Channel Islands (California)
Picnic: A do-it-yourself outdoor meal is often composed of sandwiches from the nearest deli. Channel Islands Provisioners (805-758-3375) is far more inspiring. Serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, the company sells tailored, farm-to-table picnics that are sensitive to dietary needs and preferences. They work with transportation concessionaire Island Packers for dockside meal drop-off. Packages include a light breakfast for the boat ride, as well as lunch and a snack, with picks like steel-cut oatmeal, a free-range-egg frittata, a spice-rubbed roast turkey sandwich and a chopped salad. Dinners are also available for campers.
Off-site: A glass of wine is often the perfect finale to a long day in the sun. Have one (or more) at The CAVE in Ventura. Serving 32 different options by the ounce on the premises of Ventura Wine Company, the restaurant offers prime pairings with inexpensive small plates, including margherita pizza, a filet of beef, calamari risotto and a California tuna roll.
