Welcome back to Countdown to Summer, your guide to all the wonderful ways to make the most of Chicago's prime time. Last time, we shared with you three of our favorite beaches to bake on. Today, it's all about the best places to pick up picnic goods for all of those outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and trips to the beach!

  • I heart the French Market (131 N. Clinton St., 312-575-0306), not only because it's open year-round, but because I feel oh so Parisian when I shop there.  Truth be told, it's also a great place to pack a picnic. You could opt for simplicity with cheese, bread, and wine from Pastoral (which also makes awesome sammies) or pick up something a little more substantial like a shawarma sandwich from Presto Cafe & Grill. If that doesn't float your boat, there are more than 20 vendors to choose from — including luscious desserts.
  • Luxe gourmet grocer Fox & Obel (401 E. Illinois St., 312-410-7301) has a fabulous selection of meats, cheeses, breads, and crackers, as well as unassuming picnic options like sushi (don't forget the cooler!). If you're feeling really lazy, the catering department has a list of premade picnic meals — think sandwiches (pictured above), salads, fruit, and cookies — for approximately $14 to $18 per person. Throw in a real wicker picnic basket for an extra $20. A new 2011 menu will be released the week of June 6.

  • The picnic baskets at the Goddess and the Grocer (1646 N. Damen Ave., 773-342-3200, pictured) exceed your average sandwich experience. Need proof? We're talking eats you'd have around the dining room table such as the "steak 'n' cake" option, which includes chipotle-orange BBQ skirt steak with avocado, orange, and red onion salsa, new potatoes with herb vinaigrette, a freshly baked roll and butter, and a frosted cupcake for $30 per person. Don't worry my vegetarian friends; there are options for you, too.  
  • In perfect proximity to the Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park, Park Cafe (11 N. Michigan Ave., 312-521-PARK) offers baskets that appeal to both kids and adults alike. The Park and Play box ($8.75) is filled with a PB & grape jelly Crustable, a bag of chips, a chocolate chip cookie, and a juice box while choices like the cheese and dip-laden Picnic for Two ($38) and starter, sandwich, salad, and dessert boxes with fun names like The Bean ($12.95) or the Millennium Meal ($18.50) cater to more sophisticated palates.
  • Heading to Ravinia? With 48 hours notice, Jerry's (507 Chestnut St., 847-441-0134) in Winnetka will prepare a picnic that you can pick up on your way to the performance or have delivered to you right at the Winnetka Metra stop. Choices include a seafood, Mediterranean, and a Mexican option for two ($42-$52), as well as a cheese and bread platter for six ($48). You can even add on a bottle of vino or dessert for an extra cost.