Over a year of reviews and this if our first review of Panera. You will soon see why. I used to go to Panera when I worked right by it. I thought it was convenient and inexpensive. This was pre-Paradise Bakery as well and Panera was the first fast-casual resto in this area.
I decided to go with the “You Pick Two” menu. I ordered the Chicken Bacon Dijon and Broccoli and Cheese soup. What I like about Panera is that they have their calories posted by the menu items. However, it is depressing to see 420 calories in 1/2 a sandwich.
The sandwich was thin and pretty small. A few scattered pieces of chicken and bacon between two tasteless pieces of bread. I quickly realized that of course they need to smother it in fat (bacon, cheese, etc..) because the over processed tasteless chicken could not carry the sandwich by itself. I could’ve used some lettuce or tomato on this.
I can’t imagine that the broccoli cheddar soup is made in house. Was it horrible? No. Was it better than a good quality canned soup? No. Dipping the piece of bread into the soup was a good comfortable combination, almost like yuppie biscuits and gravy.
Would I Buy It Again? No. For close to $8.00, I didn’t see a lot of value or more importantly…taste. If I didn’t eat the bread, I would be starving after this almost 800 calorie meal. My lunch partner ordered a salmon salad and at first glance I thought they forgot the salmon as the portion was tiny. I am not going to totally diss Panera though as I do like their Cinnamon Crunch Bagel and almond cream cheese. I also applaud Panera for putting nutritional information on the menu.
-wibia
Tags: broccoli cheddar soup, chicken bacon dijon, Food, Panera Bread, Paradise Bakery
Completely agree with this review.
Panera’s faux-healthy menu is really unfortunate, particularly for those people who actually want to eat better, but end up choosing soups or sandwiches that are terrible for you.
I definitely love their Onion soup, it’s very cheesy and it has a rich and deep flavor to it. I tend ot order it with the Italian combo, which feels like an upgraded Subway sandwich.
I’m big on the tomato soup, which I’ll have with a half tuna or chicken salad sandwich, but I don’t kid myself that it’s anywhere near my recommended dietary allowance for one meal.
I always ask for the oatmeal raisin cookie instead of the chocolate chip one they give you, just to feel a little healthier about the whole thing.
LOL The first thing I thought of when I saw your review title was “MMM! I wanna go to Panera now for lunch!” LOL
I always get the Sierra Turkey sandwich, and chips and love it. I also think the clam chowder and french onion soup are awfully tasty. But it is a tad pricey, and it’s not world class or anything. But then it’s just sorta trying to be a slightly more upscale fast food restaurant, so that’s how I take it. And I’d definitely think that as well when you mention “is the soup made in-house?” it’s a trendy fast food restaurant, so definitely not. I mean, half the stuff you get at a Ruby Tuesdays/TGIF/O’Charley’s is prebagged, nuked, and put on our plate. So most chains are all about NOT making something in-house, unfortunately.
As usual, you and I see eye to eye on this one!
Cafe Olivia at City Market is the most legit sandwich shop in the area.
That is some dinky looking sandwiches and this is coming from someone that doesn’t eat a lot in one sitting.
I’d say give it another shot. You ordered probably their most underwhelming sandwich… if calories aren’t an issue, indulge in in one of their proper sandwiches, like the frontega chicken on tomato focaccia. It’s rich, and way larger than the chicken bacon dijon, but worth every honking calorie in my opinion.
If you’re not looking to splurge, they have much more interesting (and filling) options than the ones you chose. I wouldn’t have been thrilled with this meal either, but whenever I go to Panera, I rarely cross the 500 calorie mark and I’m always stuffed to the gills and disgustingly satisfied nonetheless. Don’t write these guys off just yet.
I used to work at Panera. None of their soups are made there. They are brought to the store frozen in plastic bags, and then while in those bags, they are put in boiling water until they are up to the right temp to serve.
As for the nutritional side… Their Chicken Cesar Salad has more calories in it than a big mac. I love their food, but they make their food seem healthy, but it isn’t any better than any other fast food joint really.