Panera's French Onion Soup is back! Does it taste the same?

New Bistro French Onion Soup (in a Bread Bowl) - Panera Bread

A few months ago Panera removed a bunch of their beloved menu items and people lost their sh*t.

Among the items removed were the whole grain baguette, the Chipotle Chicken sandwich (one of Panera's only spicy offerings), and their French Onion Soup. When I was in college I worked as a trainer at Panera bread for several years, and I saw a lot of products come and go, but these things were menu-staples! I would sell countless Chipotle sandwiches everyday, we had customers who only came in for those whole grain baguettes and modified their sandwiches to come on them, and that soup? That was an every-freaking-day soup! What in the world possessed them to remove it?

Put away your pitchforks, PANERA'S FRENCH ONION IS BACK!

Photo © Panera Bread Co. 

That's right, it's back, and it's all natural and healthy. Before you start rejoicing, the recipe has changed...A LOT. It's better for you, but does it still taste as good? I'll let you know this weekend!

Panera Lobster Bisque- Target: Cherry Hill, NJ

Panera Lobster Bisque- Target: Cherry Hill, NJ

I have mentioned this in several posts, so a lot of you know this already, but I used to work at Panera Bread. Food service jobs can be stressful and difficult, but I really loved working there and it was a fantastic job while I was in college. Not only was I able to work with really fun people, but I was surrounded by yummy food. During my time there I tried every single soup we served, but I had never seen this one before. I am guessing this is a new offering for the Panera grocery store line, since I haven't seen this served in any restaurant, but I am not 100% sure. (It might be served at specific locations.)

I was really curious about this flavor, so I picked up a container and headed to the checkout line.

When compared to other heat-and-eat soups on the market, the packaging is simple but sophisticated. The clear plastic tub allows you to see the product while still serving it's purpose, and the designs are bold but simple. Text is kept to a minimum while a large appetizing photo does all the talking. I have to say I was hungry while I was shopping, which is always a bad idea, and this photo really sealed the deal on this purchase. I was cold and hungry, so a warm bowl of buttery soup was a welcome sight. I may be a little biased, due to my love of Panera, but I feel like this is a pretty nice packaging design.

The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte

The video is finally up!

Who makes the best Pumpkin Spice Latte? My boyfriend and I do a blind study with four different lattes to find out.

(I really need to get a decent video camera. If I make 20 semi-decent videos I promised myself I'd invest in one. For now I'll make due with what I got.)

Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup - Panera Bread: Cherry Hill, NJ

Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup - PaneraBread: Cherry Hill, NJ

The pumpkin-ing has begun! (insert evil scientist laughter here.)

I recently filmed a video where my boyfriend and I tested 4 pumpkin spiced lattes from different locations. (It'll be up sometime this week.) One of those locations was Panera, and while I was there I picked up a bowl of the new Autumn Squash Soup which is made from squash, apples, and...pumpkin!

Since the packaging for soups hasn't really changed, I'll skip the aesthetic review and get right into the good stuff.

Summer Corn Chowder - Pinterest Recipe Review

Summer Corn Chowder -  Pinterest Recipe Review : The Pin The Recipe

I love Panera’s Summer Corn Chowder soup. When I worked there, I could easily feed my corn chowder cravings. Now a days my career has evolved and I moved on to teaching, so I have been looking for a recipe to make my own supply, and I may have finally found one! It isn’t 100% perfect, but this is REALLY close to Panera’s seasonal soup! 

Like always…I made a few modifications: 

Strawberry Poppy-seed and Chicken Salad - Panera

Strawberry Poppy-seed and Chicken Salad - Panera

The other day my mother and sister went to the farm to take care of my sister’s horse, and they got me a salad from Panera on the way home.

I LOVE Panera. I actually worked for Panera for several years as an associate trainer, and I can honestly say it is a great place to work and eat. I don’t have any food horror stories from behind the scenes, and I still go back to visit my old bosses and grab a bite to eat. (Unlike my time working at Friendly’s, I haven’t eaten there since 2004.)
The packaging Panera uses for their to-go salad orders has really changed. When I worked there, the clear plastic containers used in restaurants were used for to-go orders. Now, the company uses this nifty, waxed, cardboard box with a clear window. It functions the same way, stacks in the fridge the same way, but it feels more recyclable now. I’ll have to look into it, but I am pretty sure this is more Eco-friendly. I like it.

Pumpkin Pie Bagel - Pumpkin 2012 Haul

Pumpkin Pie Bagel- Panera : Cherry Hill, NJ

I am collecting all of my pumpkin posts from last year and re-posting them here on Blogger to make a comprehensive collection. Here is the original Tumblr post. 

Pumpkin for breakfast! This fall Panera has added a new pumpkin pie flavored bagel to their menu. They also brought back the cherry vanilla bagel that is released every October. The cherry vanilla is one of my favorite bagels ever and usually it is made into the shape of a breast cancer ribbon. (It is usually promoted as such and money goes towards charities.)

Panera Bread You Pick Two - Panera Bread Moorestown, NJ

Panera Bread You Pick Two - Panera Bread Moorestown, NJ

I love Panera! I worked there for several years as a trainer, and I love their products and their company. Best job I had ever had, but that was thanks to the wonderful staff and management team. My sister was going to Panera with a friend and asked if I wanted anything, so I ordered this yummy masterpiece!

Bacon Turkey Bravo (no tomatoes and extra Bravo-sauce), is delicious. This sandwich has sweet tomato basil bread, bravo sauce (1000 island dressing), romaine lettuce, Gouda cheese, roasted turkey and bacon. It is delicious! Gouda cheese is the bacon of cheeses. If you haven’t already, be sure to try it!

The other half of my You Pick Two was the Strawberry Poppy seed and Chicken salad. It’s romaine lettuce, chicken and fresh fruits served with a sweet oniony-poppy-seed dressing. I used to hate this dressing when I worked at Panera. It did not look very appealing, but it is delicious! Especially with strawberries. On my break I used to get a bowl of cut up berries, drizzle this dressing on top, and have it for lunch. It’s summery and refreshing.

I don’t think I have ever met someone who did not enjoy Panera Bread’s food. If you haven’t had it, be sure to give them a try!

© Maria Smith http://poison-and-antidote.net

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