A LABOR-FREE LABOR DAY : Labor Day can be labor-free when you let someone else do the cooking. Choose from the wide variety of take-out foods available around the Southland--we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.

It’s no accident that Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September. In 1882, Peter J. McGuire suggested the holiday be established about halfway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

According to the “American Book of Days--Third Edition� by Jane M. Hatch (H. W. Wilson: 1978), McGuire was the founder and general secretary of the new Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners. Through his efforts, the first holiday was celebrated in New York on Sept. 5, 1882. It quickly grew in popularity, and a bill declaring Labor Day a federal holiday was given unanimous approval by both houses of Congress in 1894.

In the early years, the holiday was used to bring workers’ problems to public attention. This aspect, however, has all but disappeared during the 20th Century. Today Labor Day weekend has come to symbolize the end of summer--three days to relax and celebrate with parades and picnics. In other words, a labor-free time to enjoy ourselves.

With this in mind, the Times Food Staff decided to compile a list of the best places we could think of for picking up ready-to-eat foods. To broaden the scope even further, we included suggestions from trusted friends and associates around the Southland.

Still, this is by no means a complete listing--it’s simply meant to spark ideas for easy picnics and patio dining. If there’s a place in your area we’ve overlooked and should know about, drop us a note with the name and address so we can include it in any future listings.

We realize sources are practically limitless, beginning with the deli sections found in almost every supermarket. Selected supermarkets also stock boboli breads for fast pizzas, chicken and beef fajita mixes, fully cooked hams and turkeys and specialty cheeses.

Specialty food markets are another good source for prepared foods. The following have two or more locations around the Southland: Bristol Farms, Gelson’s Markets, Irvine Ranch Farmers Markets, Jurgensen’s, Mrs. Gooch’s, Trader Joe’s and Vons Pavilions. Check the telephone directory for addresses in your area.

These are our suggestions for items from restaurant and fast-food chains found all around the Southland:

California Pizza Kitchen--pizza, pasta and salads

El Pollo Loco--chicken and beans

Heidi’s--frozen low-cal yogurt

HoneyBaked--fully cooked hams and turkeys

Kentucky Fried Chicken--biscuits, corn and coleslaw

Louisiana Fried Chicken--sweet potato pie

McDonalds--biscuits and French fries

Tony Roma’s A Place for Ribs--ribs and onion ring loaf

7-Eleven Food Stores--chocolate chip cookies

And other ideas: LOS ANGELES

Barrio Fiesta Restaurant, 3821 W. 6th St., Los Angeles (213) 383-9762--pork barbecue on sticks

Bemba’s Bakery, 1737 Silverlake Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 664-9333--regular or Macapuno coconut Ensaymada (brioche-like sweet coiled rolls, Filipino recipe)

Bernie’s Teri-Burger, 318 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 250-8413--combination plates of either barbecued chicken, beef or pork sticks with fried rice and salad

Betsy’s Cake Center (Filipino), 1001 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 663-8634--chicken empanadas (turnovers), hot pan de sal rolls, Ensaymada, good selection of desserts including tarts, caramel flans and mocha jellyroll

Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 624-1011--picnic boxes

C & K Importing Co., 2771 W. Pico, Los Angeles, (213) 737-2970--baklava, Greek wines and bread

Celaya Bakery, 2238 W. Pico, Los Angeles, (213) 388-1075-- churros

Duplex, 1930 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles (213) 663-2430--French-style desserts

Ebun, 124 Japanese Village Plaza, Los Angeles, (213) 680-3280--sushi

El Cholo, 1121 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 734-2773--tamales

Family Pastry, 659 N. Broadway (213) 622-5255-- dim sum : chicken and special meatball-Chinese sausage, custard tartlets

Golden Dragon, 960/970 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 626-2039-- dim sum

Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 264-2378-- churros

Ikeda Bakery, 123 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, (213) 624-2773--cream bread to slice thin for sandwiches

Il Panino, MOCA, 215 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 617-1844--Italian sandwiches

Katsu, 1972 Hillhurst Ave., (213) 665-1891--fancy sushi

Koo Koo Roo, 3450 W. 6th (at Kenmore), (213) 383-6628--takeout spicy, marinated skinless chicken, warm eggplant salad

Langer’s, 704 S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, (213) 483-8050--sandwiches and knishes

Lolita’s, 6050 Whittier Blvd., East Los Angeles, (213) 264-8546 or 724-4222--tamales

