FOOD AND WINE
The perfect picnic
The Sequoia Sandwich Co.’s roasted ham and turkey sandwiches.
Enjoy a spring picnic with local deli delights
N By Hillary Haenes
Photos by Michael Lopez
Now that spring is officially here, it’s time to take advantage of the warm weather, and what better way than with a picnic in a patch of wildflowers, at a park or near the river. Before taking a short, but romantic day trip out of town or to a nearby scenic spot with the entire family, head to your favorite local deli and load your picnic basket with some goodies. Five iconic delis weighed in on what sandwiches, beverages and treats to pack for the perfect afternoon picnic. Be sure to not forget a blanket or chairs, something to keep the kids occupied, plates, napkins and the right utensils. And most importantly, enjoy the picturesque views and delicious recommendations. Roasted turkey or ham sandwich
The Sequoia Sandwich Co., three locations at 9160 Rosedale Highway, 1231 18th St. or 9500 Ming Ave.
To co-owner Gary Blackburn, turkey or ham is the American standard when it comes to sandwiches, and it’s no surprise turkey is the most requested among customers. “We were told by a former deli owner before we ever opened our first Sequoia store that turkey would be the most popular — and he was right — it outsells everything on the menu,” Blackburn said. Not only is it a healthy alternative because it’s low in fat, but it appeals to a wide group of picky eaters, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Sequoia’s roasted turkey sandwich comes 76
Bakersfield Life
April 2011
on squaw bread, which is a soft, dark bread that’s flavored with molasses to give it a slightly sweet taste. Similar to regular Swiss, baby Swiss cheese provides more of a creamy texture to complement the mayo, avocado, lettuce and tomato that tops this sandwich. “You can also spice things up a little by using Cajun turkey or cracked pepper turkey instead of plain,” Blackburn said. As for the ham sandwich, it comes on fresh sourdough bread from our local Pyrenees French Bakery (who also bakes the squaw bread), and has baby Swiss cheese, but is topped with a sweet and tangy honey mustard, lettuce and tomato. For your sides, try Sequoia’s potato salad with Yukon Gold potatoes or the pasta salad tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. Fresh fruit is another great option, especially red seedless grapes, apples or bananas because they are easy to transport and eat with no mess or cutting required. The deli’s Zapps brand chips are made in Louisiana and add a great crunch in flavors such as Cajun or jalapeno. Dessert lovers will love the variety of fresh baked cookies made with real butter, from chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to peanut butter, sugar, Snickerdoodle and oatmeal-chip-nut. “I think you can kick a plain picnic up a notch with special bottled sodas instead of cans. We carry the Thomas Kemper line of gourmet sodas, which comes in orange-cream, root beer, cream soda and black cherry. Also, fresh brewed tea in a big Gott jug or lemonade is great for a picnic, but be sure to bring ice,” he said. To ensure your food tastes just right, Blackburn suggested bringing a cooler with ice packs to keep items like a side salad cool. As for a location, he mentioned the mountains to get a view of the wildflowers, Yokuts Park near the Kern River or a nice city park like the one in Haggin Oaks in the southwest because it is