Recognizing that many diners want to enjoy their favorite foods without crowds, waits, and the hassle of tips and limited wine picks, chefs are offering their indoor menus to those who want to kick back in the park, by the water, or anywhere else alfresco.
The idea is win-win for everyone. Chefs serve more customers without having to seat everyone, and diners tend to order from their favorite places more often when they don't have to make a production out of it.
So if you're planning a family picnic, romantic dinner or other meal to celebrate the outdoors, or if you just want to dine on your patio in peace, check out some of these new to-go packages, ranging from affordable to crazy-fun.
_ Make packing Shore coolers and soggy sandwiches a thing of the past with Rae's new "takeout coolers to order." Throughout the summer, rising chef Daniel Stern's Cira Centre eatery will custom-pack coolers for customers. Simply drop off your favorite cooler or coolers on a Wednesday and place your order, then pick them up Friday for your trip to the Shore. They'll be filled with Stern's specialties, like lobster salad, shrimp cocktail, barbecued items and his gazpacho. Single items start around $6 and complete meal packages with meats, seafood or other entrees are approximately $50 a person. 2929 Arch St. 215-922-3839 or www.raerestaurant.com.
_ Getting away for the weekend with the whole family? Fork: etc, the food market adjacent to Ellen Yin's Fork restaurant in Old City, now does entire meals to go, from appetizers to desserts. With a focus on salads, grilled entrees and barbecue, it's like ordering a family reunion feast. The restaurant's special Weekend Getaway Package for six people includes breakfast, lunch and dinner with choices of sandwiches, sides and desserts ($300). 308 Market St. 215-625-9425 or www.fork
restaurant.com.
