How to French Picnic Like a Pro (Recipe!)

Sunshine, soft grass, sandwiches—what could possibly enhance a summertime picnic? Why, a Parisian spin, of course! GREY GOOSE recently held its annual Sunset Soirée at Cecil Green Park House at UBC, featuring an ooh-la-la-worthy dinner inspired by the finest French ingredients and, naturally, the world’s best-tasting vodka. If you weren’t able to attend, don’t fret: we’ve consulted with Paris-based chef Justin Kent on how to create the perfect elegant French picnic, whether you’re in Paris or not! (Bonus: Be sure to pack the ingredients and tools needed to make the Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz cocktails for all your picnic guests. It’s the perfect European-inspired summer drink, and we’re sharing the recipe below!) —Noa Nichol

Picnic in Paris (Even if You’re Not)

This summer, chef Kent, founder of Picnics in Paris, has joined with Grey Goose Vodka to bring the elevated French picnic to Canada. The partnership comes naturally, born out of shared values around farm-to-table and field-to-bottle philosophies and a shared a passion for and dedication to using only the finest French ingredients blended with extraordinary skill to bring out the best flavours. We asked chef Kent for his top tips on how to recreate an authentic French picnic in our own backyards:

Tell us about yourself, and what led you to start your Picnics in Paris catering company?

I began my culinary career in Denver at a French culinary school. Soon after I moved to Paris to work for famed chef Alain Passard at the three Michelin-starred restaurant L’Arpege, famous for its produce-driven menu. From there I cooked at several other Paris restaurants, all the while focusing my cuisine on fresh, superior-quality products. The French—and tourists alike—love to picnic in Parisian parks or along the riverbank on the evenings and weekends. But often it’s hard to find good quality ingredients all in one place. So I came up with the the idea to curate gourmet, fresh and luxurious picnics for people living in or visiting Paris, and launched the Picnics in Paris catering business.

What are some of the typical décor elements of an authentic French picnic?

First and foremost is comfort. I recommend a thick waterproof picnic blanket to sit on. To make your picnic a bit more chic, add a nice neutral-coloured throw blanket on top of that one. An authentic wicker style wood "panier" is the ultimate picnic accessory, and make sure it’s outfitted with real plates, cutlery and glassware. Also make sure to pack a few good knives and cutting boards for bread, cheese and charcuterie.

What’s the perfect setting for a French-inspired picnic?

Open parks are lovely for picnics, or along a riverbank. Find a picnic location with sun and shade to make everyone comfortable, and make sure public restrooms are nearby. Also choose a location that is easy/convenient to access.

How about food and drink? What is typically served at a French picnic?

If you can find local purveyors of fine French products (wine, cheese and meats), that is the way to go. Charcuterie, cheese and bread are French picnic staples. Then comes French wine or champagne, seasonal fruits and salad, and a fresh and light dessert such as a fruit tart or custard. In the summer, I like to offer guests an option of a cocktail as opposed to wine or champagne. The Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz is a really refreshing cocktail (think of it like an elevated vodka soda) that can be pre-batched ahead of your picnic. See the recipe below!

With a French picnic in mind, tell us:

> Paper napkins or cloth? Cloth, all the way!
> Plastic cutlery or real silverware? Real silverware, no question!
> Tupperware or dishes? Dishes. But bring Tupperware for guests to take home leftovers (if there are any).
> Cooler or picnic basket? Picnic basket and a cooler if you are serving cold drinks or food.
> Picnic blanket or table and chairs? Picnic blanket.

Recipe: Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz

Ingredients:

1 1⁄2 parts Grey Goose vodka
1 part St. Germain elderflower liqueur
2 parts chilled soda water
1⁄2 part freshly squeezed lime (approx. two wedges to taste)

Method:

Build ice into an oversized cabernet wine glass. Add vodka, then squeeze fresh lime and discard. Top with elderflower liqueur and chilled soda water. Garnish with fresh lime wedges. Salut!

greygoose.com