Picnic to-go in St. Paul area?

[jtroberts]

Can anybody recommend a place that I can order a complete picnic dinner to go in the Twin Cities? I know about Byerlys and places like that, but I was hoping someone might recommend a small local business that I don't know about that could put together an interesting, high quality picnic (ideally packed with plates, cups, etc.) that I could order in advance, pick up, and go.

[MariQ]

My first suggestion is Buon Giorno - their slection of deli meats, cheese's, prepared salads, etc, is great - more than once i had memorable picnics with food from there. I'm pretty sure they can provide plates/cups too, but it's worth checking anyway.
The other one that comes to mind, also on the Italian theme, is Cossetta's - again, had a picnic with some take out from them a while ago and it was pretty good (but it was a while ago...)

[The Dairy Queen]

Buon Giorno is great--that's the one in Lilydale, right? I had heard there was one in St. Paul at one time, is it still open?

~TDQ

[faith]

Looks like Buon Giorno is still open, here's a link http://www.buongiornoexpress.com/

[Sven]

Buon Giorno would have been my suggestion as well. Either St. Paul or Lilydale would be great but I know for sure that the Lilydale location will stuff the cannoli to order. I'm not sure about St. Paul. Either way they are a mighty fine compliment to any picnic lunch.

[Jordan]

I bet Cafe Latte would put one together for you. They have a nice assortment of cold salads, sandwich fixins', and, of course, fabulous cakes and tortes.

[KTFoley]

Please do call ahead for Cafe Latte -- the menu might be workable but their cafeteria-style line might not be up to the challenge.

[Jordan]

Yes, I'd definitely call ahead and pre-order. I'd think it's best to call at an off-peak time, too.

[The Dairy Queen]

Great question! I can't wait to read the answers. One that occurs to me is Swede Hollow Cafe in St. Paul. http://www.swedehollowcafe.com/ Trotters Cafe on Cleveland near Marshall has them, too, but I've never tried one: http://www.trotters-stpaul.com/lunchbox.htm Maybe Nelsons? http://www.nelsoncheese.net/

~TDQ