Panera - Where's the spud? Where's the spud?
Written: Feb 04 '02 (Updated Mar 28 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great food. Uncommon selection.
Fabulous bread and bagels
Cons: No potato entrees. Just chips
The Bottom Line: Panera's deserves your consideration despite the absence of potato items. Enjoy the uncommonly good chips with your sandwich.
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| nagels's Full Review: Panera Bread |
You’re so cheap
You walked into Panera like you were walking into the Ritz
Your eye methodically scanned around the tables
Your friend already there sits
You had one hand on a menu as you watched the bagel splits
And all your thoughts dreamed that you’d spend less money
You’d spend less money and…
You’re so cheap, you probably think the soup is too pricey
You’re so cheap, I’ll bet you count your change at least twicely,
Or thricely, Precisely…
Panera Bread, a chain restaurant and a St. Louis company that once was affiliated with Au Bon Pain, opened up an eatery less than a year ago in a complex within walking distance of my place of employment. Having read some glowing reviews previously, I was anxious to experience this bread haven for myself. In the Baltimore area there are five Panera restaurants and 304 additional establishments in 28 states. By the end of the year there will be 10 Paneras in the state. Since its opening I’ve eaten there five or six times and frequently visit Panera after work and bring home bagels, bread, or succulent, decadent pastries mostly for Mrs. Spudman.
My most recent visit was several days ago when I met two other former teachers for lunch. We meet every couple months to keep in touch and relish our mutual former teacher status. Ironically I still teach, but only part time and not in a public school.
My companions, one of whom is vegetarian, both ordered the $5.95 Portobello and mozzarella hot panini sandwich. The mushrooms are roasted with garlic, then marinated in balsamic vinaigrette. In addition the sandwich includes caramelized onions, mozzarella, two generous slices of hot, rosemary-onion focaccia and fresh basil. Each of my dining companions did not finish her sandwich. Both complained of a too strong vinegar taste. Too bad I don’t like mushrooms or I’d’ve had two free half sandwiches. At least each of them shared with me her bag of crunchy, delicious chips, astoundingly the only potato product offered here!!
Tightwad that I am, I ordered a cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut cream spread and coffee for under four dollars and refilled my cup several times.
Of the many varieties of bagels sold here, this is my favorite. It has just the right combination of cinnamon and sweetness. Topped with the hazelnut spread, this bagelicious item could become addictive. I bought three bagels to take home and had plenty of leftover spread for those also.
AMBIENCE
Paneras have warm mustard and wood interiors with an assortment of booths, tables, chairs, tall stools, and even an area with a sofa in close proximity to assorted newspapers. It’s a comfortable, informal atmosphere that invites one to linger for one more cup of coffee or one of the tempting pastries displayed under glass at the counter. On our first visit there Mrs. Spudman and I were both impressed by how the decorator skillfully integrated colors and theme throughout. Panera can become extremely crowded and noisy at peak hours. In fact, during my most recent 12:30 lunch few empty tables could be found. By 2 o’clock we shared the place with only a handful of diners.
FOOD AND PRICES
Diners have a choice of hot or cold sandwiches, salads and soups that are not normal fare at other restaurants. My favorites are the frontega chicken and the Tuscan chicken sandwiches. Other sandwiches available are the Cuban pork and ham, Sierra Turkey, Asiago Roast beef, bacon turkey bravo, Italian combo and others. Most sandwiches cost five or six dollars.
A bowl of soup served with sourdough or French roll is 3 dollars. Also one can order soup in a sourdough bread bowl for $4.50. It’s best to eat the soup before devouring the soup-flavored bread. Among the available salads are Asian sesame chicken and grilled chicken Caesar salad.
Of course there are also the bagels, the breads and the pastries. I think that the bagels and pastries are priced a bit on the high side, but everything I’ve tried has been delicious. There is a nice selection of freshly baked reasonably priced breads.
SERVICE AND IMPRESSIONS
No complaints here. Even during the crowded period, the lines move efficiently, the mostly young employees are pleasant enough, and the food is ready in surprisingly short order. There are no waiters here other than those waiting in line or waiting for change. I usually just wait nearby for my food after ordering, but one may choose to return to the table and listen for the order number to be called. Once a mistake was made with our order and it was rectified directly and courteously. The bottom line is that I enjoy Panera, though I’d like to see a wider range in prices and some potato dishes on the menu.
Thank you for reading my review.
Recommended:
Yes
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