3 Ladies and a Panera.

With my move from Ohio to Florida, I have a new home base Panera...actually I have 3 local Panera cafes that I can call home. Let me begin my reviews of each by first discussing the Destin Commons Panera, located in Destin, FL.

I must admit, I have a bias toward the Ohio Panera Breads. Why? Covelli. (The franchise group in Ohio) They run a smooth operation, and set the bar high.

My first visit of the Destin Commons Panera took place way back in February. I was visiting before I moved here. On the journey with me was my mom and her good friend/neighbor from Ohio, Tami. Tami happens to be a long-time Destin snowbird...or to put it more politically correct...a "winter guest". Tami graciously showed us around town as we spent the afternoon apartment hunting. It goes without saying, that a Panera visit was much needed.

Without further ado, let me set the scene:

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. We set out on our journey to find my future housing. Because food is my main motivator in life, I suggested that we visit Panera before we get too deep into the apartment hunting. 

We set out for Destin Commons. For those of you unfamiliar, Destin Commons is the quintessential outdoor shopping center that most larger cities and vacation destinations now seem to require. There is something for everyone there. The 2 large "anchor" stores are Belk and Bass Pro Shop, but sandwiched between those 2 stores are dozens of other stores, shoppes, and boutiques that cater to a variety of interests and individuals. Naturally, you will find a Starbucks here as well. And for a later post, an excellent restaurant called Zoe's Kitchen.

My first impression? Loved it from the outside. Dreaded the inside. Why? Well, here's a picture of the outside. It's unique. And below is the line we had to wait in.

Cool exterior, no?

Long. Stagnant. Line.

Another vantage point of the line.

Now, I have been back to this Panera and several other area Panera's since this initial visit. They all suffer from being overwhelmed during the peak eating times. I understand things slowing down during these times. But it's difficult for me to understand why it is so backed up from 11:30-1:30ish everyday. Seems like another cashier would be a good investment.

Moving on from my complaining...

Here's THE REVIEW:

Date visited: Saturday, February 23 (Kind of guessing on that date. I know it was in Feb.)
Those in attendance: Myself. Deb. Tami.
Items ordered:
Myself: BBQ chicken salad - acai/unsweet iced tea
Deb: Pick 2. Sierra Turkey. Tomato basil. Unsweet tea.
Tami: Asian Sesame salad. Coffee.

Clockwise: Asian Sesame Salad, BBQ Salad, Sierra Turkey

Random NOTES:

• This layout is huge. No community room. No drive-thru. But it has a nice spacious layout.
• It's is always super cold. So bring a sweater. 
• Rain. Our weekend in Destin consisted of a downpour everyday. All day. 
• Tomato basil. I forgot to mention that I got Deb hooked on the tomato basil soup. It is freaking awesome. 
• Asian Sesame salad. Tami- I forget if you ordered that salad. From the pictures, that is the only thing that it resembles.

Random PHOTOS:

This photography does Destin Commons better justice. Please note, I have completely stolen these images from the web. I don't own any of them. Does that count as a legal disclaimer?

Zoes Kitchen. Yum.

15 minutes of Panera fame...

How did I not post something about my interview on MYPANERA.com? It is kind of a big deal.

Here's how it all went down:
About a year ago I received an email from someone claiming to be a freelance writer for MYPANERA.com....requesting an interview with me, to discuss my blog. At first I thought it was a joke. Then I realized, no one would go to that extent for a joke that wouldn't even be that funny.

So I set up a phone interview to discuss my Panera journey. The entire interview was hilarious. Why? Well, to me, this blog is just fun. I love Panera and I enjoy writing. It is a nice little outlet. I don't take it seriously. So I couldn't help but laugh at the majority of the questions.

To start out, the writer asked me some standard background questions. Name, age, city, state, occupation, married/single, kids/no kids. Then the question of how did I start the blog and why. Which led to more questions...

You can read the article HERE.

Random NOTES and Takeaways:

• The picture. I didn't know to what extent this article was going to be. I certainly didn't think a picture would be included. So, believe me when I say that...had I known a picture would be included, I would have found a better one. I am standing in front of the coveted Lakewood Panera, to my credit. 
• Why do I keep writing MYPANERA.com in all caps? 
• A Panera mug or t-shirt. Haven't gotten a one of them. Kind of feel like I have earned something from Panera. If you think about it, this blog should be included in Panera management training. Lots of insight to be gained. (Please note my sarcasm)

All in all, my Panera interview went well. I was flattered and felt less guilty for my time and effort over the past couple of years. 

