Apart from a few scorching days earlier in the year this summer so far has been a bit of a damp squib. My barbecue remains unlit and my beloved picnic basket and blanket sits unused.
I'm hoping the clouds clear soon so we can enjoy the best of British summertime fun complete with bangers on the barbie, picnics anywhere and ice creams preferably from a van parked up somewhere with a view.
I am in charge of all the food in our house as my husband doesn't even like to burn barbecue things. I love picnics but set standards quite high so it can be effort to create a feast I deem worthy of al fresco eating.
Thankfully Carluccio’s perennially popular picnics are back, including new for this year, a totally plant-powered offering. No effort required beyond ordering and collecting.
Perfect to take to the park, a family outing, outdoor festival or concert and great for flexing in front of the family next to you who are dismally munching their way through soggy sandwiches and crisps.
Both the Classic and Plant Power picnics are filled to the brim with delicious, freshly prepared Italian dishes, made from recipes adhering to the late, great Antonio Carluccio’s ‘MOF MOF’ food philosophy, minimum of fuss, maximum of flavour.
From freshly baked focaccia and antipasto through to seasonal salads and Polpette di Fagioli – vegan bean balls with chickpea and aubergine purée, each picnic serves two, and is priced at £45.
Pick-up your ready-made Italian feast in its chic, reusable Carluccio’s cool bag from your local restaurant and, to avoid disappointment on those super sunny days, call ahead to order in advance.
Why not also add one of the great regional Italian wines on offer, available to pick up from the deli along with your picnic.
An individual Kid’s Picnic, priced at just £10 (serves one) comes with grissini bread sticks, carrot, cucumber and celery sticks with tomato and basil dip; and meatballs in tomato sauce. Other treats include a chocolate chip cookie and apple juice to finish.
So if you have an outing in the diary which would be enhanced by a beautiful Italian-style al fresco feast, call Carluccio's and choose your perfect picnic.
Disclaimer: I was not paid or rewarded to share information about the Carluccio's picnic range.