Mami King Restaurant, 4321 W. Sunset, Los Angeles, (213) 669-1078)--pork sio pao ( dim sum ), siu mai

Mandarin Bakery, 942 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 626-4722--Chinese sweet buns stuffed with wintermelon, lotus seed and sweet beans. Also almond cookies

Mr. Jim’s Bar-b-que, 10303 S. Avalon, Los Angeles; (213) 757-0221--down-home ribs

Mom’s Bar-B-Q, 1050 W. Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, (213) 756-8405--down-home ribs

New Otani Canary Garden, 120 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, (213) 629-1200--assortment of fruit-topped tarts, tortes

Panos Bakery, 4945 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 661-0335--Greek pastries (baklava and others)

Plum Tree Inn, 937 N. Hill St., Los Angeles (613-1819)--spareribs appetizer, shrimp pan fried noodles

Queen’s Bakery, 809 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 622-9749--almond cookies

Seventh St. Bistro, 811 W. Seventh St., (213) 627-1242--elegant picnics

The Original Pantry, 877 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, (213) 972-9279--coleslaw

Upstage Cafe, 3750 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 739-9913--dolmas (rice-stuffed grape leaves, to be served cold), pastitsio or moussaka, keftedes (Greek meatballs)

Vickman’s, 1228 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, (213) 622-3852--pies and supermuffins

Yaohan, Little Tokyo Square, 333 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, (213) 687-6699--prepackaged sushi and sashimi, barbecued pork, fried chicken, marinated octopus, seafood salads

WESTSIDE/SOUTH BAY

72 Market Street, 72 Market St., Venice, (213) 392-8720--signature meat loaf

7th Heaven, 710 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (213) 451-0077--black bean chili, corn-bread casserole, bread pudding with vanilla sauce

Angeli Caffe, 11651 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, (213) 478-1191--sandwiches

Aussie Oven, 16605 Sunset Blvd., No. 103, Pacific Palisades, (213) 454-0665--meat pies, pasties, pavlovas

Bay Cities Importing, 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, (213) 395-8279--Italian specialties

Cheese and Pasta, 1415 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (213) 451-1753--pasta salads

Chin Chin, 11740 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, (213) 826-2525--Oriental ribs, dim sum , Chinese chicken salad

International Gourmet Bakery, Ladera Center, 5377 La Tijera, Los Angeles (213) 641-5343 and other locations around the area--centerpiece cake

Le Marmiton, 1327 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (213) 393-7716--pates and pastries

Le Montage restaurant, Filmland, 10000 Washington Blvd., Culver City, (213) 280-1203--picnic boxes

Madame Wu’s Garden, 2201 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica (213) 828-5656--Chinese chicken salad

Mami King Restaurant, 21209 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, (213) 540-3326--pork sio pao ( dim sum ), siu mai

Perfect Picnics, Redondo Beach, (213) 316-2727--delivered picnics. Can adapt to dietary restrictions and deliver to other areas.

Reddi Chick, Brentwood Country Mart, 26th St. and San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, (213) 394-8175--barbecued chickens

Sorrento Market, 5518 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, (213) 391-7654--Italian delicacies

Tudor House, 411 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica (213) 451-4107--Cornish pasties

Vicente Foods, 12027 San Vicente Blvd., West Los Angeles, (213) 472-5215--Noonan’s ribs, barbecued chicken, salads, breads and pastries

BEVERLY HILLS/CENTURY CITY

Collette, Beverly Pavilion Hotel, 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (213) 273-1151--French-style desserts

Le Savarin, 9428 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, (213) 278-4678--French-style desserts

Nate and Al’s, 414 N. Beverly Blvd., Beverly Hills, (213) 274-0101--sandwiches and knishes

Neiman-Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (213) 550-5900--from the deli: frozen, low-cal yogurt

Stage Deli of New York, Marketplace, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, (213) 553-DELI--sandwiches

Taylor’d Made Carry Out Meals, 2717 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 559-3458--picnic boxes

The Cheese Store, 419 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (213) 278-2855--specialty cheeses

Tumbleweed, 130 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (213) 274-5844--Texas BBQ ribs. Also try their Texas beans, corn sticks and salsa.

