Hungry at the mall? Try Panera Bread

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, May 11, 2006

LYNNWOOD – It’s written that we don’t live by bread alone, but after a visit to Panera Bread in Alderwood mall, we may want to.

Panera Bread is a national chain that started in Missouri in 1981. Today, there are more than 900 stores in 36 states, with five locations in Washington – Issaquah, Lacey, Lakewood and Redmond plus the Lynnwood location, which opened in November near REI.

The Lynnwood store is decorated with Cubist-style artwork and the bold colors and graphics are echoed on the walls and in the booths’ coverings. Panera Bread continues its modern image with free Wi-Fi Internet access. The cafe-bakery has an up-to-date look while remaining welcoming and comfortable.

On our recent Saturday visit, my lunch companion and I were impressed with how busy the cafe was, yet there was a feeling of ease as everything flowed from ordering to clean-up.

While we stood in line to order, we checked out the breakfast goodies such as bear claws, cherry-cheese Danish pastries plus cookies, brownies and mini-bundt cakes. I pointed out that the individual bakery goods were beautiful and that someone took a little extra time to make the display visually stunning. I wanted to stand there and admire the beauty, but it was our turn to order.

Panera Bread has a daily bread menu and a daily soup menu, and for those of you still counting carbs, special artesian breads. In the morning, baked egg souffles spinach and artichoke or spinach and bacon – are served until they’re gone ($2.99). For lunch and dinner the cafe serves signature sandwiches such as smoked turkey on Asiago cheese focaccia with chipotle-laced mayo, field greens and red onions ($6.29), salads such as grilled steak on mixed field greens, combined with Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts, and topped with balsamic vinaigrette ($6.49), plus classic sandwiches and paninis.

For our lunch, my friend picked one of the classic sandwiches – turkey on sourdough with lettuce, tomato and mayo with a dill pickle slice ($5.69). He added a cup of French onion soup ($3.59) and a soda ($1.49).

I ordered a portobello and mozzarella panini made on rosemary-onion focaccia and a cup of broccoli-cheddar cheese soup ($6.49). I added a large iced tea ($1.69). Our sandwiches came with the choice of a side dish and we both added a bag of chips.

We were handed a flashing light pager, given directions to the beverage dispenser and instructions for picking up our food at the window. We cruised the eating area and found a booth in the middle of the three sections. By the time we checked out the disability access in the restrooms and got our beverages, our lunch was ready.

My friend’s turkey sandwich was made with fresh ingredients and very good. His French onion soup was a combination of rich broth, stringy cheese and delicious croutons that soaked up all the flavors. My portobello mushroom-mozzarella cheese panini with caramelized onions and fresh basil leaves was tasty, but a little disappointing because there weren’t enough mushroom slices to cover the bread. My broccoli-cheddar cheese soup was just as good as the French onion. Our meal was so good, we finished in record time. And, better yet, we had room for dessert.

I returned to the display case and selected a “Very Chocolate Brownie” and my friend asked for a “Cobblestone” ($2.29 each). Chocolate cake, chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles helped my brownie live up to its name. My friend’s cobblestone was like a cross between a cinnamon roll and an apple fritter. My brownie was good but the cobblestone tasted just a little bit better.

Now how can that be? May I please have a slice of bread to clear my palate so I can start again?

Herald restaurant reviewers accept no invitations to review, but readers’ suggestions are always welcome. Reviewers arrive unannounced, and The Herald pays their tabs.

Contact Anna Poole at features@heraldnet.com.