It's almost picnic season in Toronto (we hope!). Here are 4 delicious make-ahead recipes that hold up from kitchen to park
Good planning can make or break a picnic. You want easy-to-make meals that can be packed in advance so you're not scrambling the morning of. Ideally, the food won't fall apart after being jostled in a bag or trunk, won't get mushy or dry, and stays delicious whether it's served chilled or has been sitting out for a hot minute. That's why potato salads, wraps, and Nanaimo bars remain picnic classics — they tick all the boxes.
Most home cooks can whip up these dishes without a problem, but I've given each one a twist, adding East Asian-inspired flair to help you stand out at your next gathering. Here are four make-ahead, travel-friendly recipes that are worth breaking out the blanket for.
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Toronto Star
5 days ago
- Toronto Star
It's almost picnic season in Toronto (we hope!). Here are 4 delicious make-ahead recipes that hold up from kitchen to park
Good planning can make or break a picnic. You want easy-to-make meals that can be packed in advance so you're not scrambling the morning of. Ideally, the food won't fall apart after being jostled in a bag or trunk, won't get mushy or dry, and stays delicious whether it's served chilled or has been sitting out for a hot minute. That's why potato salads, wraps, and Nanaimo bars remain picnic classics — they tick all the boxes. Most home cooks can whip up these dishes without a problem, but I've given each one a twist, adding East Asian-inspired flair to help you stand out at your next gathering. Here are four make-ahead, travel-friendly recipes that are worth breaking out the blanket for.
Style Blueprint
20-05-2025
- Style Blueprint
Where to Find The Best Pizza on 30A
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Pizza night is a family favorite — it's easy, comforting, and universally loved. Along 30A, you don't have to sacrifice quality for convenience. Whether you're feeding sandy-footed kids or craving a casual night with a touch of indulgence, these spots serve top-tier pies in settings that are as welcoming as they are delicious. Brozinni's Pizzeria Location: Seagrove Beach More Info: If you're longing for a taste of authentic New York, Brozinni's delivers — literally and figuratively. The owning family bought the recipes from a long-standing NYC shop, and they do not miss in bringing the flavors of the East Coast to the Emerald Coast. Their pizzas are hand-tossed and cooked to perfection, featuring that delicious golden crust with just the right amount of chew. The menu also includes meat sticks (sausage is a must-try!), burgers, wings, salads, and hearty pasta dishes. This is most certainly a delivery option as the location has limited seating, but expect it to be a hit with your family! The Chicken Bacon Ranch (formerly known as the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) is a personal favorite. Farm & Fire Location: Santa Rosa Beach More Info: Farm & Fire offers a more elevated take on pizza night, with a focus on local sourcing and artisan techniques. Located off 30A and on the bay, it blends rustic wood-fired cooking with a warm, welcoming ambiance and stunning water views. Their pizzas feature hand-stretched dough, bold flavor profiles, and premium toppings — don't read the menu, just get the Prosciutto & Arugula option. The vibe is a touch more grown-up, but the menu is approachable enough for kids, making it a fantastic family-friendly option for a slightly special night out. It also expertly combines Asian elements with a complete sushi menu as well as tapas gems like pork dumplings, Korean pork bites, lettuce wraps, and a fig & brie naan that stands alone. This is an early-closer for the beach, with lights out at 9pm every night of the week, so take advantage of a 4-6pm happy hour and roll right into dinner service with a view. Farm & Fire does not offer delivery. Pin Grace Pizza and Shakes Location: Grayton Beach More Info: Equal parts gourmet and fun, Grace Pizza and Shakes feels like a little celebration in every bite. Their Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven and come topped with fresh, inventive ingredients — from local hot honey drizzle on the Sweet Perfection to all of the meats on its Grace Supreme. The Grayton location also offers a gluten free specialty pie, Ashlyn's Art, with a cauliflower crust that can trick you into thinking it's dough. And the milkshakes? Wildly indulgent and visually over-the-top (think cake slices, cookies, and candy as garnish). It's a must-visit for families wanting something truly memorable — and camera-ready. For families from Texas: Yes, this is an expansion on the three locations in the Lone Star State. Bruno's Pizza Location: WaterSound More Info: A true local institution, Bruno's has been satisfying hungry beachgoers for over 30 years. If you're trying to hit all of the classic spots on 30A, this is THE original in the area. Known for its thick, doughy crust and a generous hand with toppings, Bruno's serves classic, comfort-style pizza. The casual, counter-serve atmosphere is perfect for kids, and