Picnic, the new grab and go that took over the old Carlton Cards spot at the Holt Renfrew Centre opened a couple of months ago and I’ve been meaning to write about it since.  I’ve eaten there several times since its launch in February and have noticed much improvement in terms of selection.

Half sandwiches at Picnic (left is the AB&J and on the right is tuna salad)

I like the premise of Picnic.  On one side of the restaurant is counter service for coffees (both drip and espresso drinks), juices and smoothies, while on the other is a grab and go fridge and warming shelf with items such as salads, sandwiches and wraps, with a large communal table in the middle, and there is free wi-fi.  Also available are snacks, such as nuts and dried fruit as well as veggie sticks and fruit salads.  Breakfast and breakfast-friendly items include oatmeal, berries and granola with yogurt as well as sandwiches like bananas and Nutella.  At first, choice was very minimal, and even disappointing for this semi-pescetarian.  Other than the AB&J (almond butter and jam) and egg salad sandwiches, there weren’t any vegetarian options.  Oh well, at least there was tuna salad.  However, since its opening, things have improved for the better.  Lately, I’ve noticed cheddar, tomato and lettuce sandwiches on the regular menu, as well as quinoa salad.  On the warm side, there’s always a vegetarian soup and falafel wraps.

Falafel salad

So far, I have been there for breakfast a couple of times, in addition numerous lunch sessions.  I like that half sandwiches are available (the only other place I have seen this (at least in this part of Toronto) is at Sliced), so one can get two different types.  And as I noted earlier, I am also pleased that there’s more selection, especially for pescetarians and vegetarians.  However, what still needs a bit of improvement is speed.  There are times when I go there and see empty shelves, even if it is only 12:30.  I can understand the lack of items later in the day (say, 3 PM), but 12:30 is right in the middle of the lunch rush.  I have also seen problems earlier, around 8:30 in the morning, when there aren’t a lot of breakfast items.  This was more of an issue earlier on, when the spot first opened.

Granola, berries and yogurt with a cup of coffee

Do I have favourites at Picnic?  Sure.  For breakfast, there’s a sandwich called the Billie Jean (named after a customer, not the song), made with bananas and almond butter.  On the lunch side, there’s a warm falafel wrap (so far, the only hot vegetarian option).  As for suggestions, I would love to see more warm vegetarian choices, including bowls (they currently have two items, including a chili) like a vegetarian chili or maybe a macaroni and cheese.  However, since the weather is warming up, I highly doubt that anything like that would be implemented until the winter.

Note:  Picnic is closed on Sundays.