Being a Trusted Partner on the Trusted Saskatoon Directory of Excellence comes with a lot of responsibility - no other directory, advertising company, or 'watchdog organization' puts businesses through the ongoing process we do before we promote and endorse them.
Why Choose a Business On the Trusted Saskatoon Directory?
All of the Trusted Saskatoon partners have to pass a unique verification process, they are then annually contracted to uphold our 5 Trusted Guarantees. The partners then become part of a local community of Saskatoon and area businesses that we promote with a strong local marketing campaign. We also have a Trusted MYSTERY SHOPPER PROGRAM. This is where we find and engage with normal everyday people, just like you, who are looking for products and services in Saskatoon and area. We approach individuals we can see are looking for a local business and we ask them to mystery shop Trusted Saskatoon Partners. Those that agree to be Trusted mystery shoppers go about their usual business, except at the end they fill out a report to tell us about the experience. We then share it with you! We are thrilled to share our latest mystery shop.
PickNic's Catering and Fine Foods are Trusted Saskatoon caterers!
Date of Mystery Shop: August 2022
Shopper : Ezna
MYSTERY SHOP CHECKLIST:
1. How was the greeting/ welcome/ call answered? Friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
2. Appearance of the store/staff and showroom? When I picked up my birthday cake, I was impressed with the elegance of the storefront.
3. If a quote was required, was it well laid out/ clear? I asked for an estimate and it was clear.
4. Overall experience 1-10. 9 out of 10
5. Would you return as a customer/ recommend them to close friends? Yes, already did
6. Did anyone stand out as exceptional? If so who? Why? Owner offered extra finishing touches when I picked up the cake, and carried it to the car.
TRUSTED GUARANTEES
1. Provide the service and quality promised - 10
2. Complete the job on time - 10
3. Charge the price quoted with NO surprises - 10
4. Communicate honestly and be responsive to customer needs - 10
5. Resolve any issues with customer satisfaction in mind - 10
Ezna shared picture of the 2 cakes, and as always, they look amazing!
ANY OTHER COMMENTS?
Everybody absolutely loved the cupcakes and icing !
Unfortunately I never got to taste the large carrot cake birthday cake because my daughter and I gave it away to a gal whose mom couldn’t afford a cake and also celebrated her bday at the party.
Apparently her face lit up when she saw cake So was worth it
It’s my compassionate daughter Alicia who heard about this and came and pitched the idea to me and how could I say no? Made me happy to see my daughter flow like that and to brighten someone else’s day - Ezna ( Mystery Shopper & birthday girl)
WHAT A GREAT GESTURE EZNA & A WONDERFUL MYSTERY SHOP NICOLA & TEAM!!!
Yet again showing you deserve the Thumbs Up from www.TrustedSaskatoon.com
Let Nicola and the team at PickNic's Catering & fine Foods create something special for your next event or special occasion!
"Taste...That Delivers!"
At PickNic's Catering and Fine Foods, they understand you need more from your caterer than culinary expertise; you need peace of mind that someone you TRUST will take care of every detail. That’s why they have been serving more than just excellent food to Saskatoon and area for 15 years— they are here to serve you. From stress-free planning services to a sounding board for all of your catering ideas, everything they provide will make your event unforgettable and uniquely yours! In their latest tip, they talk wedding cake trends!
Oh wedding cake, we will never stop loving you! But whether we’re talking about the fillings and frostings or gorgeous decorations, this spring’s trends are going to make it mighty hard to say “I Do” to just one.
Foliage Fun
Take those show-stopping sugar blooms one step farther with extra foliage! Be on the lookout this spring for cakes with heavy foliage accents, fresh green palettes, or leafy designs.
You might even spot some fresh herb-inspired decorations. Rosemary is one of our favourites because of its feathery, plume-like appearance.
Shine with Sequins.
More and more brides are using silver and gold accents to add some sparkle to their big day, and the cake is no exception.
Edible sequins are the way to go here and don't be scared to go bold, coating an entire tier in a layer of twinkly bits. Another option: create custom shaped sequins by painting slivered almonds or small fondant cutouts with lustre dust.
Sealed With A Kiss
A cake that matches your invites?
Why not!
Edible wax seals (made out of candy melts!) are the prettiest little accents hidden among sugar flowers. Just keep ‘em simple — the bride and groom’s initial works well — to make sure the effect is clear.
Bigger Isn’t Better
Whether you’re having a small reception or just want to save some money, a petite cake may be just the ticket. More brides are opting to show off their cake style without three tiers or lots of fuss. We love a small, semi-naked cake piled with fresh flowers and maybe even a personalized topper.
Watercolour Wonders
The soft and romantic strokes of watercolour paint are perfect for weddings. And brides are taking note: This artistic style is showing up on invites, signage and, yes, cakes. Watercolour washes on a cake can be as bold or as subtle as you want, and also make a beautiful backdrop to other decorations like vibrant flowers, fruits and foliage.
Bold Florals
Dramatic floral arrangements are perfect for wedding cakes, and they feel even fresher when the cake underneath is left semi-naked. One thing you’re gonna see everywhere: Large, cascading roses sweeping down and around a tower of tiers. That’s a lot to love!
