CITYist

‘Tis the season for al fresco dining, and now you don’t even have to deal with packing your own picnic basket. Several New York eateries are offering packed lunches for grown ups to enjoy. So if you’re feeling as if you’re cooped up in an air-conditioned abyss, head down to Central Park, Union Square or Bryant Park with meals prepared by Telepan, ‘wichcraft or The Coffee Shop. We promise: it’ll be better than your thrown-together sandwich.

For $21 a pop, you can get a picnic basket prepared by seasonal restaurant Telepan (click here for an order form). Enjoy cuban sandwiches, tabbouleh, summer vegetables and red velvet cake without ever having to lift a finger. At $14.95, Union Square’s Coffee Shop offers a cheaper option without sacrificing flavor (dishes include grilled pita with spicy chickpea dip and banana cream pie). Lastly, the Bryant Park, Greeley Square and Herald Square locations of ‘wichcraft will be serving its signature sandwiches, like goat cheese avocado, celery, walnut pesto and watercress on multigrain bread. Bon Appétit.