Comments on: Review: Panera Bread

By: vickayyyy

vickayyyy — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:19:38 +0000

^to the person above me, a full chicken caesar has 400 calories while a Big Mac has 540 calories. it also has less grams of fat 26g vs. 29g (most of which comes with the dressing). so it is actually a better alternative and is pretty filling.

for the author, i would try it again. order a different sandwich, maybe not a panini because yes, those do tend to shrink down. i would recommend the Bacon Turkey Bravo. it’s delicious and just as filling.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:21:55 +0000

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.

By: Kate Hancock

Kate Hancock — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:58:47 +0000

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.

By: Brand Eating

Brand Eating — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:12:06 +0000

That is some dinky looking sandwiches and this is coming from someone that doesn’t eat a lot in one sitting.

By: John

John — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:11:41 +0000

Cafe Olivia at City Market is the most legit sandwich shop in the area.

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:02:39 +0000

As usual, you and I see eye to eye on this one!

By: nathan aaron

nathan aaron — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:40:26 +0000

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.

By: Oceanie

Oceanie — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:56:11 +0000

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.

By: Bas

Bas — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:09:03 +0000

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.

By: Amateur Mixologist

Amateur Mixologist — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:56:48 +0000

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.