A Pup-Up in the Park

We did it! Rookie and I survived our first Pup-Up and are delighted to report it was a huge success. We couldn’t have asked for better weather or company on the day of our dog-friendly pop-up picnic in the park. It was so much fun visiting with friends, old and new, while chowing down on tasty food.

I’d be lying if I said I was calm as a cucumber leading up to the event. My biggest concern was Rookie: How would she act around other dogs? Would she bark incessantly and then pass out from mere exhaustion? Horrible visions crossed my mind. “I hope Rookie doesn’t embarrass us,” my parents said, half-joking.

At least she’d be able to show up in style thanks to the folks at Lucy & Co., who kindly provided her party attire. (After seeing the tiny tee on Rookie, I couldn’t resist getting a matching raglan from Hello Merch.)

The actual Pup-Up planning, however, was a breeze. That’s because Whole Foods Market Catering did all the heavy lifting. While I shared some menu and presentation ideas with the Stevens Creek team, they went above and beyond the call of duty to put together a crowd-pleasing spread that exceeded all expectations. By the end of the event, plates were picked clean and bellies were stuffed and happy.

So what exactly did we polish off? Here’s a glimpse of our summertime feast.

Mozzarella, melon and prosciutto skewers – Can you spot the buzzing bees? Thankfully no one got stung during the luncheon.

Charcuterie platter, arugula and corn salad, and spinach orzo salad

Roasted butternut squash and cranberry salad – I never would have thought to serve winter squash in August, but this dish was surprisingly enticing!

Bacon-wrapped stuffed dates – Jason’s still raving about these sweet-and-savory morsels.

Mini mushroom frittatas and Fromager d’ Affinois

Assorted baguette sandwiches filled with ham and Swiss cheese; turkey and Provolone; roast beef and blue cheese; and tomato, basil and mozzarella – It’s hard to see, but each piece was wrapped individually for easy grab-and-go dining.

Caprese tart

Mini butter croissants and polenta with caramelized onions, bacon and blue cheese – You can never have enough butter or bacon, right?

Fruit tartlets – These petite sweets were almost too pretty to eat!

L’ Artisan macarons – I never understood the hype over macarons until I tasted one of these delicate pastries. They are amazing.

Shortbread cookies – Whole Foods Catering baked “human biscuits” just for the Pup-Up. They disappeared in the blink of an eye!

To keep cool, we sipped on Italian soda, Bubo Pinot Grigio …

And strawberry lime agua fresca made in-house at Whole Foods Market Stevens Creek.

There were gourmet goodies for the dogs as well. That’s because I received a special delivery of Le Petit Treats from Lucy & Co. in three flavors: macaron, croque monsieur and pâté. Needless to say, there was nary a crumb left over.

And I bet you’re wondering how Rookie fared at the Pup-Up? Miraculously, she behaved and had a blast! In fact, Rookie got so hot, she stripped.

But Rookie wasn’t the only pooch running around in the nude. All the other dogs in attendance, including Pumpkin …

Strongi …

And Kuri were hanging out in their birthday suits.

Of course a Pup-Up’s not complete without doggy bags, and so we sent folks home with The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook and Whole Paws Dog Biscuits.

Now What?

With the first Pup-Up under our belt, what’s next for Two of a Kind? It’s back to the kitchen until we devise plans for a second event. Hosting a get-together of your own? Keep Whole Foods Market Catering in mind. Even if you love to cook, a little help never hurts – and, based on my experience with the Stevens Creek team, you’ll be in good hands.