It's been several years since my last Panera visit. This was my first dining experience at the Wickham location. A lot has changed--all (as far as I'm concerned), for the better.
While the menu still retained old favorites, I found many "new" options listed (I am especially excited to see the inclusion of rice bowls!). My go-to, You Pick 2 order remained intact, but I was surprised to see that the Frontega Chicken Panini now held "off menu" status, meaning you had to know of its existence to specially request it. Upon hearing this, I was a bit hesitant to order, wondering if a lack of regular preparation experience would make it less palatable than I remembered. My fears, however, were unfounded. My Frontega Chicken Panini sandwich had more meat, more chipotle mayonnaise, more everything, than ever. Fork-tender chicken, sizzling-sweet mayo, juicy tomato, garden-fresh basil, and zesty onions combined between two toasted slices of panini bread for the best take on the sandwich I have ever had. (I have to give kudos to the staff for being so helpful throughout the process.)
Being a big fan of Asian-inspired dishes, I gave the Thai Soup a try for the first time. Piping-hot, with just a hint of yellow curry for full-bodied warmth, the broth boasted a bouquet of savory and sweet, vegetal and spicy (shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, edamame, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, and lime peel, to name a few ingredients). Served with a soft, crispy-baked baguette for dipping, the soup could be enjoyed long before it was cool enough for a spoonful.
Last, but certainly not least, the Orange Cream Scone provided the final flourish on my warm, savory meal. Just as mouthwatering as I remembered, this hand-crafted confection tasted like a creamsicle in baked form--floury-soft within, candied-shelled without, and melded with shaved orange rind for extra bursts of citrus on the palate.
My dining experience here restored my faith in Panera Bread, and a quick glance at the untasted menu items made me eager to return. I look forward to another delicious luncheon! Thank you for the wonderful experience!
The restaurant was clean and anytime someone left their table after eating a worker would clean the mess left behind. I was impressed with the coordination from the entire Panera Bread team working yesterday. The food was excellent as well and the coffee just the right bitter sweet.
I recommend this Panera Bread location.
Panera itself is a good fast food option. I have been going to this Panera since it opened. It get's very busy at lunch, but they open all the registers to get through the line quickly and I have never waited more than ten minutes between line and food. I have only had one error and they graciously fixed it, and there has been only two situations where they were out of things (avocados :O) I have waited several times for coffee to be brewed after lunch because it is pulled and sits behind the counter. The only other Paneras I frequent often enough to comment on are in Viera and Flagler Beach and I have not experiences this with them. I have used their catering service twice (breakfast and lunch) with marvelous results each time and would highly recommend.
Place was clean about 4 employees watched me come in and walk around. None said anything. After about 2 mins of standing at counter a mgr came out and helped me. Food was good and somehow not as expensive as I remember. Overall not bad would go back
had very good corn chowder, with avocado sandwich. both new on the menu since I had been there last. Very good!
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