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