Panera Bread: A Healthy Review

One of the restaurants we frequent at the Village at Sandhills is Panera Bread for a few reasons. The first thing that draws us is the kid-friendly environment/menu since we have two young children and a third one on the way! So what do I recommend there?

1. Broccoli cheddar soup. This may not be the healthiest soup on the menu, but it is the best-tasting. It is one of the best broccoli cheese soups I have tasted anywhere. And my husband (who does not eat broccoli) loves it! He never orders a different soup for his "You Pick 2" meal.  And every time I choose something different, I always end up admitting that his soup is better. Tonight I actually ordered the new Sonoma Chicken Stew (for a taste test), but it is not nearly as good as the broccoli cheddar. That being said, if you like chicken pot pie, you will enjoy the Sonoma stew.
2. Garden vegetable with pesto soup. It is vegetarian yet has protein (with white beans), and of course is full of a wide variety of vegetables in a tomato-based broth.
3. Black bean soup or creamy tomato soup. I have not actually tried these recently, but the descriptions look good, and they are vegetarian dishes. If you really want to be extra-healthy, order your bowl of soup with a side of an apple (choices are bread, chips or apple). But to be honest, I really recommend the bread there (French baguette) unless you are on a no-carb diet.
4. Salads. There are a ton of salad options, but I never actually order salads there because many years ago, when I also was pregnant, I found a dead fly at the bottom of my salad. Usually I do not get emotionally traumatized by food, but it has been 4 years and I still have not recovered. However, the salads always look good when I see other customers enjoying them, and they are pretty big.
5. A lean-meat sandwich on whole grain bread. The turkey they serve is thick-cut and tastes more like fresh-roasted turkey than lunch meat. There are a range of healthy breads to choose from, so select something like whole wheat or rye.

The Best Deli In Northeast Columbia: A Healthy Review

Crossings Deli!!!  I highly recommend this little deli located in Northeast Columbia near Providence Hospital Northeast. If you live or work in the area, try it the next time you eat out for lunch!

There are a ton of healthy options, which is what I always look for. Of course, there are various not-so-healthy sandwiches too (Crossings Special is a known favorite). For those of you looking for a tasty, nutritious meal, try the minestrone soup, full of vegetables and a variety of beans. It has an exceptional flavor, perfect thickness and stocked full of good-for-you ingredients! Or you can always find a good salad, whether traditional or Greek. Another favorite of mine is the Vegetarian Platter! I have also tried the veggie burger, which I always like more than beef. For those of you with larger appetites, try a club sandwich on wheat bread (3 slices).

Some sandwiches are served on pita bread, or you can order a side of warm pita to accompany your soup or salad. There are also great wraps! So whatever kind of deli food you like, you are sure to be pleased here. It is family-owned and open for lunch only (weekdays only as well). To avoid the lines, I usually call in my order and pick it up within 10 minutes.

What can be better for a weekday lunch than a fast, fresh meal from a local deli? It far outweighs your fast food options (Wendy's, Sonic, Bojangles).