Panera saves the day!

Unless you live under a rock, you heard about the devastating storm that took place across the country this past weekend. Central Ohio was one of the hardest hit. I personally lost power at my place from Friday evening through Tuesday afternoon. My facts are probably incorrect, but I heard that there was over 500,000 without power in the Central Ohio region. Many still are without power.

The storm hit rather unexpectedly. I was getting ready for a fun evening out with friends and family to watch my favorite local band (Conspiracy Band). As I was searching for the perfect outfit to wear, the sky turned ominous, winds started picking up, and soon the power went out. I grabbed my dog Boomer and we sought shelter in an interior room. I thought a tornado was imminent.  Thanks to my lack of planning for severe weather, I had no way to confirm my suspicions.

Boomer during the storm. Note the Yuengling Light bottles on the table.

Eventually the storm passed. I was left without power, so naturally, I decided to meet everyone as planned and drink/dance my worries away. The band was amazing, as usual. I arrived back at my place several hours later, still without power. As luck would have it, I had zero trouble falling asleep that night. I awoke around 8:30 the next morning to my friend/neighbor (Amy) calling me to discuss the power outage.

We decided to walk around the neighborhood to assess the situation. Needless to say, it was a mess. Trees and power lines were down everywhere. Considering the facts that: A) Amy is 8 + months pregnant B) Amy was pushing her 1 year old son, and C) I was walking my dog...it probably wasn't the safest decision to stroll around the neighborhood. But no one ever claimed we were the smartest.

It was going to be another hot day and our power coming on seemed like a long shot. The next logical step was to pick up some Panera and eat it poolside.

I volunteered to pick up the Panera to-go. It was probably 10AM at this point. As I pulled into the Bethel Road Panera, my jaw dropped. The parking lot was packed and people were literally standing in line outside of the store to get in! Wow.

The parking lot was packed. Also the only photo I took. Big mistake. Huge.

Surprisingly the line moved relatively quickly. As to be expected, the line was filled with chatter about the storm and every one's experiences. Lots of talk about the most recent AEP report that power would not be restored for 5-7 days.

Everyone that day found themselves in an unexpected and uncomfortable predicament. The employees at Panera certainly had no idea what they would be facing on that Saturday morning. Certainly that had to have been the BUSIEST Saturday ever for that particular Panera. I commend the Bethel Road Panera for staying cool in a time of panic. I guess they really followed their corporate slogan: "Make today better"

ITEMS ORDERED:
Me: Chicken Salad Sandwich, Chips, Large Unsweet Tea/Acai Tea mix. Yum.
Amy: Sierra Turkey and chips

Random NOTES:

• Generators. I'm buying one. And not just a little one. I am getting a good one. Well not anytime soon. But I probably should.
• Radio. I'm buying an emergency radio. That will happen soon.
• Pool. Who decides to go to the pool after a hurricane like storm hits? Answer: Idiots. For whatever reason going to the pool sounded like a good decision. We brought the Panera back to the pool, only to discover the entire pool and kiddie pool was filled with debris and elements from the storm. Duh.

Example of the devastation. This was a billboard.

Hold the onions at the Lancaster Panera

This past week my dad and I had a meeting with a customer in Lancaster. Due to the fact that the meeting was scheduled at 11 AM, I secretly hoped that lunch would be involved post meeting. In the back of my mind, I was hoping for a Panera visit. Unfortunately, the meeting ran a little longer than planned, and my dad needed to get back to Zanesville. I was disappointed, but told myself I would be back. I knew I would be able to cope.

Well, you can imagine my surprise, when we happened to drive past the Lancaster Panera. From out of nowhere, my dad suggested we grab a sandwich to-go! How fun! A billboard sale + an unexpected Panera lunch. This day was looking bright!

The Review:
Date: Tuesday, September 20
Time of Day: 12:30ish
Items ordered: (2) Sierra Turkeys on whole grain and 2 unsweet teas to-go.

This Panera is very new. It is the anchor tenant at a small strip center off Memorial Drive in Lancaster. Upon entering the store, the registers are immediately straight ahead, while seating can be found on both the left and right sides of the store. It was moderately busy, but I was surprised it wasn't busier, as it was really prime lunch time.

Random NOTES:

• I rarely order the full sandwich + chips and a drink. I ordered this out of necessity as we ate this in the car. I was surprised that two of the meals with large drinks was just under 18 bucks. The pick 2's, which I typically order, are quite expensive...a pick 2, would have been over 20 bucks for the two of us. Do I sound cheap?
• My dad can't eat onions. One of the primary ingredients of the Sierra Turkey is onions. Oops. Don't worry I had to pick the onions off his sandwich. Fair enough, seeing as how he bought the meal.