Blog neglect

I haven't updated my blog since Christmas Eve! Don't fret. I have lots of updates to share. Though I haven't blogged, it doesn't mean that I have stayed away from Panera. In fact, the exact opposite is true. My Panera visits have likely hit an all time high.

I like bullet pointing my thoughts, because they are so random...it is difficult to form a paragraph.

Here goes nothing...

Random NOTES:

• I moved to Florida! My original goal in 2010 was to visit all of the Columbus area Panera Breads. I passed that goal with flying colors. Some may argue that I took it a little too far. So now that I have moved, I am upping the ante. To what you might ask? Not sure yet. It will be announced in the near future. 
• Just because I moved to Florida doesn't mean I will abandon my Ohio Panera's! I will be back in the Buckeye state quite often, and will always fit in a visit. I know of at least one new Panera set to open in Columbus this fall. 
• Upcoming blog topics you have to look forward to include:
• My recent Ohio roadtrip Panera visits. It includes a couple new spots, and some oldie but goodies.
• The Destin, FL review. One city. Two Paneras. My thoughts.
• Atlanta Bread chicken salad sandwich versus Panera Bread. Lots to discuss. 
• I found the perfect "man" salad at Panera. 
• The Pay-As-You-Go cafes. 
• An updated listing of where a Panera needs to open

• I also need to update everyone on my interview on MYPANERA.com!!  

So, lots to look forward to...

Worthington Place Panera.

It has been a few months since my last Panera review. As it is Christmas Eve, it seems natural to blog about the latest and final Columbus area Panera on my list...that is until another Panera crops up somerwhere.

Exterior shot.

Here's my review:
Date visited: Saturday, September 22
Those in attendence: Mother and myself
Time of day: 7:30ish
Items ordered: Me: Mediterranean egg white sandwich + acai/unsweet tea
Mother: Cinnamon crunch bagel + hazelnut coffee

I forgot to sub whole grain for ciabatta. Still good.

What do I love about this particular cafe? First of all, I love the layout. Unlike many Panera cafes, this particular cafe has several nooks and crannies throughout. It is less of an open layout, so it allows for more privacy. So whether you need to get some work done on your laptop or want to dine with friends, this Panera location will give you the privacy you need.

Nook and cranny #1

Nook and cranny #2

Second thing I love about this location is the patio. Why? It's large and inviting. Sadly the weather was not cooperating with us this trip, so I couldn't test out my theory.

Moving onto my RANDOM NOTES:

• Bathroom confusion. There is no sign to indicate where the restrooms are located. It is confusing. A simple sign would do the trick.

• Spillage. A bit of a mishap at the fountain drink area. Apparently a sign seemed to fix the problem versus a mop...as it sat like that our entire visit.

• Awesome table. I haven't seen one like this before at a Panera. But what a great idea. Perfect for larger groups.

• The Shops at Worthington Place. Some of you may remember the old Worthington Mall. Well, it has gone under a major renovation, and is now "The Shops at Worthington Place." Worth checking out again. And if you are not in the mood for Panera...they do have a First Watch. Which is pretty darn amazing. Don't worry Panera, I still like you more. 

The Big Kid Grilled Cheese...all hype?

Dear Panera,

I love ya. I think I have made that pretty evident.

But it seems we have hit a crossroad in our relationship, and it revolves around a grilled cheese sandwich. You see, I am a bit of a grilled cheese connoisseur. I don't like to brag, but it is fact. It started at age 4 and continues to this day...a grilled cheese sandwich is my default order at a restaurant. From good to bad and from average to unmentionable, I have tried them all.

About a year ago, I wrote a post about my experience with your grilled cheese. Granted, it is listed on the kids menu, but I thought it was worth a try. In that post, I expressed my regret for ordering a grilled cheese at a place like Panera. The lack of butter and the "panini grill" is a recipe for disaster. A good grilled cheese requires ample butter (but not too much) and a diner style grill or at the very least an iron skillet. Panera, you failed me. So I moved on to better sandwiches. No harm. No foul.

Until a few weeks ago. I saw an advertisement boasting the new "Big Kid Grilled Cheese". In the ad, the grilled cheese was accompanied with a bowl of their signature creamy tomato soup. It looked amazing. And I knew I had to try it.

Who wouldn't you want to try this sandwich?

