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For our first two installments we’ve featured instrumentalists, so today we’ll feature one of the most memorable voices in 20th century jazz and pop music, Nat King Cole.   Although born in Montgomery Alabama, Cole’s family moved to Chicago when he was a young boy, ultimately settling in the Bronzeville neighborhood.   Cole attended the same high school that later, famous singer Sam Cooke would attend.  As a young boy he recalls sneaking out of the…

Born in Oshkosh Wisconsin, Bobby Lewis moved to Chicago in 1961 and has been a fixture on the Chicago jazz scene ever since.  There’s little Lewis hasn’t done in his 75 years of playing the trumpet.  In addition to 13 studio albums, his performance credits include playing alongside Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Judy Garland.  In fact, there’s a good chance you’ve heard his silky playing without even…

Whether it’s the old timey jazz soundtracks of our favorite classic Christmas films, or the cozy feeling you get from cuddling up with a warm cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine in front of the fireplace listening to a relaxing jazz album, many people associate jazz with the holidays.  So, it seems a fitting time for us to relaunch one of our most popular events in a new virtual and safe medium. Welcome to…

One of the many perks of working at Picnic is that there is always something wonderful to sample. Here, staff share some of our favorite products.  Liz Ahearn: “About once a week I like to splurge and make myself a decadent breakfast: farm fresh eggs from Lavender Hill Farms and D’artagnan uncured applewood smoked bacon. I typically toast up some Hewn bread to go with it. I’m also obsessed with Harriet’s Hides, cowhide bags made…

At Picnic, we are leaning into our role as a neighborhood grocer, and we’re thrilled to still be able to offer the same delicious local provisions we have always carried, as well as new offerings. We love carrying fresh bread from Hewn Bakery. Hewn is an independent, woman-owned bakery located in Evanston. At Picnic, you can purchase a loaf of Hewn bread that comes in a delicious variety, including garlic parmesan, potato rosemary, polenta pumpkin seed,…

Picnic is known for our wide selection of wines, as well as our unique liquors and beers, but did you know that we have a growing number of non-alcoholic options as well? Whether you’re looking to cut down on your quarantine drinking, or you’re sober year-round, we’ve got you covered. DRAM Apothecary is a Colorado based beverage company specializing in hemp and CBD-infused sodas. CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in Cannabis plants….

Châteauneuf-du-Pape (pronounced “shat-toe-nouf due pap”) is often described as “a gateway drug to French wines.” This renowned wine is named after the region in France where it is made, in the Rhone Valley. This January, Picnic owner Liz Ahearn visited France and, of course, made several stops at wineries during her travels. On her third day in France, Liz stopped at Domaine Du Grand Tinel, a family-owned winery in CdP. The winery began as a partnership…