A trip back to Bluffton, and my "emotional attachment" to food...

Beach Time.

Oh Hilton Head. What a fun place! I made an impromtu visit back down south over the Fourth of July weekend. This happens to be my second consecutive impromtu HHI visit over the Fourth. Perhaps a tradition that is in the making? I stayed with the lovely couple, Amanda and Brian Pope. Typically my visits to HHI involve sun, beach, bars, restaurants...and to balance out the last two indulgences...running. This trip was no different, except that we mixed it up a bit and decided to rent bikes, and rode bikes virtually everywhere around the island. That decision, in my mind, was clutch as this weekend is historically one of the busiest on the island...and parking is a real bitch.

I have already reviewed the Panera on the South end of the Island (Reunited and it feels so good...my Hilton Head Review)...and I have only alluded to the Bluffton Panera, located just north on Hwy 278 in front of the Tanger I outlet. This Panera just recently opened up (well, at least since my last visit). Amanda, who is a school teacher in Bluffton and part-time Coach associate, was very good on updating me on the progress of this Panera. I was quite intrigued when Amanda noted that they were building a drive-thru at this one as well!

Whoever is running the Panera's down south, seem to have the right idea. I think the drive-thru is essential...especially for those morning java addicts, that would normally pass up a Panera, simply because it wasn't convenient.

Here's my REVIEW:

Location: Bluffton, SC - Hwy 278 in front of the new Tanger 1 outlets

Date visited: July 4, 2011

Time of day: 11ish

Items ordered:

Me: Barbequed chopped chicken. Whole grain baguette. Unsweet tea.

Amanda: Sierra turkey. Greek salad. Apple. Unsweet tea.

Upon arriving, I was instantly impressed with the overall exterior design. It is brand-new (obviously) is free-standing, and has an undescribable southern appeal. We were dining in, so I didn't take advantage of the drive-thru...but I am assured that it is efficient (per Amanda).

I missed the drive-thru in this photo. Oops.

It was pretty empty once walking in...I suppose most people are grilling out or at the beach for the 4th. (I was on my way to Savannah to catch a flight)

The food shot...

Random Notes:

• I don't know if it was because this store is so new, but it took our food an excessively long-time to get made, and they messed up my order a couple of times. I also found that the associates were not the warmest. I must be spoiled by the Ohio stores...because I rarely run into those issues in the buckeye state. This did remind me of the vast difference between my experience with retail/restaurant personnel in Ohio vs. South Carolina. While southerners are stereotyped for their warm hospitality...in general I would say that the hospitality does not shine through in these customer service type positions.
• Technology has overtaken us all. Sitting directly across from us, was a family of four. No lie, they all had a different electronic device that they were fiddling with during their meal. Everyone ate in silence.
• Emotional attachment to food. After this visit to HHI, I gave a play-by-play of the visit to another former Blufftonite, Erin Howell Straine. We laughed at the fact that each time we visit we make it a point to basically, eat. Wild Wings - La Hacienda - Sippin Cow - Big Bamboo - Fiesta Fresh - to name a few. It was concluded that we all have an emotional attachment to food in HHI, and perhaps our future trips should be somewhere else to avoid a gluttoness weekend.

Overall, I give this Panera an A for looks, but a D for customer service/sense of urgency. At any rate, on your next trip to the outlets in Bluffton, you should stop by for a caffeine jolt or a nice meal. However, if you are looking for a unique non-chain to dine in Bluffton, SC...my hands down vote is the Sippin Cow Cafe in downtown Bluffton.

Diversity day in Bexley

For the past couple of months, I have been looking for a new place to move. During this process, Deb (my mom), decided to join me in my search efforts.

Now, I think by this point, Deb has accepted the consequences of hanging out with me on a Saturday morning. Generally speaking, any type of excursion with me requires some sort of a meal as one of the main events. Since the creation of this blog...that means Panera. Thankfully, Deb is a fan of Panera.

Bexley was next on my list, and seemed like it would be a nice area, so off we went.

Here are some of the high points...

Date of visit: April 2

Time of day: 11:30ish

Items ordered:

Me: Cuban chicken panini + black bean soup +  wheat baguette + unsweet tea 

Deb: Sierra Turkey + Chili + Hazelnut coffee

Random Notes.

