AFTER ALL THE TIME WE’VE COLLECTIVELY SPENT INDOORS IN RECENT MONTHS, taking a repast al fresco may be just what the doctor ordered in the last days before the sweltering Houston summer truly sets in. But what is a Houstonian to do about actually pulling together a summer picnic? Sure, you could buy some meats and cheeses and go the sandwich route, but even Yogi Bear might turn up his nose at a “pic-a-nic” basket containing such a meh meal. Why take such a prosaic approach to outdoor dining when you can easily draw on some of the finest culinary minds in town to cook and mix up your very own multicourse spread to be enjoyed by you and yours on some fine summer day?

We asked a few of our favorite chefs and beverage professionals across Houston for their favorite summer recipes. From those suggestions we designed a whole meal for you—a fresh salad, some fried chicken, a delectable side, and a tasty sweet for dessert, along with a cocktail recipe and some wine recommendations, all culled from the minds behind some of the best restaurants and bars in town.

So keep these recipes handy, find the right day, and enjoy the fun spent whipping up—and wolfing down—this scrumptious feast.