Food @ Picnic spot (how much, allergies, live)

[new_to_jersey]

Can somebody please suggest what are the best options to take food at a picnic spot near a lake. Need to know what are popular options . please advice

[flyonpa]

Some Clue about what part of NJ would like to picnic in would be helpful.

[new_to_jersey]

thanks for comment on post. open to driving in nj on weekends . so north , central and south isn't a problem really.

[Gerania]

I'm not sure what you want us to tell you. If there's a picnic table, sit at the table. If not, take some sort of blanket or ground cover or a couple of folding chairs. Pack a lunch. Don't forget condiments, napkins, cups.

[Retriever]

Does the OP want us to suggest what food items he/she should take on a picnic?
If that is the case, then he/she needs to first divulge the budget for this picnic.

Personally, I prefer chilled cracked crab legs, lobster salad, arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, plus filet mignons to put on a grill at my picnics.
However, if you have a bologna & hot dog budget, my preferences may not be appropriate for you.

How much money do you plan on spending, how many people will be sharing this picnic meal, and--perhaps most important of all--do you have a very effective cooler chest to transport the items?

[daliowa]

New Jersey State Parks
NEW JERSEY PARKS-STATE PARKS IN NEW JERSEY- Parks to explore in NJ


Tip: Bring bug spray.

[new_to_jersey]

thanks for the comments . very good suggestions, indeed.
sorry for the confusion.
yes , popular food items is the question

around 5-7 people . no specific $ amount in mind . need to know popular food items so that we can think what we can manage.

[zhelder]

Can you barbecue? Hot dogs, hamburgers, boneless chicken breasts, some corn and maybe some chips and you're ready to rock.

Cold stuff? Cold cut sandwiches, potato/macaroni salad, other pasta salads, a variety of chips, crackers, and dips. (I discovered Sabra's Pine Nut Hummus dip at a friend's party on July 4 and now I'm hooked.)

Here's my favorite cold pasta salad: Cook some penne or ziti until al dente. Drain and let cool. Add a jar of sun dried tomatoes with oil, some roasted red pepper strips, some pieces of fresh mozzarella, a good handful each of basil and parsley torn up, salt, pepper, a clove or two of minced garlic and a final glug of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well. Chill for a few hours (optional). Yum Yum!

[daliowa]

Originally Posted by new_to_jersey

thanks for the comments . very good suggestions, indeed.
sorry for the confusion.
yes , popular food items is the question

around 5-7 people . no specific $ amount in mind . need to know popular food items so that we can think what we can manage.

Are these adults? Children? Vegetarians? Special diet needs? Allergies?

Why not ask your guests what type of food they eat?

In summer it's always nice to have some refreshing fruit, i.e. strawberries, grapes, etc.

Lemonade is a nice summer drink.

Be careful in summer of food spoiling easily outdoors. Anything with mayonase, i.e. potato salad, etc. will spoil very quickly.