• As you are driving down the main drag in Bexley (East Broad) you notice that the area is separated from extremely wealthy to extremely poor. While we were driving to Bexley we started out through the 'poor' side of town. Admittedly, we were a little concerned about where we were going to have this meal...and we were pleasantly surprised when we pulled up to the quaint neighborhood that this Panera sits.
• I have never seen such a heavily diverse crowd at a Panera...ever.
• The bathrooms were difficult to find. Both Deb and I tried to find the bathrooms on separate occasions and both walked toward the same wrong wall.

Final note...
Loved the layout. Enjoyed the area. Would like to go back for a summer visit to enjoy their patio/people watching.

Two old men, a cashier, and a Sierra Turkey at the Pickerington Panera...

On a recent early morning weekend drive back home, I stopped by the Pickerington Panera located directly of I-70. Because I was in a relative hurry to get to home, I just ordered this to go. Here are the details of this visit:

Date visited: Sunday, March 6
Time of day: 7 AM
Those in attendance: Me
Items ordered: Sierra Turkey on wheat, opted for the apple as the side, and of course unsweet tea.

The Layout/Experience.
The layout is very similar to the Dublin Panera on Avery Rd. I arrived at the Panera and the only other customers were two old men, who were sitting in a booth with their coffees no doubt solving the worlds problems. It seemed like it's a morning ritual for them to congregate there. The staff at this Panera was very nice, and fun...despite the fact that it was so early.

I will say, that it was this visit, that I really noticed how pressured I feel to order when I am at a Panera. There are so many options to choose from, and when you are standing there staring at the menu board, it can be overwhelming...especially when the cashiers are staring you down waiting to input the order. Due to this pressure to order...I once again caved on trying something new, and went with the sierra turkey.

Perhaps you noticed that it was 7am, and I ordered a turkey sandwich. Yes, it is weird. But sometimes I don't think a breakfast sandwich is very satisfying....especially one pretentiously prepared at a Panera type establishment. They put way too much emphasis on the fact that there is an egg on the sandwich and skimp on the meat and cheese. Therefore, I have for several years opted for lunch over breakfast, even at early hours of the morning.

Random NOTES.

• I stopped by this Panera on my way back to my parents. I didn't even think about bringing back my moms favorite bagels until I was almost home. I felt terrible enough as it was on this omission. Then, after I get home and tell Deb where I stopped she asked why I didnt bring her back a bagel. Sorry, Deb.

Cinnamon Crunch bagel...Deb's fav.

• This is a great location if you are driving through on 70. Easy on and off.

The long way to Grandview Panera...

I like the exterior...very retro, no?

It was a big day this past Saturday at the Grandview Panera. Joining me on this outing was Amy, the pregnant one...Abby, the vegetarian...and Kelly, the non-dog lover. Prior to the Panera visit, I met Abby downtown for a run. In typical Ohio fashion, the weather made a 180 degree turn in one day. Friday was sunny and gorgeous with a high in the sixtys...Saturday morning was sunny, but COLD and WINDY!

Back to the review...Abby, Kelly, and I picked up Amy and drove down to the Grandview Panera. Amy lives about 10 minutes north of downtown...and while driving to pick Amy up we passed at least 2 other Paneras that I could think of that would have been more convenient to go to than the Grandview Panera. Suprisingly, everyone accepted the fact that Grandview Panera was next on my list, and didn't complain. What great friends.

After driving all the way around Kelly's Barn*(See random notes for explanation of this phrase) to get to this Panera, we had difficulty finding a parking spot. Grandview Panera is located in a quiant area of town with lots of coffee shops and retail stores...it resembles a small town downtown...but trendier, if that makes sense.

Finally finding a spot to park, we enter the Panera. The layout is identical to the Clintonville Panera.

The food...

The REVIEW.
Date visited: Saturday, Feb. 19
Time of day: 11AM
Those in attendance: Me, Abby, Amy, Kelly
Items ordered:
Me: Old faithful...sierra turkey, greek salad, baguette, tea
Amy: Water
Abby: Veggie sandwich, greek salad
Kelly: Ham cheese sandwich and mac n cheese

So I ordered old faithful again...and I think I am done ordering this. This blog has forced me to try other things off the menu, and the sierra turkey has dropped down as the number one go-to in my mind.

You will notice that Amy only ordered water. She had already ate waffles with her baby daddy slash husband, Ray...but wanted to join us for some coffee talk. I offered to get her a pastry but she declined.

Abby had the veggie sandwich, but hardly ate any of it.

Kelly was kind enough to let us try the mac n cheese. This item has been on my bucket list of things to order, but I never do. After trying the mac n cheese, I will definitely order this soon. It reminds me of Velveeta shells, but much better...and it is white cheddar. If you don't like Velveeta, you probably won't like Panera's version.

