Red Deer Reality Rant #53 - Picnic in Downtown Red Deer, A Review

Hello again fellow Red Deerians! I’m back after a short hiatus to Regina, Saskatchewan. Regina is an interesting place but it’s good to be back in Red Deer. We have much to be thankful for here, it’s sometimes good to check out other locales for a fresh perspective. Over the weekend, I was checking out our downtown, and it’s actually very under appreciated. There’s many fine local businesses, and some great food to be had.

I stopped for lunch at Picnic Cafe on Ross Street, located in the Towne Centre Mall and I am so inspired by the place, I believe that a rave review is in order. So here it is! First off, let me say that the place is immaculate. Very clean and tidy and well kept with a friendly retro type cafe decor. Not retro in the way of style that is affected, but an actual homey and cheerful style. But the decor in no way reflects the quality of food that you find here. Leave trendy behind, and enjoy the very best sandwiches and soups in Red Deer!

I’m not kidding, classic and home style is their forte. Everything is so fresh and expertly prepared, sandwich franchises pale in comparison. The sandwiches are made to order with your choice of veggies and condiments and cheese, on a choice of bread and is a very generous sandwich. I especially recommend shelling out a little bit extra for their croissant. The one I had for my egg salad sandwich was super soft and so fresh, it really made it that much extra awesome.

I have no idea where they get their veggies. Fresher and crispier than the grocery store. They cut the sandwiches with an electric knife for extra perfection. Made exactly the way you like it, yet somehow so much better than you can do at home, it’s a really good value. The couple who operate it are very polite and courteous, and give a great quiet yet pleasant and welcoming experience. They deserve a medal for the spotlessness of the cafe and make a fine cup of coffee also medal worthy especially when compared to big name franchises.

But I can’t forget the soup. An awesome pair to the sandwiches their soup is delicious. Classic soups that taste gourmet with their level of quality in ingredients and freshness served so very hot, so be careful! They also have some baked goods for dessert and a selection of canned and bottled drinks. A really cute cafe, back in the day they had a few print copies of Brutal Reality Digest. As a zine, BRD always supported local, so now this blog seeks to do the same. Thanks, Picnic, you are a true downtown Red Deer gem, and I am forever a fan of your quality food!

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