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A teenager at the barn was raving about their mac and cheese, so one day when I was out shopping, I stopped in a Panera for the first time and ordered it.
What a waste of money. It was like a cheese soup with a few elbow noodles, and it came with a mealy apple that I took one bite of, and saved for my horse, who wouldn't even eat it (ok, I admit he's spoiled because there's a Honeycrisp apple tree at the barn ). I was offered that or bread and I thought, noodles and bread? But I could have used the bread to sop up all the excess cheesy sauce.
I had a sandwich there a couple years ago and it was fine, but very pricey for what it was. If I ever go back, I'll stick with the sandwiches.
I haven't been there in about 6 years or more? Their food is decent, but hardly spectacular. I don't mind going there for social events b/c they do have a nice venue (it's typically cleaner than other places, and have better and classier furnishings).
Quote:
Originally Posted by don6170
I really like PB, but they have gotten too expensive for me.
I never understood the concept of giving a piece of bread as a side item to a sandwich.
For them, I can see the angle since their bread is supposed to be a cut above the rest (whether or not it's actually any good... dunno. I haven't been there in ages to judge for myself). Otherwise, this sort of thing puzzles me. It's like ordering a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant, and they give you bread Maybe provide a side salad? Some olives? It's redundant. In American cuisine, they serve mac and cheese as an entree, OR a side dish, but never both at the same time
I haven't been in a few years, when we went it didn't impress me enough to make me want to go back. It's OK, but a bit too expensive for a simple lunch. I can find better local options from small local business.
I go to Panera for the Greek Salad, it's very good, better than a lot of Greek restaurants I've been to in Chicago's Greek Town.
The Greek dressing is superb. Add grilled chicken for some protein and get the bread with it, it makes for a pretty good, not too expensive dinner. The one close to me is busy for lunch but not dinner.
How long ago was that? They've improved their offerings in recent years.
11 to15 years ago. Long enough that I can't remember what year. On a cold day I may stop in again to see what kind of soup they serve and check out the current menu.
Today was driving home from DR. office and wanted something...anything that was not fast food! Never was much interested in a place like Panera since its a kinda "uppity" place. But I thought i would give it a try.
Man! This place was awesome! A bit pricy, and counter setup confusing...but the food was great!
I got the turkey, avocado, BLT on multigrain bread and a chocolate croissant. I was pleasantly surprised.
My order came out to $15.
Am I the last person on earth to eat there?
Yes, and actually I think they've gone waaaay downhill lately.
I'm in a small midwestern town so the menu is actually a bit different from what you'd get at a standard deli-type place...the tiniest bit "exotic". But they've gotten very sloppy in how they put the sandwiches and salads together, have reduced the portions (typically the meat part), and at the same time raised the prices. I go back every once in awhile hoping they've changed managers or something and it'll be improved but it's disappointing.
Oh...except their soups which are likely frozen and not made in the shop...I looooove their summer corn chowder and will now have to wait 7 months to get it again.
11 to15 years ago. Long enough that I can't remember what year. On a cold day I may stop in again to see what kind of soup they serve and check out the current menu.
I didn't realize they have been around that long. The one near me used to be a Paradise bakery. That place rocked!
I go there for their French Onion soup. It's the best and roll and butter really top it off. Coffee is super and so is their orange scone.
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). I was offered that or bread and I thought, noodles and bread? But I could have used the bread to sop up all the excess cheesy sauce. 
Maybe provide a side salad? Some olives? It's redundant. In American cuisine, they serve mac and cheese as an entree, OR a side dish, but never both at the same time 