Random NOTES.

• We sat in a booth. I sat on the inside of the booth, and Amy sat down next to me. She got up abruptly and claimed that the seat was messed up. I was focused on my food, and thought she was crazy. She switched with Kelly, and Kelly confirmed the cushion was missing from her side of the seat. I later sat in that seat and can confirm that fact myself.
• Abby and Kelly got overserved on Friday night. Kelly seemed to still be overserved throughout lunch and the ride home. Also, Abby sat facing the door. At one point, Abby quickly ducked down in the booth and covered her face. Apparently Abby and Kelly became BFFs with a group of people at the bar, and one of them showed up at Panera. It was quite entertaining to see how you can have two personalities...one when you are drinking and another one sober. To copy the style of  Fearless and Laughing...here's quote to always live by: "Always do sober what you said you would do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."
• They had brownies as the sample....and they were delightful.
• As I write this, on Thursday Feb. 24 at 8PM...Amy has yet to give birth. I picked this date in the poll...looks like I didn't win this one.
• Kelly's Barn: This is a phrase stolen from my grandma and dad. I don't know if it is just a Southeastern Ohio thing, but I find this phrase both entertaining and fun. It means you went the long way around to get somewhere. This phrase perfectly describes how we ended up at Grandview Panera...we drove all around Kelly's Barn to get there.

"Five Points" Panera (3728 Tremont Rd), Upper Arlington

I have been to this Panera several times before my official visit, which was yesterday. I have always liked this Panera. It is located in a nice area of Columbus, Upper Arlington. There are nice neighborhoods and quite a bit of retail that surrounds this Panera. What's very interesting, is that there are 2 Starbucks located extremely close to this Panera. One is located inside a Barnes and Noble, which is attached to this Panera. The other Starbucks is less than a quarter mile down the road on Tremont.

Despite the natural competition of the coffee and wifi that they both offer, it seems that both businesses seem to thrive in this area. I personally prefer a Panera over a Starbucks as a meeting place and a work station...but that is probably not too surprising. For those coffee drinkers out there, I am curious who has the better coffee...Starbucks or Panera?

About my visit:
Date: 1.15.2011
Time of Day: 11AM
Items ordered: Old faithful (Pick 2, sierra turkey, greek salad no olives, wheat baguette, unsweet iced tea)
I really tried to go out of my comfort zone and order something different, but I just couldn't. Next time.

Old faithful...Sierra Turkey on wheat, greek salad no olives,
wheat baguette, unsweat tea...and a bunch of butter.

As mentioned before, I have also enjoyed this Panera. It is a pretty small Panera, that does not offer the Community Room, nonetheless I like the atmosphere. This Panera happens to be located very close to my friend Amy's house. So when I do visit this Panera, I am typically with her. There is a booth by the drink station and in front of a window that we typically sit. I was flying solo yesterday, and was happy to see that the booth was open! (Often times, that booth is taken)

The food was predictably good. The crowd was moderate, as it was only 11 AM. By the time I left around 11:30, it started to pick up more. I was surrounded by 2 guys studying what seemed to be theology, another lady that was flying solo who was reading a book, and one family. Very diverse crowd. I wonder if they noticed that I was taking pictures of my food. I wanted to blog about this experience while at the Panera, but felt self-conscious eating at a Panera with my "Panera Addict" blog on my screen.

Random Notes.

• They had free samples, but there weren't any in the basket.
• I have acquired a free bagel and pastry on My Panera card...again.
• This Panera has a nice outdoor seating area. I found it odd that they still have the outdoor furniture sitting outside though. It is the middle of January in Ohio...there is little hope that we get spell warm enough to drink coffee outside.
• I am staying away from the onions in the sandwiches and salads...well just onions in general. Enough said.

My Orlando trip included a visit to PANERA!

Panera Bread, Sand Lake Road - Orlando. Pictured: Ashley and Abby.

Date visited: 1.7.2011
Time of day: 10:30 am
Attendees/Items ordered:
Me: Old faithful, the Pick 2 combo (Sierra turkey on wheat, greek salad, and baguette) with iced tea.
Ashley: Breakfast panini with bacon, egg, cheese and a Mocha
Abby: Pick 2 combo (Broccoli and cheddar soup with greek salad)
Bonus: I gave my free My Panera reward of a pastry to Ashley and Abby. They opted for the a strawberry danish.

