Jitney-Ready Picnics from Donna Da Vine, Al Fresco Brunch at The Trilby, Bubbly and Polo on Governor's Island

Donna Da Vine’s Jitney-Ready Picnics

If you’re heading to the North of South Fork (or just feel like picking up some great picnic fare), the folks at Donna Da Vine (the lovely wine and provisions shop on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn) are taking the stress out of your weekend eating and drinking with four packs of wine (from whites to pinks) along with beer and cheese picnics from Da Vine Provisions. Just order online, by phone or in the shop and you can take it away, plus they’ll also be delivering to the Hampton Jitney stop on Atlantic & 4th Ave. Just provide them with the date and time of pick up/drop off and you’ll be off and running (and sunning).

Donna Da Vine is located at 355 Atlantic Avenue, (between Bond St & Hoyt St), (718) 643-2250.


Al Fresco Brunch at the Trilby

Trilby, the new bar & restaurant at The Cooper Square Hotel has just started brunch. Their menu features dishes everything from organic granola to blueberry pancakes, spinach and feta omelets, huevos rancheros, Croque Madame, burgers and avocado BLTs. To cool you off, a list of "remedies" includes a pomegranate bellini and humble pie, a cocktail made with blood orange vodka, Aperol & soda. The Trilby's garden is also open, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal in the landscaped garden with semi-private seating areas. Summer in the city ain’t so bad after all. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 4pm.

The Trilby is located in the Cooper Square Hotel at 25 Cooper Square, (212) 475-3400.

Bubbly and Polo at Governors Island
 
For those of us who imagine drinking some bubbly and watching an elegant game of polo, we probably have images of going to some fancy English country club or the Hamptons. Now change that daydream to Governors Island. The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic returns to the Island this year on June 5. It’s a free event to attend that starts at 11 a.m. and the game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. There will be plenty of food (from Danny Meyer’s various restaurants, Public Fare and more) and bubbly on hand. The Standard Hotel also created the “Near Side” cocktail for the event and is available until July.

That’s not all, though, because you can expect to see a celeb or two at this star-studded event. Last year Prince Harry was in attendance and this year Hugh Jackman is the master of ceremonies. You can catch free public ferries from the Battery Maritime Building next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal to Governors Island. Enjoy!
 
— Bao Ong

Andrea Strong