Instant picnics - Best of the West - places that will pack one for you; best place to have one

When packing a picnic seems like too big a hassle, just grab your wallet and head outside: these spots feature truly delectable food to go, and all are practically next door to great city parks.

The source           What to buy

SEATTLE              Salads, herb baguettes, and
Macrina Bakery       seasonal savory or sweet
2408 First Ave.      tartlets, such as carrot-
(206) 448-4032       fennel or pear frangipane,
                     plus organic coffee.

PORTLAND             Fresh mozzarella, basil and
Pearl Bakery         organic tomato sandwiches,
102 N.W. Ninth Ave.  Sicilian fig cookies, and even
(503) 827-0910       PB&J for the kids.

SAN FRANCISCO        Niman Ranch meatloaf sand-
Bi-Rite Market       wiches, organic Summer Lady
3639 18th St.        peaches, and pine nut-herb
(415) 241-9760       brie at Bi-Rite. Bread and
Tartine Bakery       toasted almond meringues at
600 Guerrero St.     Tartine.
(415) 487-2600

VENICE, CA           Serrano ham, Cypress Grove
Stroh's Gourmet      chevre, sun-dried tomatoes,
1239 Abbot Kinney    La Brea Bakery baguettes, and
Blvd.                fresh watermelon sorbet.
(310) 450-5119

SALT LAKE CITY       Candied baby beets or nicoise
L'Avenue Bistro      salad; ask about sandwich
1355 East 2100       specials (call ahead to
South                order).
(801) 485-4494

DENVER               Any of 30 cheeses, all manner
The Market           of sandwiches, and desserts
1445 Larimer Square  such as spring fling cake (a
(303) 534-5140       frosted zucchini-poppy seed
                     cake topped with fresh fruit).


The source           Picnic spot               Where to sit

SEATTLE              Myrtle Edwards Park       Benches or picnic
Macrina Bakery       (3130 Alaskan Way W.),    tables overlooking
2408 First Ave.      about eight blocks away,  Puget Sound. Avoid
(206) 448-4032       mostly along the water-   construction at the
                     front                     park's southeast end.

PORTLAND             The Park Blocks           On a picnic blanket in
Pearl Bakery         (corner of Park Ave. and  the cool, oasis-like
102 N.W. Ninth Ave.  Couch St.), two blocks    shade of enormous
(503) 827-0910       away                      sycamores and maples.

SAN FRANCISCO        Dolores Park              Stake out benches or
Bi-Rite Market       (18th St. and Dolores     hillside grass at the
3639 18th St.        St.), one block away      park's steep southwest
(415) 241-9760                                 corner for a spectacular
Tartine Bakery                                 city view to the Bay
600 Guerrero St.                               Bridge.
(415) 487-2600

VENICE, CA           Venice Beach,             On the sand at the
Stroh's Gourmet      four blocks away          water's edge. Or, if
1239 Abbot Kinney                              you prefer shade, in
Blvd.                                          the grass behind the
(310) 450-5119                                 chainsaw juggler.

SALT LAKE CITY       Sugar House Park          Spread out on the sloping
L'Avenue Bistro      (1300 East 2100 South),   lawn on the park's
1355 East 2100       across the street         northwest corner, and
South                                          enjoy views of the
(801) 485-4494                                 Wasatch Mountains.

DENVER               Confluence Park           A knoll on the park's
The Market           (Little Raven St. and     southeast corner over-
1445 Larimer Square  Speer Blvd.), one block   looks the meeting of
(303) 534-5140       to Cherry Creek bike      the South Platte River
                     path, then six blocks to  and Cherry Creek.
                     park

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