The Perfect Picnic: Tips from Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry

The informal ease of dining outdoors (al fresco or en plein air) has been a favored pastime throughout history. Fresh air, a blanket and a basket filled with easy to eat food and a cool drink are the makings for the perfect picnic. At it’s most romantic, a picnic should be accompanied with fine linens, china, crystal and something bubbly to sip on. At it’s simplest, a picnic need no more than a fresh baguette, some artisan cheese, fresh fruit and a bottle of wine, or sparkling water. 

According to epicure James Beard, what one packs in their basket all depends on particular tastes and preferences.

“The Picnic may be a romantic dejuenor sur l’herbe for two, or a gathering of the clan; it may be simple as a sandwich in wax paper, or as elaborate as appetite, inclination and purse will allow” Treasury of Outdoor Cooking (Golden Press, 1960)

Local caterer Cheryl Shultz of Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry is a professional when it comes to picnicking. She has been preparing delicious picnic baskets for the past twenty-seven years, tailored to meet the needs of Victoria’s al fresco diners. For a $25 deposit picnic goers can select and pre-order one of several classic picnic baskets or pop into the deli and hand pick from a selection of fresh salads, pastas, meats and sweets. Each basket comes with table cloth, napkins, wine opener, glasses, cutlery and fresh flowers.

I met with Cheryl recently to ask her opinion on what makes the perfect picnic. Her approach is simple yet well thought out to suit one’s particular interests. “One of the most important things is that it should look pretty” says Cheryl. “Take some time to include those little touches—pick a nice location, put down a clean table cloth, or blanket and just enjoy. As for food, you don’t need to restrict it to sandwiches, but keep it simple and real ([talics];  let the food it be what it is, fresh, clean and delicious” says Cheryl.

Some of Cheryl’s most popular picnic venues have been Diner en Blanc (this year the line up was out the door), Butchart Gardens, Point No Point, Boat cruises, wedding picnics and family events. Once she was asked to prepare a surprise engagement picnic. The staff was there on site with everything set up and ready to serve.

Anyone can put together a picnic and it should never be complicated. Though, if you don’t have time to prepare a few dishes at home, stop by local market and pick up a few fresh deli items. However, the real treat is ordering a pre-made picnic from Cheryl’s. Not only is it hassel free (pre-packed and ready to go), but it can be created just as you like it. If you’re wanting something spicy, sweet or savoury she’s got it.

Cheryl offers a wide arrangement of freshly made foods from smoked salmon and cream cheese to poached lobster with tarragon sauce, raspberry glazed chicken, grilled striploin of beef and garlic mashed potatoes, Saltspring Island goat cheese with roma tomatoes and basil, Tuscan grilled vegetables, brie and fresh fruit and deserts that include pot de crème, tarts, cheesecake and crème brulee.

One of the most popular baskets Cheryl offers is the Ultimate Seafood Basket (shown in photos) which includes:

Chilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns with Creamy Giner Dipping Sauce

Lox & Cream Cheese Plate with Capers, Red Onion & Dijon Cream

Crisp Baguette with Herb Butter

Mixed Greens and Raspberry Vinaigrette

Poached Lobster with Tarragon Sauce

French Brie & Fresf Fruit wih Grand Marnier Cream

$120.00 (for two)

Food Timeline has a compiled and detailed account of the history of picniking throughout the 20^th century. Take a look at their page on picnics for stories and recipes (link).

No matter what you plan for your next picnic, whether it’s placing an order through Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry or packing it yourself, remember to keep it simple; it should be easy to transport and require minimal clean-up.

To get you started, consider the 5 W’s of picnicking:

1. Who will be attending the picnic?

Think about your company as you plan the menu. Do they have any favorite foods and/or any dietary restrictions?

2. What is the occasion?

Is it a special celebration that might require a cake, or is it a spur of the moment cheese and bread kind of picnic? Will  you pre-chill that wine, or will you just grab a few cans of pop on the way?

3. Where is the location?

A picnic can be had anywhere, really, from the front yard to a roof top, to a nearby park or beach. Perhaps you’ve planned a canoe ride, or a hike to some scenic view? Wherever you decide to go, be sure to consider factors like:

A. Weather: if there’s any chance of rain be sure to bring an umbrella.

B. Distance: How far away is the picnic site? Will you have any perisable items? If so, pack them on ice.

C. Ammenities: are there washrooms nearby? Is there fresh drinking water on site? Consider the general accesibility, particularily if mobility is an issue.

4. Why are you having a picnic?

Seems like a silly question when, in short, the answer should always be: why the heck not?! But, in all fairness considering why can greatly impact all of the above, from location to menu to how elegantly or casually your picnic basket is packed.

5. When is your picnic taking place?

This is a good question to ask as you plan the event. If it’s a spontaneous idea then you’ll be grabbing a few things on the go, or popping into Cheryl’s and ordering some salads and other tasty treats. If it’s a future event, you can take your time scouting locations and planning the perfect meal with all the right touches.

No matter what the occasion may be, picnics are a relaxing, casual way to be with friends, family and loved ones while enjoying fresh air and a memorable meal.

Bon appetite!

Further Contact Info

Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry

Phone: (250) 595-3212

2009 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria BC

V8R 5G4

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