The story:
While visiting my friend, Ashley, that lives in Orlando, I had the distinct honor of going to the Panera located on Sand Lake Road. The weather in Orlando was gorgeous! Sunny and in the high 60s each day...not bad for January! When the weather is so pleasant, it is difficult to be negative...but somehow, I found flaws...mainly due to the service we received.

I fell instantly in love with the exterior of the building. They had an AWESOME outdoor seating area with higher end furniture. Beyond the exterior - my first impression of the interior was that it was quaint. That's right - they did not have a community room, so this was was much smaller. Despite the lack of community room and the more intimate seating, I did like the interior layout. As I said, it was very quaint...proving the age old adage - bigger isn't always better.

The FOOD.
No real trouble with anyone's food, other than the lettuce on my salad was a little brown for my liking, but other than that it was good. Ashley had a mocha with her meal, which she received free from her My Panera rewards card! She did note that while the Panera mochas are good, they are also expensive. (Further confirming the point that Amy made in the St. Clairsville post). I was told that the danish was good.

Our meals.

The SERVICE.
In a word - awful. The food preparer could not get my order correct. First he tried to give me the greek salad with a soup instead of the sandwich. When I told him what I ordered, he seemed rather annoyed. A few minutes later he called my name to pick up my order...only to have the sierra turkey on the default asiago bread, instead of the wheat bread as ordered. I had to inform him that it was still incorrect. Finally he called my name with everything correct, but the baguette. They gave me white instead of wheat. At that point it wasn't worth the fight.

Random FACTS.

• Abby signed up for My Panera card.
• They stop serving breakfast at 10:30...but thankfully Ashley was able to get that last-minute breakfast order.
• This Panera did not have free samples
• Orlando area Paneras use billboards to promote their stores.

Overall I enjoyed my visit to this Panera. I regret not sitting outside on the patio. Although it was nice outside - it may have been a tad chilly to sit there comfortably. Considering the fact that it was snowing in Ohio - I should have taken advantage of the patio seating.

Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, to go please.

Last night I picked up a Panera sandwich to go for dinner. I got this at my "home base" of the New Albany Panera. I wasn't that hungry, yet I was feeling adventurous. I decided to try the veggie sandwich and opted for an apple as the side item.

I really like their Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. After I ordered the sandwich, I had my regrets. You see, it didn't specify all the ingredients on the menu, it just simply says Mediterranean Veggie on the menu board. I just assumed I would like all the veggies. After ordering, I was worried there would be olives. The sandwich is made up of the following ingredients according to the Panera website:
Zesty Peppadew™ piquant peppers, feta cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cilantro Jalapeño hummus on Tomato Basil bread

I forgot to take a photo of my sandwich...but here is a photo I found online. Notice this one has the tomato basil bread.

My only complaint about my experience with this sandwich: They were out of Tomato Basil. I opted for the less exciting whole wheat. It was still good, but I think tomato basil would give it that extra something.

I will definitely put this Panera sandwich on the list as a good standby (next to the sierra turkey, of course).

I am now in Orlando and have plans to visit a Panera while down here. This will be my first official out-of-state Panera review. What a big weekend it is going to be!

Westerville: N. State St

Date visited: Saturday, December 18
Time: 12:30
Items ordered:

• Pick 2
• 1/2 greek salad
• 1/2 sierra turkey, on whole wheat bread
• whole wheat baguette
• ice water w/lemon

Those in attendance: just me
Comments:
This Panera is located as an end unit of a large shopping plaza, with other tenants such as Giant Eagle, a sushi restaurant, a bar, and several other businesses. This part of Westerville is located near the Hoover Reservoir. Most of the buildings in this area are newer.
I liked the atmosphere at this Panera. The layout was unique in that there were several pockets of seating. I chose to sit at a table in front of the window.
I have never used the "community room" at a Panera, but this location did offer one. For some completely irrational reason, I like Paneras that have the community room. Again, no reason as to why.
My only complaint in regards to the food, was the lettuce did not seem as fresh as it usually is. The staff was very friendly. I have the "my Panera" card, and in my experience, the staff is not very trained on asking you if you have the card before you pay. It is usually an after thought. The cashier that I had on Saturday, however, asked me right after I placed the order.
Bathrooms were not the greatest. After my meal, I was going to use the facility, but opted not to after a quick look in the bathroom. This was probably out of the staffs control, but the toilet was stuffed full of toilet paper...for all I know, this could have happened just before I went into the bathroom.
Overall I enjoyed this Panera. The layout was very pleasing, and the location is in a nice area of town. I did not have a friend to dine with, and I did not have any work to do, so I did not bring my laptop. I do think this location would be a good place to camp out for a couple of hours and get some work done. Again, the layout allows for this.