With grills ablaze, Rockridge Market Hall merchants take to the street at College and Shafter for the annual “Picnic in the Street” on Sunday, September 26th, offering succulent foods, comparative tastings, demos, wine tastings, and the ever popular Cookbook Exchange. Fun and festive for the entire family, children’s activities feature cupcake decorating and pumpkin painting.

Festival goers, strolling College Avenue will meet the merchants, chefs, and food artisans.  Ongoing comparative tastings will provide the opportunity to taste a variety of ingredients from food artisans, such as Blue Chair Jams and California extra virgin olive oils. This year “Picnic in the Street” adds a selection of $2.00 tastings at the Berry Bar—seasonal berries topped with balsamic vinegar; the mix and match Olive Bar; and the Charcuterie Cone—a  tasting  of the finest cured meats.

Menu highlights include Hapuku Fish Shop Shrimp Louis sandwiches, lobster bisque, and fresh halibut ceviche; Marin Sun Farms grilled Bistro Steak sandwich with salsa verde and Marin Sun Farms hotdogs and chili dogs; Market Hall Produce portobello sandwiches, grilled corn on the cob, and gazpacho; Peaberry's gelato in bowls and cones and ice tea; The Pasta Shop adobo pulled pork sandwiches with picante cabbage slaw & salsa, the Cheese Counter’s cheese plate, and, of course fresh pasta; Paul Marcus Wines offers wines from France, Spain, and Italy.  Bloomies presents personalized swag making, and to children’s delight, Market Hall Bakery offers pudding pops.

A street fair within a street fair, “Picnic in the Street” coincides with  “Out & About ROCKRIDGE” street festival.  The festival’s Chef Stage from noon to 5:00 includes demos and tastings from the merchants of Market Hall along with the district’s top chefs and mixologists.