But good music deserves a thoughtfully prepared meal. Xian Choy, of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine in Chicago, has some ideas. He shares his recipe for an out of the ordinary turkey sandwich and outlines a plan for a perfect picnic for two. On your way to the concert, you can pick up your ingredients at your local store or at Pastoral in the new Chicago French Market at the Ogilvie Transportation Center.
For more recipes and information, visit www.pastoralartisan.com.
PICNIC POINTERS
Sandwiches:
1) Use bread that will hold up in your travels. We use baguettes because they're soft on the inside but the crust retains its shape.
2) Don't use too many condiments because it will soak the bread and make it soggy.
3) Use the freshest ingredients possible! Using fresh ingredients, preferably sourced locally, really makes the sandwich come alive.
4) Cut sandwiches into personal portions so they're ready to eat.
Picnics:
1) Use firm, aged cheeses as much as possible. They're far less perishable and will be less messy.
2) Use recyclable/biodegradable packaging and utensils for convenience and for your conscience.
3) Bring screw top/pry-off wine or beer. No corkscrew needed!
4) Use cured meat! Much less worry about temperature, and you can slice it for easy consumption.
SANDWICH RECIPE
Pastoral's Turkey Sedona Sandwich with Locally Raised Turkey from Michigan Serves Two One medium-sized, artisan baguette Fromager D'Affinois (A French double-cream soft cheese made from cow's milk) 4-6 slices roasted turkey, preferably locally produced 1/2 green apple, thinly sliced 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced Field greens Prepare the sandwich: Slice baguette lengthwise. Spread with an even layer of Fromager D'Affinois. Place sliced roasted turkey on one half of the baguette. Layer sliced red onion. Finish with apple slices and a generous handful of fresh field greens. Fold baguette, slice in half (or thirds) and enjoy. Recipe notes: Brie can be substituted for Fromager D'Affinois; lightly sprinkle green apple slices with fresh lemon juice before preparing sandwich to keep apple from browning.
PASTORAL FRENCH PICNIC RECIPE
Pastoral's Tour De France Picnic
Serves Two
All the tastes of France without the travel!
Three French artisan cheeses such as Brie de Meaux, Mimolette and Blue D'Auvergne
Savory country pate
Rosette de Lyon, sliced (French pork sausage / salami)
Cornichons
Nicoise and Picholine olives
Whole grain mustard, small bottle
Two sweets (cookies or brownies)
Handmade artisan baguette
Bottle of wine, screw top is best for picnics!
Prepare the picnic:
Gather your picnic ingredients together in your favorite picnic basket or cooler and enjoy!
ABOUT PASTORAL
PASTORAL is a European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop, offering the highest quality fine and artisan cheeses from America and around the world, select small production wines and freshly baked breads along with a full complement of related items such as charcuterie and olives. PASTORAL also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. The company was founded in 2004 in the East Lakeview section of Chicago and was named in 2007 as one of six Outstanding Specialty Food Retailers by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). For more information or to shop online, visit www.pastoralartisan.com
Pastoral Artisan Cheese
Chicago French Market
131 N. Clinton Street, Chicago
312-454-2200
Additional shops at:
53 East Lake Street in the Loop
2945 North Broadway in Lakeview
Online store: www.pastoralartisan.com
