Want to be the "it" girl at the next picnic or Duffy Boat bay cruise? OK, here's the scoop. It won't be your new Prada thong sandals or your fabulous white eyelet summer dress that everyone will be talking about. It will be the delectable picnic basket you ordered at Sapphire Pantry in Laguna Beach. The gourmet shop adjacent to the hot new Sapphire Laguna restaurant offers three delicious picnic options as well as create-it-yourself picnic baskets.

Sapphire Pantry's Picnics are available in three culinary themes: Mediterranean, Wine Country and California Coastal. They overflow with Chef/Owner Azmin Ghahreman's favorite dishes made from local produce, gourmet international ingredients, fresh baked breads, savories, sweets and artisan cheeses, along with refreshing, homemade drinks. And picnickers can select fine wines too from Sapphire Pantry’s carefully edited international inventory.

Baskets are made for two and include prepared starters, salads, vegetables, cheeses, sides and sandwiches, as well as dessert and beverages such as white peach sangria and French lemonade. The Mediterranean picnic includes grilled vegetable couscous salad; chilled shrimp with harissa aioli; asparagus tips with truffle-mayo; roast tenderloin sandwich with arugula pesto on ciabatta and more.

Picnics range from $65 to $80. For an additional $15, basket, plates, napkins and utensils are included. Create-It-Yourself picnic prices vary depending on selections made from more than 100 artisan cheeses, charcuterie meats, prepared salads, olives, crackers, breads, pastries and other gourmet products.

Orders takes at least 24 hours notice.

Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sapphire Pantry at The Old Pottery Place 1200 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. 949.715.9889

www.sapphirepantry.com

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