Chicago, Ill. (June 4, 2015) – Whether you’re attending a concert at Millennium Park, dining on the Ravinia Festival lawn, or relaxing right in your very own back yard, Pastoral, the trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty foods and wine shops, has you covered during picnic season.
This summer, Pastoral presents six perfectly packaged picnics, which offer the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads and perfectly chosen accompaniments. Guests can also add wine and a number of new gourmet accompaniments, including Dick Taylor Craft Chocolates and Brooklyn Brine Co. Pickles, to their picnic selections. Each basket is made to order and ready for same day pickup or delivery by calling 800.721.4781 or ordering online at http://shop.pastoralartisan.com/index.php/picnics.html
New this year is the Picnic Royale ($99.99), a luxurious and bountiful basket for four, which includes a broad spectrum of fresh, aged and classic cheeses that are paired with prosciutto from heritage breed pigs, savory mixed olives, and crisp bread, complemented by single varietal honey and a few chocolates for a sweet treat. Contents include: Earthy, nutty Pleasant Ridge Reserve (WI – raw cow), cakey and decadent Manchester (MI – cow), creamy Morbier-style Jeune Autize (FR – goat), smooth and lemony Driftless (WI – sheep), sweet Tamworth prosciutto (IA – pork), single varietal Ames Honey, light and crisp Rustic Bakery Panforte, country olives, and individual Chocopods in surprising flavors (CA).
Additional picnic baskets for purchase include:
The Grand Picnic for Two ($69.99)
- Enjoy a deluxe artisan picnic spread for two – an abundance of artisan cheese, traditionally crafted charcuterie, sweet and salty almonds, nutty oatcakes, and local confections to round it out with subtly sweet notes.
- Contents: Smooth and earthy Prosciutto San Daniele (IT – pork), Dodge City Salame from Smoking Goose Meatery (IN – pork), buttery St. Malachi (PA – cow), rich and fluffy Miette (MO – goat), classic Alpine-style Spring Brook Raclette (VT – raw cow), sweet and salty Effie’s Mini Oatcakes (MA), house-made Spiced Almonds and a duo of handmade truffles from Katherine Anne Confections (IL).
Decadent Picnic for Two ($39.99)
- The perfect blend of sweet and savory, this palate-balanced picnic for two will leave you wanting to incorporate dessert into every meal; featuring silky, nutty and indulgent cheeses and a bounty of sweet treats from near and far.
- Contents: Fluffy and decadent Manchester (MI – cow), rich and grassy Brabander gouda (NL – goat), savory and complex Hittisau (AT – cow), cocoa dusted Piedras (ES), small batch raspberry and rose preserves (WI), handmade caramels from Katherine Anne Confections (IL) and soft and delicious Pastoral house made cookies.
Francophile Picnic for Two ($39.99)
- This classic French picnic for two features a classic saucisson, creamy, sweet and savory cheeses and a delightful variety of accoutrements to complement these treasures.
- Contents: Creamy Cantal ‘Entre Doux’ (FR – raw cow), fluffy and fresh Driftless (WI – sheep), decadent Brillat Savarin triple crème brie (FR – cow), sweet, rich Rosette de Lyon saucisson (NY – pork), small batch fig and black tea preserves (WI), Niçoise and Picholine olives, cornichons and grainy mustard.
Taste of the Midwest Picnic for Two ($39.99)
- The Midwest region is flush with talented artisan producers represented in this hometown spread for two – featuring carefully crafted artisan charcuterie, old school cheeses with new school flavor, lightly salted butter and sweet and savory accouterments that burst with local flavor.
- Contents: Creamy and slightly funky Aged Widmer’s Brick (WI – cow), fruity and mild Chandoka (WI – cow/goat), lightly salted Amish butter (OH – cow), Borsellino salami (IA – pork), hearty summer sausage from Underground Meats (WI – beef/pork), shallot confit and dried Michigan cherries, house made spiced almonds and grainy mustard.
Carnivore’s Feast Picnic for Two: ($39.99)
- Conscious carnivores rejoice – this charcuterie-filled picnic for two is for you! Artisan charcuterie producers focus on the sustainability and heritage of their herd and the products they make, crafting intensely rich and flavorful, salami and whole muscle cures to please your palate. Salty, spicy and crunchy pickled vegetables and mustard complement the spread perfectly.
- Contents: Country style Pig and Fig Terrine (IN – pork), spicy Calabrese salami (UT – pork), intense and rich Jamon Serrano, savory Mortadella (IN – pork), zesty house-made pimento cheese featuring two sharp cheddars (cow), cornichons, pickled vegetables and grainy mustard.
About Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is a trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty foods and wine shop offering the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, perfectly chosen accompaniments and small production wines, along with hand-crafted, cheese-loving beers and spirits. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral is committed to providing the highest level of service and education for customers, striving to make shopping for and consuming artisan goods enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious. Pastoral welcomes customers at three Chicago store locations, and ships nationwide at www.pastoralartisan.com. The company was named Outstanding Retailer of the Year in 2007 and 2012 by the Specialty Food Association. In 2012, the Company opened Bar Pastoral, an award-winning, Michelin Guide recommended cheese & wine bistro serving shareable fare, in a cozy, inviting neighborhood setting. Pastoral will open its newest location in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood in late summer 2015.
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