There were four of us in charge of the pre-theatre dinner in various degrees. We were set to see a 1930s take on Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” on the outdoor stage at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI. It was a gorgeous night, full of fireflies and welcome breezes in the heat.
As we planned our picnic dinner that we would spread on a table outside of the theater, along with a hundred or so other people, we briefly considered picking up dinner or ordering it ahead at the theater. But, there were four of us, so making dinner together and packing it up in a cooler was even easier. On our final menu: Brie and aged cheddar wedges with crackers, carrots with dip, sliced Bourbon beef, Caprese Salad (with the freshest tomatoes and basil possible), and watermelon slices. We served wine and club soda and toasted to the beautiful evening.
Do you have favorite dishes for outdoor events this summer?
Our friends also planned a meal before the As You Like It performance this past Sunday evening. Our menu, for 7, was somewhat similar: cold beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce and barbecue sauce, bean salad (green beans, white beans, tomatoes), cold chicken salad, homemade wheat rolls or ciabatta with homemade basil pesto, pasta salad with broccoli raab, fruit. Cooking a picnic together and going to American Players together every summer is a highlight for all of us.