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River Cafe

Sitting in the shade of an overarching tree in Prince’s Island Park on a recent 25 C Saturday afternoon recently, my gentleman friend and I took in the whimsy of the much-celebrated picnic in the park with The River Café’s pre-made Island Basket to-go ($23 per person).
    Having made a reservation for the basket 24 hours in advance, we breezed into the park’s centrally located restaurant, signed for the wicker basket’s safe return, and were on our way to find the perfect picnic spot.
    After laying out our blanket and settling in, we removed the white napkin placed over-top the goodies to reveal a plethora of gourmet snacks –disappointingly wrapped in Saran wrap and organized into wax paper pockets. I made a mental note that the presentation lacked, and continued setting out the fixin’s, optimistically hoping the taste and the experience would be much better.
    We started off by sharing the smoked trout sandwich. It was lovely, the trout was perfect. Layered with creamy chevre and pea shoots on a ciabatta bun, it was an ideal summer sandwich.
    The second sandwich, made with roast chicken, apples, tomato and arugula, was not nearly as good, due solely to the fact that the bun was buttered. Butter? I know it is still used in sandwiches in some European countries, but why? The only purpose it served was the prevention of a soggy bun, but any true sandwich connoisseur knows you can use sprouts or greens to mitigate the problem. Besides, it made me question just exactly when the sandwiches were made. If I am giving 24 hours notice to pick up a picnic basket at 1:00 pm, should the sandwiches not be made just prior to that time?
    The rest of the basket seemed to be a cinch to put together – an assortment of veggies and a red lentil hummus for dipping, fresh cherries, gouda cheese and mixed gourmet nuts – overall, a fairly nice spread. The dessert consisted of homemade chocolate chip cookies and brownies. For beverages the basket came with one small bottle of spring water and one Dad’s root beer – not very inspired, and not nearly enough liquid for a hot day in the park.
    If you’re not into DIY, River Café’s picnic basket definitely speaks to convenience and ease – no fuss, no muss, just a relaxing day in the park. I would have been far more impressed if the execution reflected the caliber of the restaurant’s in-house offerings.
    However, any criticism I had regarding the food and presentation were laid to rest after enjoying a sweet day in the grass.
    River Café is located on Prince’s Island Park; phone 261-7670.