You may have noticed — September is loaded with food festivals, and one of our favorites, Picnic in the Alley, returns Saturday in a new environment.
😋 What is Picnic in the Alley?
”Picnic in the Alley is by women for everyone,” says co-founder Jolene Mannina. “It started in 2019 as a way to bring women in the community together to support and uplift each other … and it's evolved over the years.”
Guests receive a tasting glass and get to sample food and cocktails from some of the best women chefs and bartenders in town. You can also check out art installations and the Chat Room for compelling, in-person conversations.
🌳 A Change of Scenery
For the first time ever, Picnic in the Alley comes to GreenGale Farms, transplanting the event from its usual Downtown location to the Northwest Valley. The event space, which also has an animal sanctuary on property, is a lush green environment with meadows and an olive grove. “It’s a beautiful setting for Las Vegas,” Mannina says. “It takes you out of the desert.”
👀 What Else is New?
First-timers this year include Tacotarian, Jardin, the Summit Club, and Dustland. Mannina is resurrecting her Omakase Cantina (a former foodie attraction at Life is Beautiful) for Picnic in the Alley, inviting guests to sit down for four courses of small bites in a collaboration between Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa and Gina Marinelli of Harlo and La Strega.
👍 Food with a Purpose
Tickets are $150 with entry at 6:30 p.m. All profit benefits the Women’s Hospitality Initiative. “The mission is accelerating development and advancement of women leaders in the hospitality industry,” Mannina says.
City Cast Las Vegas team members share their top picks for Picnic in the Alley
Every damn thing on this menu looks amazing, but I never say no to Asian-inspired pastry — so Milkfish Bakeshop’s ube jammie (ube jam sandwiched between layers of brown butter almond financier) is high on my list. And Doanburi’s golden toast walks the line between sweet and savory with wasabi creme fraîche and caviar on plush pumpkin milk bread.
— Sonja Cho Swanson, executive producer
Top of my list is the jerk chicken with caramelized pineapple from Harvest Divine Elegance. I've heard great things about their catering services and I'll never pass up anything served with a crispy plantain. Excited to get a chance to try them out and maybe pair it with a fruity cocktail. I'm not familiar with mixologist Jennifer Yim but her whole menu looks great, especially the Golden Hand with the coconut sticky rice foam float!
— Layla Muhammad, producer
Im totally excited to dive into Ellie Parker's cold seared steak and bone marrow mouse! Main Street Provisions is totally dialed in these days and with Ellie's upcoming appearance on "Hells Kitchen," I'm confident this dish will be the picnic's version of "dress to impress!" Also, I never miss an opportunity to sample anything from Chrystina Nyguen of This Mama’s House. It always rings of authentic home cooking passed down from generations. That dumpling with chives and shrimp is gonna be the equivalent of a hug from your best friend's mom, comforting you when you need it most!
— Dayvid Figler, podcast co-host
