Sarah Hurwitz
Audio By Carbonatix
It’s still outdoor weather, so let’s take advantage of the season by combining a short walk with one of the Valley’s many public parks and, of course, food from a nearby restaurant.
The restaurant: Blue Fin, 1401 North Central Avenue
We recommend: Chicken teriyaki with a side salad (with homemade ginger dressing) and mochi for dessert.
The park: Margaret T. Hance Park, .4 miles, about an eight-minute walk, 67 West Culver Street

Sarah Hurwitz
The restaurant: Joe’s Real BBQ, 301 North Gilbert Road, Gilbert Sarah Hurwitz
We recommend: A barbecue sampler plate, which includes ribs, chicken, pork, beef, bread, and a side dish, and if you are still hungry after that, a slice of pie (but only if you walked).
The park: Freestone Park, 1.1 miles, about a 22-minute walk (the longest walk, but if you decide to drive, eating outside still counts as connecting with nature), 1045 East Juniper Avenue, Gilbert
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
The restaurant: Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca, 1830 West Glendale Avenue Sarah Hurwitz
We recommend: The tacos – a perfectly packed picnic food. Get three for less than $6.
The park: Washington Park, .6 miles, about a 12-minute walk, 6655 North 23rd Avenue
The restaurant: Haji-Baba, 1513 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe Sarah Hurwitz
We recommend: The combination platter makes a perfect picnic, and includes gyros, saebusek, tabbouleh, kibbi, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and yogurt salad.
The park: Hudson Park, .3 miles, about a six-minute walk, 1430 South Cedar Street, Tempe
Sarah Hurwitz
The restaurant: McGurkee’s Italian Kitchen, 2822 North 15th Avenue
We recommend: A super Sicilian sub – the perfect toasted sandwich. If you are picnicking after 4 p.m., snag a pizza.
The park: Encanto Park, .3 miles, about a six-minute walk, 2605 North 15th Avenue
The restaurant: Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, 1220 South Central Avenue
We recommend: The chicken and waffles. Fried chicken is the ultimate picnic food – no utensils necessary. Don’t forget the purple drank.
The park: Harmon Park, .3 miles about a six-minute walk, 1239 South Fifth Avenue