Picnic Fans

More and more chowhounds are enjoying the Chowing with the Hounds picnic every year. Check out testimonials from past years’ happy picnicgoers:
This was the 2nd time I’ve been (went the first year, skipped [second]). It was worth the $30. There was plenty of great chow, both home-made and store bought. The weather was nice, the people even nicer. And always keeping in mind that this was a fund-raiser for this great website. Highlight for me in terms of food were two different pate in the appetizers, the unusual Vienamese street food, the India carrot pudding dessert, the candied pumpkin (I think called pumpkin kaddo?) and the home-made tamales. —Wendy Lai
This was my first hound event. What a hoot! Great — and VERY abundant — food. Talk about groaning tables. And, as a food fanatic, it was an amazing experience to be with my tribe. Nicely organinized, well attended, great participation by all. I was impressed. Thanks Picnic Hounds for great time! —tominsf
There was so much to choose from it was hard not only to get it all down but also to remember which tasted the best. Every year is better than the last. What an incredible community we are a part of — full of volunteers and people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Beautiful job by all. I had such a nice time, so hats off to all!!! —Rochelle Foles
My thanks to all who helped with the picnic. Some truly great chow, and Melanie’s tasting box was fantastic. —Charcot
What a pleasure… During the course of a single afternoon, I was able put faces to many names and handles. I don’t know the last time I was at an event of this size that felt this close and personal. Over 70 smiling faces and generous spirits filled Golden Gate Park. People who have taken such wondrous pleasure in sharing ideas, sources, finds and friendships through their writings on the Internet got to share each other’s warmth and spirit in person. I want to thank all of the hounds I had the privilege of meeting yesterday for making my life even richer. Few things bring people together like breaking bread. Fewer still are so special as a day when you can share the fruits of your own labors with others. Perhaps recent current events make me appreciate Americana a little more than I used too. Norman Rockwell couldn’t have captured today’s America better than we did yesterday. Languages and cultures may often be barriers, but food and smiles are universal. Much love to all of you! —Brandon Nelson
What a pleasure to have finally met some of you. I am only disappointed that I didn’t have/make the time to meet everyone. The knowledge and passion for food that goes along with this group is incomparable and an inspiration to me to learn more and do more. —Dana Beigel
It was a gastronomic revelation of what picnics can and should be. I will be even more discontented with store-bought potato salad and cold fried chicken after a feast of the breadth, depth, and quality that was laid out last Saturday. Many, many thanks to the organizers, who did a masterful job, and to everyone who, sharing their food and drink, shared something precious (and scrumptious) of themselves. My next glass of wine will be a toast to new friends, new foods, and more opportunities to enjoy both. —Pia
Awesome, fantastic picnic. A wonderful day with the Chowhounds. Thanks to everyone who was there. If you missed it, well, you missed one heck of a great event with superb food contributions from everyone. We’ll DEFINITELY be there next year. —Gary Burke
What a day in the park with the Hounds! What a marvelous assortment of tastes, textures, visuals, smells, etc….very nice to meet the people behind the posts, although there just didn’t seem to be enough time to really make the rounds—the afternoon just flew by. Thanks to the committees for all their hard work in making this happen! —Gordon
It was a pleasure to meet so many hounds (although unlike Melanie I cannot make claims to having spoken with all 79 of you), and more importantly, to eat their food! It is a true tribute to the chow cooking that despite being stuffed to the gills, the food sparked my appetite. I have been imagining future meals since we left. Thank you to all our intrepid organizers. —Rachel Hope
What a wonderful picnic!! First-class preparation, organization, volunteerism and most important was the FOOD. Oh…. it’s the best all-you-can-eat buffet or brunch or whatever… Those who missed the picnic missed a real treat. There is always next year! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! —Han Lukito
The food was superb, the weather cooperated, and it was so nice to finally meet some of you in person! I had a great time, and look forward to participating at more Chowhound events! —Lee
Congratulations to the entire picnic committee! It was a great day, and thanks to everyone for their fabulous dishes. I’m still full!!! —Karen