That fateful day came a couple of days later. I made it a point to go to Panera and to order this sandwich. As I approached the register and started to order, I felt awkward ordering a "Big Kid Grilled Cheese". I don't know why, but I did. Regardless, my meal was delivered to me and I was ready to forgive you for your original take on the grilled cheese. As I was about to take a bite, I noticed that it didn't look like the ad...at all. Nevertheless, I powered through the sandwich. My conclusion? Disappointment. To make matters worse, I am 99% sure what I got was just the original grilled cheese, not the Big Kid.

Doesn't look like the ad?

Fast forward a few weeks later...I decided to give it one last shot. This time I made sure I clearly ordered the Big Kid Grilled Cheese. As I picked up my sandwich from the waiting area, I knew I had received the right sandwich this time. The presentation, however, left much to be desired. It looked soggy and just thrown together. How did it taste...you wonder? Like a politician running for office, this sandwich was all hype. No substance.

Are ya kiddin me? Where's the love?

Here's my bullet points as to why I don't like the Big Kid Grilled Cheese:

• Soggy. Too much butter and not a thorough enough grilling of the bread. 
• Bacon-tease. Advertisements boast the Applewood-smoked bacon that is included on the sandwich. While there is bacon, it's almost like an afterthought.
• Pretentious cheeses. The cheeses advertised on this sandwich are as follows: Gruyere, Vermont White Cheddar, organic sliced American. What do you actually taste? American cheese. If you are going to be pretentious about your ingredients the taste better reflect the effort. 

Random NOTES:

• I had an amazing grilled cheese sandwich while visiting my sister in Cleveland. The restaurant? B-Spot at Crocker Park. The ingredients? fontina cheese, roasted red peppers, basil, sourdough bread. Pretentious and fancy ingredients, yes. But unlike Panera's version, it pays off. 

Perfection.

• Creamy tomato soup. Panera's points on the grilled cheese are abysmal, but their tomato soup is beyond amazing. There is nothing better than a grilled cheese and tomato soup...that is why it pains me so much to admit Panera's grilled cheese sucks.  

Panera, you are good at a lot of things. Just not grilled cheese.

Regards,
Natalie

Panera scores big with new to-go containers!

I have had several comments and requests to re-address the issue of Panera to-go containers. Ok, so maybe it was just one other person (thanks for the feedback Ashley). Although many have not asked me about the containers, I think deep down, you have been wondering what my opinion is on the issue. Have no fear...let's dissect this issue:

First of all, I have complained about their to-go containers in the past. Maybe it was just my imagination, but the plastic containers seemed like a rip-off. It seemed like I never got my full serving's worth of salad. Was it just in my head? Maybe. But perception is reality. The plastic containers were too big for the salads. 

Found this photo on this BLOG.

This first photo is from a web search. Believe it or not, someone else out there took a picture of their Panera to-go salad and posted it online! Who knew? This photo doesn't fully illustrate my point, but you can still somewhat see that it appears to be a rip-off in the old plastic containers.  

Second complaint. I don't like square-shaped plastic containers for salads. If it's gonna be plastic, I much prefer a bowl shaped container. 

That's how I like my plastic bowls.

 

I happy to report, that several months ago, Panera put an end to this plastic salad bowl nonsense! Someone in St. Louis must have been doing their market research when they brilliantly developed these new and improved to-go containers! 

New and improved Pick 2 salad to-go container. Neat, huh?

Why do I like them? And why should you care?

Paper. It's just more user friendly. Not as bulky. Maybe a personal preference. I like it.  Shape. They are very oddly shaped. It's almost like a Chinese to-go container, but bigger. The shape also gives the perception that you are getting a full serving, i.e. getting the best bang for your buck.

Bottom line: Ingenious 

Atlanta Bread versus Panera...round 2 (Hilton Head)

I've written about it already, but it's worth discussing again...Panera Bread vs. Atlanta Bread. It's no contest. Panera Bread is far superior. Clearly I am biased on my viewpoint, but I would challenge anyone out there to tell me how or why Atlanta Bread Company is superior.

I spent this Labor Day weekend in Hilton Head, SC. Many of you know, I used to live in this area. And based on the fact that I have a blog about food, you could guess that I enjoy food. So it's no surprise that my visits to Hilton Head revolve around my favorite restaurants. Many of these restaurants are not the most popular, but for whatever reason, I love them. Apparently I have an emotional attachment to them.

