Favorite Restaurant: Panera

8 years ago

Many people would list their favorite restaurant as a super snazzy, special occasion place. My fave? Panera… hands down! Well okay, in all honestly I have a serious adoration for Colonel Sanders and his 11 herbs and spices, but Kentucky Fried Chicken isn’t something that aligns with my trim waist line. There aren’t many places you can go that offer delicious and nutritious food that’s also fast and convenient. My fave Panera dishes are low calorie and low fat yet packed with healthy, dense nutrients that leave me (and you!) feeling full and satisfied.

In 1981, the Au Bon Pain Co. was founded by Louis Kane and Ron Schaich. It was a thriving business along the eastern coast of the United States and internationally throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1993, it bought out the Saint Louis Bread Company and in 2007, it purchased a majority stake in Paradise Bakery & Café. Today, there are 1880 bakery cafes in 45 states, District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada operating as Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Company and Paradise Bakery Café. Thank goodness we have two locations in Middle Georgia because I’m a fan of both!

The franchise is popular for its authentic artisan breads, fresh ingredients and excellent customer service. Recently, Panera Bread issued a press release claiming it is eliminating 150 unhealthy ingredients including artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives from its menu items. Panera claims this is a gradual process but hopes to reach this goal by 2016. Who said you can’t have convenient, quick and healthy food… at least wherever there’s a Panera close by!

How much do I love Panera? The store employees know me by name… and could probably fill my orders in their sleep. ;)

Blair is enjoying the Soba Noodle Bowl with Chicken. This dish includes chicken raised without antibiotics, spinach, buckwheat noodles, roasted mushrooms and onion blend, napa cabbage blend, sesame seeds and cilantro in umami-soy-miso broth. On the side, Blair has chosen a Sprouted Whole Grain Roll and plain water.

More information on Panera Bread, its menu and nutritional information is available on the company website.

As always, be true to yourself and live life on your own terms, love much, laugh often, eat delicious, nutritious and filling food and look fabulous while doing it all!

Love, Blair

Posted in Food