How’s that for some alliteration! School may be out for the summer, but this English teacher is never entirely off duty.

But now that summer vacation has started, I am full steam ahead for a summer of relaxation in DC and home on my farm in Western New York. However, nothing starts a summer party like July 4th, fireworks and GREAT picnic food.

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Enter one of our favorite DC restaurants: Penn Commons. Though we’ve been for dinner and drinks in the past, we are all sorts of excited about their Independence Day Special, the Picnic to Go! Scott and I are traveling home for the 4th to be with our families, but were over the moon when we scored a sneak peek at the contents of this incredible deal…

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If you plan on spending your holiday roaming around the Mall and waiting for an incredible light show over the Potomac, you need to stop and pick this up first. Included in the basket is more than enough for two people (Scott and I had a hard time finishing this thing, and we eat A LOT…) and we are pretty convinced it could stretch into leftovers or be fit for a party of 3.  Inside the basket you’ll find several pieces of fried chicken (I think we counted 6? 7?)- some of the best fried chicken I’ve had in awhile. Buttermilk, crunchy, and was still hot after a 40 minute commute home, so you’ll have no trouble walking around to find your perfect picnic spot.  Scott pretty much demolished the chicken, while I moved onto the sides…

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I have a soft spot in my heart for sides and salads, namely potato salad. In this basket you’ll get an incredible dill potato salad and sweet corn chow-chow – both were unreasonably good. While Scott downed all the chicken, I got my revenge by finishing the potato salad. He caught on before I could do the same with the chow-chow. But then we both attacked the dessert…

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For dessert, you get (4) Summer Peach Hand Pies, which I’m convinced could give the American classic Apple Pie a run for its money. They were sweet without being overwhelming, and we didn’t have to bicker over who was going to get an extra. 2 for each eliminates food fighting. :) Sinfully tasty, guys.

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Here is the most incredible part – everything you see will cost you a mere $17.76. I’m serious. Not only do I love the reference to 1776, but I can’t wrap my head around spending that little and getting so much tasty food to go.  This is one of the times I can honestly say that if Scott and I were in DC for the 4th, we’d have this in hand as we walked around town.

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So, take our word and plan the ultimate Picnic Date without having to labor in the kitchen all morning. The folks at Penn Commons know how to cook up great food and great deals, so take advantage while you can!! All orders must be placed by 4 PM on Friday July 3rd, and you can pick up your picnic between 11 AM – 9PM on the 4th. Place your order by calling (202) – 905 – 2999. Oh, and tell them In a DC Minute says hi. :)

Bon Appetite, friends!!

-Al