This is something new and fun for guests  who are having lunch in NYC.   The next time you have friends or guests in NYC, tell them to bring some paper plates, napkins, utensils, and a good knife that can cut cheese, bread and cured sausages (make sure they have a case for the knife and a backpack to put it in, and do remind them not to take it into any attractions). Tell them to visit the Farmer Market at Union Square (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) and buy themselves a picnic. There are places to eat in the park or walk to Madison Square Park (23rd & Broadway) and eat there. There are also tables set on 17th Street and Broadway for anyone to use.

I shop this market often and buy my lunch there at least twice a week, so I know what to buy.  Give your friends/guests the list below and  tell them your friend Eric gave you the inside scoop on what t get. Not each vendor is their each day, but they will do good with this list.

NYC Picnic Shopping List

Bread

Hot Bread Kitchen. All the bread is made up in Harlem. The bakers are all immigrant women making bread from where they are from. Authentic is the name of the game. My favs are the Ms’men (flaky and buttery), the Nan-E Qandi(round, fluffy interior, made with milk and honey), and the raisin-walnut. They have other styles, like whole grain loaves. You can also check out Our Daily Bread.

Cheese/cured meats

Millport Dairy. Run by the Amish. Good cheeses most Cheddar and Jack. All tasty. They also sells pickles and cured meats.

Lynnhaven Goats Milk Cheese. chevre logs, feta plain, herbed, with roasted peppers. They have them all.

Hudson Valley Duck Farm. Not just raw duck, they have duck salami, duck proscuitto and pate. They are the highlight of any picnic.

Cato Corner. Mostly cow cheese, they have semi strong, stronger and stinky. Cheeses are outstanding. They are cool about tasting before you buy.

Crunchy

Martin’s Hard Pretzel – You can buy as few as three and as much a big bag. Get the big bag so you have some for the ride home.

Mountain Sweet Berry – Mini potato chips made in several different flavors like brown butter or curry. They let you try before you buy.

Dessert

Terhune Orchards. Cookies, pients, fruit crisps. They are all good and not expensive

Baker’s Bounty. All sorts of baked treats changing with the season and some old standbys.

Of course since is a farmers market, there are loads of fruits and veggies.  Buy what you live as it is all good.  There are organic vendors for those who want that and they are clearly marked. There are also vegan and gluten free bakers.

Enjoy your day our in NYC and have a food adventure.  For more ideas for what to do in NYC, visit www.btsq.com