Panera Bread
10 Dec
I mentioned in yesterday’s weekend recap post that I stopped at Panera Friday evening for a delicious to-go dinner.
Panera has long been one of my favorite restaurants. The dining atmosphere is warm and cozy – perfect for catching up with a friend! On Friday, however, when I had been out in the cold and rain, nothing sounded better than picking up some Panera and enjoying it at-home while snuggled up on the couch in my pjs – so that’s exactly what I did!
One of my favorite items to order at Panera – especially in the winter months – is soup. Ordering their soup to-go always works out perfectly; by the time I get home it’s cooled down just enough that I can dig right in!
On Friday, I went with the You Pick Two combo – half a Sierra turkey sandwich (my favorite) with a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup.
Panera has recently rolled out a few new soup flavors – including low-fat vegetarian garden vegetable with pesto – but I couldn’t be swayed from my old stand-by… I’m a sucker for the broccoli cheddar. It’s just so good! I also love the baked potato soup, but that’s only available on Monday and Wednesday (you can check out the daily soup rotation here).
Of course I couldn’t leave without dessert (this is me we’re talking about). I picked up a seasonal item – a red velvet crinkle cookie – to enjoy after my dinner.
This cookie was the perfect ending to my meal – crispy edges and soft center – my favorite!
Besides the fantastic food, another great thing about dining at Panera is that they give back to local communities. You can read all about their Feeding America program here, but essentially they donate unsold bread and baked goods – along with monetary funds – back to the community.
Friday’s visit has definitely prompted an on-going Panera craving for me; I’m already planning my next trip (hopefully on a day when baked potato soup is on the menu)!
What’s your favorite Panera soup? Do you have a favorite bakery item? I’ve heard absolutely wonderful things about their cinnamon crunch bagels; I need to try one ASAP!
Disclaimer: As part of the DailyBuzz Healthy Living Program, I received a free gift card for Panera Bread and a stipend from Panera Bread. However, my opinions are entirely my own.
I love Panera! it is seriously one of my fav go to places! Definitely one that I wouldn’t mind going by myself sitting in front of the fireplace and type away! (:
Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife recently posted..Recipe: Beef Vegetable Soup
I know; it’s so nice and cozy in there!
I love the broccoli cheddar and the french onion. I spied that cookie a couple of weeks ago and reaaaally wanted to try it but resisted!
Brittney @ Brittney Breathing recently posted..Paleo Pad Thai
For some reason, I can never really get on board with French onion soup! Broccoli cheddar on the other hand — yum!
What you ordered is my exact favorite thing! I had no idea they made red velvet cookies though. I’ll have to investigate that!
Alysha @ Shesontherun recently posted..Best Acorn Squash Recipe You’ll Ever Find
I think it’s just a seasonal thing so you better get in there fast!
I was craving Panera tonight but didn’t have time to go out and get it. I love the chicken noodle soup there! And the cinnamon crunch bagels are to die for.
Danielle recently posted..Weekend Recap
I really want to try one! I almost picked one up when I was in there on Friday. Now, I just have an “excuse” to go back soon!
&& now i’m drooling… and going through Panera withdrawl. I forgot how amazing *just visualizing your meal* Panera is!
Jessie recently posted..Ready for a new workout??
It is! So delicious!
I absolutely love Panera and that broccoli cheddar soup sounds amazing right now!
Steph @ StephSnacks recently posted..Christmas Cookie Party
I LOVE Panera! My old standby combo used to be the french onion soup and the greek salad. But recently I’ve discovered their new chicken stew… holy cow, it’s amazing!
Stephanie @ My Freckled Life recently posted..Still Working on Normal
I’ll have to try that one!
Yummmm. I love Panera! My best friend worked there for YEARS and I loved that they gave the extras at the end of the day to local food banks. Makes my heart happy!
Nikki recently posted..WIAW–Phone Photos
I LOVE Panera! My favorite soup is the Chicken Noodle
It reminds me of my mom’s recipe! I also love their Mac & Cheese but only get it on realllllly special occasions!
Diane @ life of di. recently posted..On Being a Redhead.
I’ve never tried the mac ‘n’ cheese! I’m sure it’s amazing though!