Picnic Day: The best picnic foods you can order to celebrate freedom in style

Four chefs tell us the best food you can order to pimp up your picnic as Sydney prepares to get its first taste of freedom on Picnic Day.

Sydneysiders will finally get their much-anticipated reward for months in lockdown with picnics with loved ones allowed from today.

And it’s not just residents celebrating – with businesses offering special picnic foods to help maximise on the first sliver of freedom in weeks.

Those living outside the local government areas of concerns will be able to have picnics with up to five other people.

Households inside the 12 hotspot areas will also get their picnics but they will be limited to two hours and only with people they live with.

Despite the restrictions, there is plenty of excitement in the air with chefs offering their tips on how to take your outing up a notch.

Luke Mangan has put together delicious quiches for customers. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Celebrity chef Luke Mangan has created a range of picnic quiches for those wanting a restaurant-like taste for their get together.

“We‘ve all been cooped up for so long doing far too many Zoom chats for my liking! It’s just great now that so many people will be able to finally get outside and see each other in a bigger group and celebrate together,” he said.

Rukus cafe and Catering owner Tom Morrison said the humble picnic meant so much more this time around because it symbolised the start of returning to normal life.

Boxed by Blonde Butler are the perfect option for those wanted a fuzz-free feast. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I you had told me two years ago that millions of Sydneysiders would be getting super stoked about going on a picnic, I would‘ve laughed at you! But Covid’s changed our world in so many ways, so I’m more than happy to jump on the picnic bandwagon,” he said.

The Newport business has put together seafood, meat, and salad boxes ideal for groups of five.

Catering company the Blonde Butler has received an influx of orders for their “Boxed by Blonde Butler” boxes that look as good as they taste.

“They come with all the yummy things – and look fantastic …The team and I are super happy and exceptionally grateful to our customers – new and old – who are supporting us,” he said.

Tom Morrison from Rukus Cafe is urging Sydney locals to try the best local produce. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Those looking to finally have the chance to share a drink with mates can turn to P & V Merchants with the company offering a range of pre-mixed cocktails along with zero alcohol drinks.

“There’s been a huge rise in the popularity of ’zero alcohol’ products in the past year or so and I reckon they’re going to fly off the shelves in the coming week because they’re perfect for picnic day drinking,” owner Amanda Cleal said.

Milk and Honey Picnics owner Vicki Ryvchin has been inundated with customers wanting her chic picnic setups.

You can finally share a drink with your mates thanks to a lift in restrictions! Picture: Jonathan Ng

“From a business perspective, I’m extremely excited. I literally don’t leave my phone. The bookings and inquiries are flowing in. People are so excited to get back out there. I’ve got an engagement party picnic next week,” she said.

Away from work Ms Ryvchin is looking forward to enjoying time with her own family, including husband Alex and her three children.

Vicki Ryvchin and her family are looking forward to being allowed to go out for picnics again. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“(I’m looking forward to) the ability to go out and catch up with some friends. The kids have felt so isolated from their friends so it’s great to get back to socialising. ”