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

Paradise Bakery & Cafe
www.paradisebakery.com

Southwest Breakfast Wrap

$5-$6  didn’t write it down, but somewhere around there.

Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Black Beans, Corn, Jicama, Cheddar Cheese wrapped in a Chipotle Tortilla and Picante Sauce.

When I see breakfast items that have a southwest flavor, I usually order it.  I love the combination of salsa and eggs.  Especially tomatillo based (green) salsa with eggs.

I am not sure how else to say it, but this was pretty lousy.  The filling was not all that fresh, I didn’t taste any jicama and the cheese was waxy.  One other thing that I hate is really fluffy eggs.  These were super spongy and has the consistency of a wet flip-flop.

I take pride in my knowledge of southwest food, and when it is butchered this bad, I take offense.  What did I do to deserve this?  All of these ingredients sound good, but it was a major let down.  The tortilla wrap was supposed to be a Chipotle Wrap…  yeah right, there was nothing Chipotle about it.  The salsa was Pace Picante-esq.  That was bad too.

Not did it taste bad, but it was horrible for you!  Check out the nutrition facts. 760 calories, 36g fat.  Remember, Paradise Bakery is deceivingly unhealthy for you.

Would I Buy It Again? No.  if you are going to go for a breakfast burrito at a chain, head to Qdoba.  Qdoba’s is still bad for you, but at least it tastes great.

-wibia

Paradise Bakery
9510 N Meridian St # 100
Indianapolis, IN

I did a lot of thinking when I named this blog.  I wanted it to be called exactly what does, and I succeeded.   When you name your restaurant “Paradise” I think that you are just asking for some scrutiny from you know who.

What I ate: Combo:  ½ California Turkey Sandwich
Cup of Fire Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Chocolate Chip Cookie: $7.29

Lets start with the sandwich.  Turkey, bacon, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, creamy ranch spread and pesto mayo.  It tasted ok, but it was boring.  I like the cucumber and it had all the right elements, but it didn’t deliver.  The reason,the bread.   At a bakery that carries sandwiches, I expect something better than Wonder Bread and it truly wasn’t that much better.  I have been to California and the state deserves better than to have that sandwich named after them.

The cup of soup actually appeared to be a bowl.  A very large portion really.  You have the option to add sour cream and tortilla strips, I say… load it up!  The soup was excellent.  There were actually a few small tomatoes in the soup that made me feel like they didn’t; dump Cambells Soup in my bowl.

The chocolate chip cookie was the best cc cookie that I have ever had.   It wasn’t warm, but the chocolate chips stretched apart like they were right out of the oven.  This was the highlight of the meal.  I think that every meal should end with these cookies.

Would I Buy It Again:  I have to piece this one out:
Sandwich – No
Soup – Yes
Cookie – Yes

Instead: Sandwich – I struggle finding a good turkey sandwich around here. Soup – This is one of the better places for soups.  Usually 4 on the menu every day.  If someone asked where they could get a good bowl, I would probably send them here.  Café Nora has a great Tomato Basil Soup if you are looking for something similar.
Cookie – Good luck, I am not sure you will be able to find better.

Additional Rambling:
For $7.29, it was a decent value.  Add a soda and you would be closer to a $10.00 lunch.   Going to Paradise made me realize the gap that Indy has.  Where do you find a great sandwich and soup place?   Au Bon Pain has a great selection of soups, but you will have to head downtown to IUPUI for that.  Lenny’s and Jersey Mikes take care of most of my cold sandwich cravings, but a deli style sandwich on a good piece of bread is not easy to find in this city.  It might not even exist.

-WIBIA