Whether you are headed up the Hudson or to the Hamptons, here’s a few tips for the perfect picnic…

1. A Mercedes E-Class Convertible

What I love most about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is this amazing technology feature called the AIRCAP. It’s a wind deflector that reduces the backflow. What does that mean for you? The perfect ride with the top down beneath crystal clear skies and not having to worry about loosing your Hermes headscarf.

2. Michael White’s Recipes (and a knack in the kitchen.)

Michael White, Executive Chef and Partner of Alto, Convivio and Marea in New York City presents an exclusive summer picnic to remember. I highly recommend the E-Cabbage Slaw. It’s a perfect fit for the E-Cabrio, is easy to prepare and travels beautifully.

E-CABBAGE Slaw (
Serves four
)

FOR THE SALAD 1 large head napa cabbage, shredded,
 1 red bell pepper, seeded, de-ribbed and julienned, 
1 large carrot, grated, 1 tablespoon coarse salt
, 1 tablespoon sugar
FOR THE DRESSING 1 cup apple cider vinegar
, 1 cup sour cream, 
1 green apple, washed and grated
, 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar, 
1 tablespoon celery seeds, 
1 tablespoon coarse salt
, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 
1/4 teaspoon pepperoncino flakes

Directions:

Salad: In a colander set over a large bowl, combine the cabbage, peppers, carrot, salt, and sugar. Toss to combine. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Dressing: Combine the dressing ingredients in a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.  Cook, whisking constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes
. Remove salad from refrigerator, discard any liquid that has accumulated in the bottom of the bowl. Add the salad to the bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine.

Check out additional ‘On The Road’ Picnic recipes on the James Beard Website.

3. A date James Beard Style.

A pioneer of American-style gourmet cooking, James Beard was an avid lover of picnics. Here’s a super cute snapshot of Beard with his honey on a picnic!