Perfect Picnic Opens Basement Shop at 123 Ludlow

Another basement business just arrived two sidewalk hatches north of the bunker artist collective known as Con Artist. One that is already somewhat familiar in these parts. Perfect Picnic, the years-old catering company once located at 9 Clinton, is re-establishing its roots in the Lower East Side after an ill-fated Seaport hiatus. And with the new subterranean digs, an updated business model.

Perfect Picnic will continue catering prefab picnic meals to clients, but the space at 123 Ludlow affords the ability of small-time retail. To that end, owner and longtime LES’er Wendy Weston has created a “fast food for foodies” concept, featuring a minuscule dining space alongside the preparation area. Customers can purchase up front from a menu that includes picnics or quick-stop “baguettini” sandwiches for $6 a pop (or two for $10). BYO is also in the works.

Soft opening was last Friday. Don’t knock your noggin on the way down!