HOLLYWOOD/WEST HOLLYWOOD

Angeli, 7274 Melrose Ave., (213) 936-9086--sandwiches

Astroburger Restaurant, 5601 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, (213) 469-1924 or (213) 469-1925--spanakopeta appetizers (cheese and spinach stuffed filo triangles) and Greek salad

Authentic Cafe, 7605 Beverly Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 939-4626--bastilla bites and desserts

Bangkok Market, 4757 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 662-9705--Thai snacks, sweet and savory; salads and snacks with sauces; coconut-based sweets, cookies

Bezjian’s, 4725 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 663-1503--baklava

Border Grill, 7407 1/2 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, (213) 658-7495--tamales

Canter’s, 419 N. Fairfax Ave., Hollywood, (213) 651-2030--sandwiches and knishes

Catalina’s Super Market, 1070 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 461-2535--Argentinean foods, empanadas, Matambre and Argentinean and Chilean wines

Chin Chin, 8618 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 652-1818--Oriental ribs, dim sum and Chinese chicken salad

Chopstix, 7229 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, (213) 937-1111--Oriental ribs and dim sum

City Restaurant, 180 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 938-2155--brownies

Columbia Bar and Grill, 1448 N. Gower, Hollywood, (213) 461-8800--American desserts

Cravings Fine Foods, 8653 W. Sunset Blvd., (213) 652-6103--pasta salads

Fazzi’s Fancy Foods, 1538 N. Western Ave., (213) 464-1942--baklava

Fred Segal Cafe, 8112 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, (213) 653-6918--apple and lemon meringue pies

La Toque, 8171 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 656-7515--French-style desserts

Palato, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 461-6222--picnic boxes

Pasta Etc., 8650 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 854-0094--pasta salads

Quinns Nutritional Food Center, 226 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 466-9303--big blueberry cornmeal muffins, huge chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies

Roger’s Poultry, Farmer’s Market, West 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, (213) 936-4672--smoked chicken or turkey

Trumps, 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, (213) 855-1480--American desserts. Also meat loaf (order 24 hours ahead)

Tutto Italia Grocery & Delicatezza, 8657 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 659-0644--pasta salads

The Wine Shop, 223 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 466-1621--herb-coated French salami

Victor Benes, 8718 W. Third St., Los Angeles (213) 276-0488--whole-grain breads, Danish pastries, Linzer Torte

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Aldente Gourmet Foods, Times Square Center, 12215 Ventura Blvd., No. 112, Studio City, (818) 985-8405 - pasta salads and entrees, sandwiches, picnic baskets

Art’s Deli, 12224 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 769-9808--corned beef and pastrami sandwiches.

Brents, 19565 Parthenia, Northridge, (818) 886-5679--sandwiches, bread pudding

Chin Chin, 12215 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 985-9090--Oriental ribs and Chinese chicken salad

German Cold Cuts International, 6019 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, (818) 883-8051--sausages

It’s in the Bag, (818) 342-2598--delivered picnics

Le Cafe Market, 14637 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 990-6678--tamales, pasta salads and picnic boxes

More picnics from Raffine, 3741 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, (805) 496-2699; Gourmet Gourmet, 19014 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, (818) 344-7111; and Chick’s, 16656 Ventura Blvd., Encino, (818) 704-6733

Tapia Bros., Havenhurst Ave. exit of the Ventura Freeway, Encino--sweet corn and other fresh produce

PASADENA/SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Anthony’s Italian Gourmet, 1212 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, (818) 446-3171; Alex’s Italian Restaurant, 104-42 W. Las Tunas, Arcadia, (818) 445-05444; Mama Petrillo’s, 9082 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, (818) 285-0228; Claros Italian Market, 19 1/2 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, (818) 446-0275 and 1003 E. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, (818) 288-2026--Italian

Cafe Jacoulet, 91 N. Raymond, Pasadena, (818) 796-2233--picnic boxes

Cafe Sixty North & Pasadena Dessert Factory, 60 N. Raymond, Pasadena, (818) 793-9000--sandwiches, cheesecakes

Chow to Go, 16 W. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia, (818) 572-9096--Oriental

Federico’s, 1810 E. Colorado, Pasadena, (818) 795-4484--desserts

Hong Kong Chinese Fast Food, 453 S. Citrus Ave., Covina, (818) 332-7528--Oriental food

Huntington Market, 5463 Huntington Drive North, San Marino, (213) 225-0781--meats, game and poultry, cooked to order

Joslyn’s Bakery, 2648 E. Workman Ave., West Covina, (818) 331-6465--cakes, pastries

Julienne, 2649 Mission, San Marino, (818) 441-2299--rosemary raisin rolls, salads, picnic boxes and American desserts such as brownies

