Happy Summer! I started a summer supper club in 2023 because I wanted another reason to get outside, see my friends more, and try new recipes! I called it Summer AF, but the AF stands for al fresco. 🙂 This year will mark the fourth annual Summer AF series so I thought I’d do a lil recap of Summer AFs past.
2023
In 2023 we picnicked at Codornices Park (Berkeley), Albany Bulb (Albany), Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland), Dracena Quarry Park (Oakland), Keller Beach (Richmond). I got stickers made and made s’mores kits for the kick off event!
For our first event I attempted a tabbouleh and elote (with optional crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos). Friends made scones, kimbap, and we had a burrito bowl station.
Albany Bulb was incredibly windy and our attempt at a hot pot station was short lived but still so tasty; we ran out of inverter power because apparently the electric hot pot uses a lot of juice! One friend started the tradition of a picnic taste test. For this round: which sea salt chip is the best? The verdict: Cape Cod!
Next up: I made pancit and my friend made this incredible fried tofu!
Sometimes we forgot to take photos of food, but there was always a beautiful sunset stroll!
By picnic number five, we used that golden hour light for a food-oshoot. I brought out my trifle dish to make a seven-layer dip. Plus a peanut butter taste test!
2024
For year two we summered at Ohlone Park (Berkeley), the Ocean View school playground (Albany), and Mendocino Park (Richmond). This was the year I made empanadas from scratch!
We collaborated on a nacho bar. Plus a salsa taste test, of course.
This was also the year I made a banner! And to close out the summer I put together a goody buffet of floral clips, lip balms, and stained glass kits.
More of the banner –
2025
Last year we picnicked at three more parks: Willard Park (Berkeley), Kensington Park (Kensington), and Grove Park (Berkeley). This was the summer I went stone fruit picking and shared my bounty, and I learned how to make inarizushi.
My sister was in town for one of my events and we feasted on enchiladas, bánh cuốn, and a beautiful charcuterie. My kid’s contribution was a picnic blanket of monster trucks.
More beautiful spreads!
Here’s what you need to plan your own Summer picnic series.
- Pick 3-5 dates between June 20 and September 21 (I might even say mid-August because it’s back to school by late August).
- Pick a theme for each gathering to offer some inspiration, but offer it with flexibility.
- Keep it low-waste. Invite guests to BYO reusable dishware, utensils, and napkins.
- Choose some favorite outdoor spaces.
- Send your invites!
Can’t wait for Summer AF 2026!
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