their buffet (served every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is ideal for trying a little bit of everything at a very reasonable price point. Plus, their Alabama Sweet Tea is something to experience and, as advertised, doesn't need anything added. For a laid-back evening, check the event calendar and enjoy a local band with a great view. Bruno's is located right by the WaterSound Beach Club and has a limited delivery area to the west side of 30A, so be sure to verify they come to you! They will deliver all the way east to Carrillon Beach by Lake Powell. Pizza by the Sea Multiple Locations More Info: One of the most family-friendly pizza spots on 30A, Pizza by the Sea has carved out a name for itself with colorful interiors, a welcoming vibe, and fun, flavor-packed pizzas. Think Mellow Mushroom … but local. With locations in Seacrest, WaterColor, Gulf Place, and off-30A in Sandestin, it's an easy go-to no matter where you're staying. Their inventive menu includes options like the Bacon Cheeseburger and Spaghetti & Meatball pizzas — proof that playful and gourmet can go hand in hand. Plus, they offer gluten-free crusts and veggie-heavy choices for parents looking to keep things light. If you don't particularly enjoy tomato-based pizza sauce, you are in luck here because PBTS does some of its best work with non-traditional bases, offering BBQ sauced pizza, multiple garlic butter olive oil options, as well as buffalo and chipotle sauces. Not feeling pizza? Their meatball sub is one of the best on the beach. Also, they do not deliver, so be ready to pickup or enjoy it for lunch while out and about. Pazzo Italiano Location: Santa Rosa Beach More Info: If you're on the west side of 30A and in the mood for pizza that leans luxurious without losing its laid-back charm, Pazzo Italiano brings the best of both worlds. Known for wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies, this spot is ideal for families who appreciate fresh, high-quality ingredients served in a warm and contemporary space. Think blistered crusts, perfectly balanced sauces, and toppings like prosciutto, spicy salami, fresh basil, and house-made mozzarella. Their Diavola pizza is a fan favorite — equal parts heat and flavor — and any of the speciality offerings are sure to please. But it's not just about the pizza, Pazzo also shines with handmade pastas, indulgent appetizers (don't miss the truffle fries or burrata), and an Italian wine list that's a step above the usual beach fare. Pin Lola Coastal Italian Location: Rosemary Beach More Info: Lola brings a touch of elegance to Rosemary Beach with its coastal Italian menu and chic interior. While their house-made pastas and seafood dishes shine — and are a reason to visit on their own accord — the pizzas are standout stars that more than earn their place. Cooked in a stone oven and topped with high-end ingredients like truffle oil, ricotta, and arugula, these pies offer a refined take on a classic. It's a great spot for families with older kids or anyone wanting a more elevated evening while still keeping the atmosphere welcoming. Few places on 30A will double down on a mushroom pizza like Lola does, so take advantage with its portobello, shitake, and button offering that is among the best on the beach. Ghost Crab Pizza Location: Inlet Beach More Info: Ghost Crab Pizza places a big bet on its namesake and then takes it to the next level with its Ghost Crab Rangoon pizza that is a must-try! The location is a lively, fun, and flavor-forward spot nestled near Inlet Beach. While it is new to the area, it offers a wide range of classic and creative pizzas, with standout crust and a rotating list of specialty pies that keep things exciting. The space is bright and casual, perfect for a low-key dinner or take advantage of a daily lunch special with the kids. Bonus: they have a solid beer and wine selection for the grown-ups. It leans into speciality 'za with high-end offerings like its Truffle Pig pizza that earns rave reviews, a Bee Sting that blends honey and jalapeño with pepperoni, and the Fromaggi that blends mozzarella, parmesan, smoked gruyère, and piped ricotta. Pin The Wine Bar Location: WaterColor More Info: A favorite for its happy hour, The Wine Bar surprises with crisp, beautifully composed flatbread-style pizzas. While best known for its wine selection and relaxed al fresco dining, their pizza options — like Classic Margherita, an amazing Quatro Fromage, and a Chicken Pesto — are flavorful and satisfying. Pair it with a chilled glass of rosé while the kids dig into a simple cheese or pepperoni pie, and you've got the perfect end to a day on the beach. Whether you're winding down from a beach day or looking for a laid-back evening out, 30A offers pizza options that go beyond basic — delivering memorable meals in beautiful settings. Because here, even a slice of pizza is served with style. ********** Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves — subscribe to StyleBlueprint's FREE daily emails! About the Author Dallas Jackson A resident of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Dallas is passionate about brand-building, sports, and life on 30A.