Koeper’s Bakery, 4075 Live Oak Ave., Arcadia, (818) 445-8970--breads, pastries, cakes

Mariposa Inn, 3109 E. Garvey Ave., North, West Covina, (818) 331-0943--Mexican food

Market City Caffe, 33 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena--picnic boxes

Old World Delicatessens, 2532 S. Azusa Ave., West Covina, (818) 964-7709; 2648 E. Workman, West Covina, (818) 967-6307 and 17805 Colima Road, City of Industry--party trays, sandwiches

Red Ribbon Bakery (Filipino), 19066 La Puente Road, West Covina, (818) 964-9940--mango chiffon cake, Ube (purple yam) cake with whipped cream

Some Crust Bakery and Take-Out, 119 Yale Ave., Claremont, (714) 621-9772--brownies and boxed picnics

Tianguis, 3610 N. Peck Road, El Monte, (818) 443-3298 and 1201 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, (818) 724-9232--fresh tortillas, deli, bakery

Wistaria’s Bakery, 3887 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 355-3332--baked goods

ORANGE COUNTY

Al Dente, 11092 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, (213) 598-1124--pasta, breads, pastries, wines

A La Carte, 1915 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (714) 497-4927--Cajun chicken, solo or with potato salad and homemade jalapeno jelly. Game hen cut Chinese style with spicy noodles and peanut sauce; tomato basil salad

C’est Si Bon, 3444 Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, 714/675-0994--French bread, croissants, pastries, pates, cheeses, wines

Dale’s Southern Style Bar-B-Q, 123 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, (713) 498-2456--ribs, chicken, sandwiches

Gambino’s Restaurant, 223 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, (714) 498-9552--Italian deli-style sandwiches

Rockwell’s Cafe and Bakery, 17853 Santiago Blvd., Villa Park, (714) 921-0622--breads and bagels, pasta and potato salads, cookies, cakes and tarts

Willy’s Meats, 34099 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, (714) 496-2277 and Willy’s Meats Too, 111 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, (714) 498-5924--deli sandwiches

SAN DIEGO AREA

Advantage, 7715 Balboa Ave., San Diego, (619) 576-7200--several food stalls under one roof--bakery, deli, sushi, etc.

Aesop’s Tables Greek Cafe, 8867 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla, (619) 455-1535--baklava and other greek takeout foods

Big Bear Market, Flower Hill Mall, 2670 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, (619) 259-9303--roasted chickens, bakery, wines and cheeses

Cilantros--A Southwest Restaurant & Marketplace, 3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, (619) 259-8777--chile rubbed spit-roasted chicken, black beans, blue corn tortillas, salsas

El Indio, 3695 India St., San Diego, (619) 299-0333--tortillas, chips and other takeout food

Gustaf Anders Bakery, Merrill Lynch Bldg., 7825 Fay (at the corner of Silverado), La Jolla, (619) 459-0733--gravad lax, meats, sauces, breads

Haedrich’s Tip Top Meats, 6118 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, (619) 438-2620--hamburgers, sausages and salamis

Harvest Ranch Markets, 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, Encinitas, (619) 944-6898 and 759 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, (619) 442-0355--homemade tortilla chips, numerous varieties of cheesecake, 3- and 6-foot sandwiches

Issimo at the Pasta Place, 5634 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, (619) 454-7004--pasta and sauces

Pasqua’s, 3913 4th Ave., San Diego, (619) 299-0184 and 3555 Rosecrans St., San Diego, (619) 226-4889--gelato

Piret M, 897 First St., Encinitas, (619) 942-5146--lentil and other salads, pates

Point Loma Seafood, 2805 Emerson St., San Diego, (619) 223-1109--seafood salads and sandwiches, chowders, cracked crab

Roberto’s Taco Shops all around the area--fish tacos

Russo’s Pasta Shop, 270 N. Camino Real, Encinitas, (619) 753-6867--pastas and sauces, to prepare or ready-to-eat

Saffron, 3731-B India St., San Diego, (619) 574-0177 and 7728 Regents Road, (619) 455-7170--Thai grilled chicken and salads

Sluggo’s, 6980 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, (619) 459-5536--Polish sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers and fries

The Fish Market, 640 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, (619) 755-2277--clam chowder, bread

Woo Chee Chong, 4625 Convoy, Kearny Mesa, (619) 560-1100--takeout Chinese food