Mouthful - Take-out time

Provisions for the holiday weekend

Here’s the scenario: It’s Fourth of July weekend, you’ve been invited to a backyard barbecue and you have every intention of whipping up your Aunt Dolores’ secret recipe for potato salad. But when the time comes to actually throw down in the kitchen, the kids are running all over the place, or you’re so damn happy not to be working that you stay in bed until 2 p.m. and you just don’t feel like cooking. So don’t. That’s what take-out is for, y’all. At this point in civilization, most party-throwers expect to see salads or sandwiches in Eatzi’s or Whole Foods containers spread out on the picnic table. Here are some independent stores around town to consider for your carryout needs (call individual stores for July 4 hours):

Happy Herman’s
?The deli salads at Happy Herman’s are wonderfully old school — just the kind of composed Americana that you want to eat with hamburgers and hot dogs. Try the sour cream and cheddar macaroni, the curried chicken and the wild rice tossed in a light tomato sauce. Plenty of nibblies (gourmet potato chips, experimental salsas and dips and an impressive selection of chocolate) are also on hand if you’re in the mood to pick up something lighter. The store stocks a rangy selection of white wines already chilled. If this is a party for grown folks, try a bottle of my favorite summer aperitif, Lillet (get the white kind, not the red). 2299 Cheshire Bridge Road. 404-321-3012. www.happyhermans.com.

Market One
?Deftly stepping into the shoes once occupied by Harry’s in a Hurry, Market One has a seemingly endless selection of take-out choices. Up front, there’s the salad bar with numerous cold salads, but don’t stop there by any means. You’ll find steam tables in the back with standards like baked chicken and mac-n-cheese or, if you need something more highbrow, bacon-wrapped sirloin with blue cheese. They’ve got every kind of pork product you could ever need — from Boar’s Head ham to soppressata sausage. Their cheese selection is stellar and reasonably priced. Grab some Bread Garden bread and you’re good to go. 1051 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-439-1100.

New Yorker Deli
?The game plan when stopping by this haven for homesick New Yorkers is to get a sandwich (think Reuben, fried bologna or Long Island cheesesteak) for yourself and then pick up something for the party. The potato salad is classic deli-style, but the black bean and portabella/asparagus salads are also good choices for a crowd. Nab a few chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies while you’re at it. 322 Pharr Road. 404-240-0260. www.newyorkerdeli.com.

Sevananda
?Little Five Point’s quintessential vegetarian co-op has a surprisingly wide selection of to-go foods made in-store. There’s a small salad bar in the front, but most of the more substantial goodies are on display in the back. The day I popped by, I saw dilled potato salad and roasted red pepper-pasta salad sharing space with inexpensive tofu and hummus wraps. Desserts, I have to say, look hard-core vegan. Proceed with caution if you’re used to the taste of eggs and butter in your cupcakes. 467 Moreland Ave. 404-861-2831. www.sevananda.com.

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Got any take-out spots to recommend? E-mail bill.addison@creativeloafing.com






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