Mercedes-Benz Offers Suggestions to Take Your End-of-Summer Picnic on the Road

September 04, 2010

As Labor Day approaches and the kids head back to school, it's a sign that summer is winding down -- but that doesn't mean it's too late to squeeze in one last summer road trip, complete with a picnic for the drive. Mercedes-Benz helps sets the stage for the perfect escape with an "On the Road" picnic menu created by renowned chef Michael White, Executive Chef and Partner of Alto, Convivio, and Marea in New York City.

White's summer picnic menu incorporates his signature style and modern interpretation of soulful Italian cuisine. The seasonal picnic menu includes Grilled Tagliata with Rucola and Parmigiano on Ciabatta; Gemelli with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil; and E-Cabbage Slaw, White's tongue-in-cheek reference to the new Mercedes-Benz E-Cabriolet, a four-seat convertible perfect for summer driving.

"I love being out on the open road and spending time outdoors with friends and family during the summer months, but I spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen. This was truly a creative exercise for me, imagining what I would eat at a festive summer picnic," said Chef White. "My goal in developing these recipes was to create a menu that is simple to prepare, easy to pack up and fun to eat and share outside."

Marea, White's most recent restaurant, was awarded the 2010 James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant. Mercedes-Benz, a sponsor and supporter of The James Beard Foundation, considers Beard's legacy to be a driving force behind this exciting new campaign. A pioneer of American-style gourmet cooking, Beard was an avid lover of picnics, which is why Mercedes-Benz asked Chef White to create this innovative menu to inspire food lovers to hit the road.

Celebrate the end of summer by taking a road trip picnic soon!
A complete "On the Road" menu and recipes from Chef White are featured www.jamesbeard.org. In addition to White's simple yet delicious recipes, Mercedes-Benz also offers the following checklist and tips to help you enjoy the ultimate "On the Road" picnic:

Picnic Checklist:
* Picnic basket or cooler
* Bottled water (tip: freeze overnight and use as an ice pack)
* Outdoor dinnerware, plastic silverware, and napkins / paper towels* Sturdy glassware* Corkscrew and/or bottle opener
* Tablecloth or blanket
* Trash bag
* Hand sanitizer or wipes
* Salt and pepper
* One sharp knife (consider using a Swiss army knife) Optional Items
* Boombox or iPod with portable speakers (don't forget to charge!)
* Camera
* Sunscreen (for daytime picnics)
* Bug spray or citronella candles (don't forget matches for candles)
* Decorative centerpiece (a cup of freshly plucked wildflowers, a beautiful dessert)
* Candles or lantern (evening picnic

Interested in shopping for the ultimate picnicking car? Find complete specifications and pricing information for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Cabriolet four-seat convertible and other popular Mercedes-Benz models with New Car Price Reports at TrueCar.com.

Brandy Schaffels
Content Manager at TrueCar.com

Brandy Schaffels is an automotive journalist with more than 25 years in the automotive industry. Previously an editor at MotorTrend.com and AskPatty.com, Brandy is now the Content Manager for the consumer-focused website, TrueCar.com

TrueCar.com provides transparent new vehicle pricing based on actual local transactional data, allowing consumers to know what others have paid for their vehicles. They also help connect dealers with buyers at a set, no-haggle price.
Brandy currently drives a brand-new 2011 Ford Fiesta she has nicknamed "Sunshine."