mstakenidentity | I can't use the excuse "I'm new at this" anymore can I? Darn.

I need advice from those who know where things are in Melbourne, those who cook, those who don't drink, and those who've been on successful romantic picnics. Oh, and possibly vegetarians.

For Valentine's Day I suggested to

mc_shamo that we go to the free MSO concert in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (yeah I know it's actually on the 13th, I don't think getting the day exactly right matters). As I can't afford a nice restaurant at the moment or a fancy gift my Valentine's Day present to him will be a stunningly laid out picnic for two, in a prime position for the concert. In order to do this I've asked work to refrain from rostering me on the afternoon before so I can go to the market (it's closed on the day of the concert) and have asked for the 13th off completely so I can cook, prepare and make sure I'm at the Bowl early enough to grab the best spot and have things nicely laid out for when

mc_shamo arrives after work.

Being a clueless geek I googled "romantic picnic recipes" for inspiration. So far my menu looks like this:

-Antipasto (olives, blue-and-cream cheese spread, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cantelope etc.)

-Mussels Vinagrette

-Watercress and Blue Cheese salad

-Strawberry blossoms (strawberries with sweetened cream cheese filling) and chocolate dipped strawberries

-Chocolates

-Mineral Water

I have Questions.

1. Where the f&ck do I get watercress from, and what does it look like? I seem to think it's a green leafy thing, right? And just in case, what can I replace it with?

2. Can anyone think of a vegetarian replacement for prosciutto? I want to make prosciutto wrapped cantelope pieces for the antipasto, but without the meat. All I've come up with so far is to put salt on the cantelope...

3. Can anyone recommend a place to get Really Good Chocolates? A place where they charge by the chocolate, that sort of thing? I'll only get four or so, but I want them to be special.

4. You may have noticed that this menu contains no booze. This is because

mc_shamo has given it up for the month of February. While I think this is admirable it does leave me wondering what on earth to serve as a "special occasions" drink. Any ideas? For non-drinkers or those who often cater for non-drinkers, what is a special (and yummy) non-alcoholic drink? Some assembly is ok.

5. I have noticed when on picnics

mc_shamo and I tend to eat a LOT, and I'm concerned what I have here might not be enough, does anyone know of any other small dishes that are easily transported, non-meat (seafood ok), can be kept chilled but don't need to be frozen, and are again "special occasion" type things?

6. Does anyone on here who I will see in the next week have a picnic set I could borrow?

mc_shamo keeps meaning to buy one and forgetting, and I think it would be cheeky of me to jump the gun on that one (also, buying one would fly in the face of the reason I'm doing our first Valentine's day comparitivley on the cheap, i.e. I'm broke) But I'd love to be able to have matching cutlery and plates and cups (and a real picninc blanket if available, mine is in my room somewhere and I've lent my room to someone else right now, so don't have access for a search).

If anyone can help me with any of these questions I'd be very grateful.