We found a few quiet moments to sit down with Kathy Drieling, co-owner and president of the Picnic Basket Collective, a.k.a., the Picnic Basket, Cravings and Buffalo Gals catering services.
CFG: You’ve been voted “Best Caterer in Colorado Springs” for the past 20 years. How does that make you feel?
Drieling: Busy. And thankful. My partner, Michelle Talarico and I have been together in the catering business since 1989, and have grown our original deli take-out business into three separate entities: The Picnic Basket, serving casual fare; Cravings, a grand-scale menu customized for large events; and Buffalo Gals, “have grill will travel” on-site catering, featuring ranchero-style Santa Maria tri-tip roast BBQ.
CFG: What are some of your most popular items?
Drieling:. Our tri-trip BBQ. We order over 30,000 pounds a year. The pollo verde casserole–kind of southwest chicken lasagna is also a favorite.
CFG: What is your go-to food to cook at home?
Drieling: I love to grill anything—a really good steak—even a romaine salad.
CFG: If you didn’t own a successful catering business, how would you spend your time?
Drieling: In my cabin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains cooking all day and watching Anthony Bourdain. I love adventure.
CFG: What do you consider to be the ultimate adventure?
Drieling: Living a true Colorado mountain life.