At PickNic's Catering and Fine Foods, they understand you need more from your caterer than culinary expertise; you need peace of mind that someone you TRUST will take care of every detail. That’s why they have been serving more than just excellent food to Saskatoon and area for 15 years— they are here to serve you. From stress-free planning services to a sounding board for all of your catering ideas, everything they provide will make your event unforgettable and uniquely yours!
PickNics Celebrates 15 years in Business
Nicola Lawson, Owner & Manager of PickNic’s Catering Saskatoon, began her culinary training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, in Edmonton, and completed the required schooling to begin her three-year apprenticeship as a commercial baker. Upon graduation from the program, she began her career in the food industry working at a variety of establishments all across Canada. Nicola has managed and worked at a variety of food and beverage establishments throughout the world. Her travels have taken her to the Yukon, where she managed the pastry shop of a hotel, to the cultural mecca of Capetown, South Africa, managing an in-store grocery bakery and then on to sunny Bermuda, where she took time from her busy sun-bathing schedule to run a classy resort’s pastry department. She returned to Canada to find her extended family had since moved from Alberta and settled in Saskatoon. So, a short hiatus in the Bridge City turned into a winter job contract commitment and not after too long she was smitten with the city! She and her 2 beautiful children have been living here happily ever since!
To be in business for 15 years with the ups and downs of the economy is not easy but Nicola and her team have been very successful. A huge part of this is their passion, quality, service and commitment to being the best caterer in Saskatoon.
Nicola Lawson is recognized as a leader in the Saskatoon business community. She is a driving force and founding member of the 33rd Street Business Improvement District in which her business is located. She is an active member of the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Women’s Network.
She is actively involved in her own community as a member of the Meadowgreen Community Association.
In addition, she has been nominated for several business awards including:
- Saskatoon chamber of Commerce SABEX Awards,
- YWCA Women of Distinction Award as well,
- 2007 Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Member of The Year recipient.
- PickNic’s Catering has also been voted, numerous times, as Saskatoon’s Best Caterer in Planet S magazine.
Trusted Saskatoon owner, Sara made a speech at the 15-year celebrations and presented Nicola with a gift on behalf of the Trusted Saskatoon team. She also presented Nicola and the PickNic's team with the 5year Trusted Saskatoon Award - We are proud to support Nicola and her team, who by the way, have not had a single complaint in over 5 years!!
Looking for a caterer in Saskatoon for your event?
Contact Nicola and her amazing team and see what sets them apart!
What's the difference between good food and absolutely incredible dining? Fresh, quality ingredients, generous portions, imagination and creativity! From a simple catered lunch with gourmet sandwiches, to a Picknic Box for 2 for a romantic evening in, to a fabulously catered wedding or event, let Picknic's Catering and Fine Foods create something special for you!
Here Nicola shares her Proscuitto and Gruyere Pinwheels Recipe:
Preheat oven to 375'F.
Start with one 10x16" sheet of puff pastry, thawed.
Egg wash, top with layer of Proscuitto, then sprinkle on Shredded Gruyere and Asiago cheeses. Sprinkle with a dash of Chili powder.
Find PickNic's Catering and Fine Foods at 210 33rd Street West or online here- or go to their listing in Saskatoon Catering & Bakeries to read all of the wonderful things her clients had to say about PickNics.
What's the difference between good food and absolutely incredible dining? Fresh, quality ingredients, generous portions, imagination and creativity! From a simple catered lunch with gourmet sandwiches, to a Picknic Box for 2 for a romantic evening in, to a fabulously catered wedding or event, let Picknic's Catering and Fine Foods create something special for you!
PIckNics Catering & Fine Food is a TRUSTED SASKATOON CATERING EXPERT
PickNics Catering are known for their wedding cakes.
Here Nicola shares her Pancetta and Roasted Garlic Tarts with Tomato Jam Recipe:
For the Tomato Jam:
In Heavy Bottomed Saucepan
1 Pint of Cherry Tomatoes
2 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar...
10 Whole Cloves
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar
Juice of 2 Lemons
Simmer and stir occasionally for about 1 hour, until the tomatoes naturally burst.
You may need to add a Tablespoon of water every 15 minutes or so just to keep things juicy.
For the Tarts:
Preheat oven to 350'F
Layer 3 sheets of Phyllo pastry, brushed with melted butter in between the layers.
Cut the stacked set of sheets into 24 squares.
Line a mini cupcake pan with the prepared phyllo squares, pressing gently.
Fill with a generous crumble of Boursin cheese, cooked drained Pancetta, and a half clove of Roasted Garlic.
Top with a mixture of:
400mL of 35% Cream, whisked with 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from cupcake pan while slightly warm.
Top with Tomato Jam and serve warm or at room temperature.
VOILA!
Find PickNic's Catering and Fine Foods at 210 33rd Street West or online here- or go to their listing in Saskatoon Catering & Bakeries to read all of the wonderful things her clients had to say about PickNics.
