymore

blasted allergies!

[LiberalLoner]

8. Sounds like it will be an awesome party! Happy 60th to you!

[japple]

11. How about home grown tomatoes? Or maybe a cucumber, tomato salad with Vidalia onions?

I like to make pies with fresh tomatoes, squash or zucchini, basil, evoo, and some sort of cheese--parmesan, usually. It's a one-crust pie and the tomatoes are drained on paper towels to soak up excess juice. The squash/zukes are steamed for very short time--you could carmelize. Then it's all assembled into a pie in layers and topped with slices or large slivers of cheese.

[pinto]

13. I love a simple cucumber, tomato, onion salad with herbs and oil 'n vinegar.

I'm thinking that and a green bean casserole will be my part - plus store bought fried chicken. We have an Asian place here in town that sells bulk fried chicken. They do a great crust, a little spicy, and it chills well for a cold dish.