Just for the fun of it, here's a list of my favorite Hilton Head/Bluffton, SC restaurants, in no particular order:

• Wild Wing Cafe: A classic fixture on the south-end of the island. Excellent wings. Awesome wraps. Amazing ranch dressing. My favorite past-time at Wild Wing's involved watching the Buckeyes on a Saturday with some cold Miller Lite and The Boss wings. 
• Sippin Cow Cafe: Nice little deli in Old Town Bluffton. I always make sure I visit this place.
• Kobe Japanese Steakhouse: By far the best sushi I have ever had...and I have searched high and low to find an acceptable replacement. My fav is the angel roll. Amazing.

The Angel Roll from Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Delish.

• Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill: I hated this place at first, only because I foolishly ordered the quesadilla. This place rocks, however. I personally enjoy the gringo chicken soft taco and the chicken taco salad. They have an amazing avacoda ranch dressing. They also have a salsa bar, which is always a plus. 

I like taking Fiesta Fresh to-go for the beach.

• Big Bamboo: Didn't make it there this trip, but it's worth mentioning. They have an excellent happy hour. Food and drink specials. Plus free popcorn. 

When I arrived on Thursday, I stopped at the Atlanta Bread Company to catch up on some work and to grab a bite to eat. In my pre-Panera days, I used to enjoy my visits to the ABC. Maybe I have gotten spoiled with Panera, or maybe this particular ABC has just gone downhill. Whatever the reason, this most recent ABC visit has solidified my love for Panera. It's just so much better.

My meal at Atlanta Bread Co.

Here's a bullet point list of things I disliked about ABC versus Panera:

• Veggie Sandwich. ABC's was disgusting. It's not even in the same league as Panera's Med Veg. Not even close. 
• Tea. I am a big iced tea fan. I'm borderline neurotic about my tea. ABC had a good tea back in the day. But they tried to fancy things up, and now they have a new tea line featuring flavored teas and your standard black iced tea. Tried them all, and they all suck. Nothing compares to Panera's Acai Tea and regular Iced Tea. Nothing.
• Staff. Obviously this could have been a fluke, but the staff at the HHI ABC was awful. I learned a lot about their love lives and home lives as I forced the veggie sandwich and iced tea down. 
• Music. No music was playing. Isn't that one of the nice things about visiting a cafe like ABC and/or Panera? I find the music relaxing. It also helps to drown out nonsense chatter. 
• Salad. I didn't get a salad this time around, but I vividly remember the greek salad at ABC. It was a standard order for me back in the day. I didn't like that the dressing came on the side. Panera mixes the dressing for you. Giving the salad full coverage of dressing. Key.  

Due to my disappointment at ABC, I wanted to sneak in a Panera visit. I was able to do so on Sunday morning about 10ish. With me on this visit was the Pope's: Brian, Amanda, and their 4-month old Camille! Brian was skeptical about the Panera visit. As I have written before, most men aren't Panera fans, by nature. He was concerned that he wouldn't get a substantial meal. I consulted with Brian before we got to Panera and we decided that the Cuban Chicken Panini would be the best choice.

Camille's first visit to the south-end Panera!

Me: Med veg pick 2, with chicken cobb salad. Amanda: Sierra Turkey Pick 2 Chicken Cobb Salad Brian: Cuban Chicken. Then later...Tuna Salad. Dessert: We split a brownie. Not bad!

Unfortunately, the Cuban Chicken Panini was not enough. Believe it or not, he was still hungry. Brian, being the problem solver that he is, took matters in his own hands and ordered a tuna salad sandwich. After eating the Cuban Chicken Panini and the Tuna Salad sandwich, Brian was full. I mention this because I don't think Brian will ever go to Panera again on his own. (See my previous post on Why Men Don't like Panera) Just as 70% of the men you see at Panera are not their by choice. Look around. The men that are there are being dragged their by a woman. What would make Brian and the rest of the 70% of men go back to Panera on their own? A man menu. Steak. Cheese. Bacon. Hoagie. Sub. Double Meat stacker. Phrases like that will bring in the men...unforced.

Note: They put Brian's 2nd sandwich order as a to-go. Assuming he was going to eat it later or it was 

for someone else.

Regarding the Hilton Head Panera. It's on the south-end of the island and features a drive-thru! Perfect for grabbing a sandwich before you hit the beach or a coffee on the go. 

One other point to ponder that Brian brought up during this visit:

• Panera seems to have more people in workout clothes than any other restaurant. Great observation. It's worth noting.