Style Blueprint
16-05-2025
- Style Blueprint
South Walton Came to Nashville, and It Was a Vibe! (Meeting Planners, You've Got to Read This!)
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit On a warm Wednesday evening in late April, Nashville's event-planning community slipped into the plush, rose-hued world of White Limozeen — The Graduate Hotel's famously flamboyant rooftop restaurant and bar. While the city bustled below, the real escape was indoors, where velvet banquettes, ornate chandeliers, and Dolly Parton-inspired decor set the stage for a different kind of pitch: an invitation to discover South Walton, Florida, as the next go-to destination for meetings and events. StyleBlueprint sponsored this event, and we learned so much. Here's the scoop! Pin The event took place indoors, but the rooftop's signature kitsch and charm provided the perfect backdrop for casual mingling. Roughly 40 local event planners were welcomed into the vibrant pink space, which was buzzing with conversation, curated bites, and Southern hospitality — an atmosphere that mirrored the very experience South Walton hopes to offer potential visitors and clients alike. Pin The conversations felt easy and organic, with a few brief remarks shared from a casually arranged stage area. The vibe stayed warm and low-key, inviting planners to envision their own events unfolding along Florida's scenic Gulf Coast. Whether imagining an intimate family gathering or a large-scale conference, it was easy to see the potential. And, with so many direct flights now coming into the two nearby airports, South Walton is accessible, which is a major advantage in the world of event planning. 'We have 26 miles of coastline,' Karen Morris, Walton County Tourism's Director of Sales, explained, 'and some of the neighborhoods in our destination that you might recognize include Seaside, Sandestin, WaterColor, Rosemary Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach.' It's clear that each community offers its own distinct flavor, from quaint, walkable town centers to luxurious beachfront enclaves. Pin What sets South Walton apart for event planners is the diversity of its venues and accommodations. 'We offer a wide variety of accommodations for meeting planners, so it's really a great setup,' Karen said. 'We have everything from boutique hotels and beach rentals along 30A — perfect for board retreats and high-end incentives — all the way to full-service resorts with ample meeting space for conferences and conventions.' The message resonated in a big way, particularly since so many planners create events year-round and are constantly on the lookout for locations that offer both function and flair. Pin One of the evening's most memorable elements was the appearance of artist Sarah Page, Walton County's 2024–2025 Artist of the Year. Known for her large-scale murals, Sarah brought a few of her smaller pieces to display during the event. Her presence underscored one of South Walton's most compelling selling points beyond the surf and sand: its thriving creative scene. From open-air galleries and coastal murals to artist residencies and cultural festivals, South Walton's commitment to the arts offers planners an opportunity to infuse creativity and authenticity into their events. Pin By the end of the evening, guests had not only tasted the flavors of South Walton but also its spirit — unpretentious luxury, artistic soul, and natural beauty rolled into one. The gathering at White Limozeen planted a seed: somewhere between the sugar-white sands and the turquoise waters of the Florida Panhandle, a new kind of event experience awaits. One where planners can trade ballrooms for breezy verandas, and crowded downtowns for curated coastal charm. Pin Find out more about planning upcoming events — from small business retreats to 1,500-person conferences — at the Visit South Walton website. ********** Find more fantastic Southern destinations in our Travel archives! About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
