Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl

[Hapgood]

Taking mom, dad & boyfriend to the Hollywood Bowl for mom's birthday. I love cooking and planning picnics and am super excited to do this one up fancy evening picnic style.

I have a few things planned and am looking for maybe one more big food item (though I could be talked into two).

I know I am making buttermilk farro salad
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/...
I haven't tried it yet, but I have all the ingredients and it sounds awesome.

other items in consideration
A loaf of fresh bay cities bread (of course bread + farro is a lot of carbs...

)

I'm thinking grapes & cubed watermelon for fruit

and some cheese (mom just discovered Humboldt fog & I have some dairy fresh veggie gouda I just picked up)

We've got brownies for dessert

Any other suggestions? We can always use the bread to make sandwiches - but I was trying to think of something else that will travel well. I have an insulated picnic set to keep things warm/ cold

I have a ton of veggies from the garden at my disposal - summer squash, cucumber, green beans

I'll have a half day on Friday to prepare.

Thanks!

[callmijane]

Wine!

Are you going to see Pink Martini? Best show ever.

[Hapgood]

Lol... lots of wine. Yes Pink Martini. I'm very excited. I've seen them twice before and love them. My mom wanted to go for her birthday - I wasn't going to object!

[critter101]

I like Ina's Roasted Salmon Nicoise Salad. It's easy to transport and compose at the site. Also, everything can be made in advance, and chilled. Here's the link to the video:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/roa...

[Hapgood]

Okay, my father is not a picky eater - I promise! There are three things that he doesn't like salmon (unless it's sashimi), olives (capers are tolerated but not preferred) and meat loaf. I didn't think I would have to specify since that's a pretty limited "don't like" list..

I on the other hand, will add this salmon recipe to my to do list as well. I don't know about the whole platter, but watching the sauce go on the salmon was making me drool. I'm loving all these ideas!

[sparkareno]

Are you trying to avoid meat? If not, I'd say that is what is missing----maybe do some kind of chicken satay or buy some salami & other sausage to go with the cheese/bread. I always take cold roasted shrimp to the bowl with either a cilantro or pesto dipping sauce. As far as your garden veggies, why not grill them the night before & serve on a platter with vinagrette & some grated pecorino? I love Hollywood Bowl picnics.

[Hapgood]

Salami is a must. :)

[soypower]

How about taking that loaf of bread and making a pan bagnat? Kind of like a nicoise salad as a sandwich. Best part is that it gets better the longer it sits. Here's a recipe I've used before.

http://www.staceysnacksonline.com/200...

[Hapgood]

Wow! That looks awesome! Dad doesn't like capers and olives - but I sure do. I think I will do something different this time - but will keep that recipe for a picnic with someone who would be excited about that feast.