The Take-Away

Memorial Day weekend isn't just the unofficial start to summer--it's also the kick off for picnic season. Thankfully, almost every neighborhood in town has a great gourmet marketplace for all the appropriate fixings. Here are three newcomers:

The Curious Palate This rustic deli and market has made-to-order sandwiches like the pressed Cubano with slow-roasted pork, Fra'Mani ham and homemade pickles ($10.75), and wraps with poached white shrimp and a wasabi kick ($10.50). Top your picnic basket with cheeses and lentil salad and Vignette wine grape sodas, and don't leave without a giant homemade chocolate chip cookie. 12034 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista; 310-437-0144 or thecuriouspalate.com

Larchmont Larder Everything from this sunny bungalow cafe travels well. For the park, pick up spinach and ricotta gnocchi in marinara ($7 per half pound), asparagus, snap pea and green bean salad ($5.25 per half pound) or the house-cured salmon and cucumber sandwich on pumpernickel ($9.50). The sweet and tangy lemon bars are a must. 626 N. Larchmont Blvd., Larchmont; 323-962-9900 or larchmontlarder.com

Bottega Louie The splashy new Downtown restaurant has a marketplace teeming with pre-made goods, cheeses, charcuterie, wines and pastries. Dishes have a Mediterranean slant, like squid-ink tagliatelle with bell peppers ($12.50 per pound; pictured) and the simple caprese sandwich ($6). Get the pretty lavender macarons for dessert. 700 S. Grand Ave., Downtown; 213-802-1470 or bottegalouie.com