The Panera Experiendce

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            Okay, yes, it's Saturday, but that doesn't automatically
mean, Joyce and I would be on the road and yet, that was the case, as
it were, what happened to us as we headed out to do a few chores.
             We had heard about Panera, way before it came, between
inside information, signs early on, and then wham-o, it was here, and
we hadn't been yet, and so, today was the day.  Though a few out of
the way errands had to be run, including going to the Community Market
and getting a fresh batch of bulk tea, which I usually get every three
months or so, and today I ended up with five different types which
gives me the fusion flavor profiles I enjoy so much.
             We were always amazed that here in this desolate spot,
next to the CVS on Steele Lane, just before you get to Mendocino
Avenue they were somehow going to get this, what turned out to be a
totally different format, not only in layout and movement, but the
interior design is, for me at least, unique in it's character.  The
wooden shutters, the furniture, the material on the walls, and the use
of long tables which would accommadate large groups or families, not
to mention the gas fireplace in the middle of two divided rooms was
enough to leave your eyes wide eyed and bushy tailed.  All of this is
geared not only for the neighborhood, demographically speaking, but
also entails ambiance and dealing with business people in the area,
for a quick lunch, or dinner on the way home from work.
            Joyce and I only really had one quirk, and that would be
when we go out to eat, especially what we consider to be a restaurant
or cafe, that sitting and being waited on, is the cat's meow.  Now
that aside, the easy to read menu signs, the staff handing you a
personal menu for closer views, the bakery layouts and easy to read
menu and price cards on all the offerings are quite visual and
delightful.
           It took us quite awhile to decipher our choices, since
there were such a diversity of offerings, but also combinations and
sizes to all the items, but once the choice was made, while we were
there, we got waited on quickly, and even told we could go with the
combo meals to make our bill even cheaper.  The manager gave us
history of the franchise, and a little of the business culture, when
we asked, and later gave us fifty percent off on our pastry order.  If
you join the club, the next time you go, you get a free cookie or
pastry, and after that, random discounts, and you can register for a
two thousand dollar survey, if you are that type of person, like I am.
Though, to tell you the truth, I have never won anything by these
surveys, but if you have peeves, well get them out on the internet,
and don't be supplying 24 hours a day news networks with any going
postal news.
            We got a cup of soup, and in our case it was onion and
steak chile, which came with sweet cornbread in the chili itself, and
a torn hunk of bread as a side.  Along with the combo, we each got
half of a chicken chipotle pannini, which was really good, and both
the pannini bread and the hunk of whatever bread on the side was soft
and sweet.
             So if you're on that side of Santa Rosa, and don't mind
the line to order, and want to check out a completely different
format, or need a sweet pastry fix, then this is the place you need to
check out, at least once.  After that, who knows other than your
shadow, whether or not you want this type of culinary experience.  The
salads were next on our list to try, if we do, and certainly, the
bakery goods look like a spot visit, every once in a while, if you
aren't going to Healdsburg or Freestone for the Good Stuff.
             Again, this is Steven, hoping you are not craving this
too much, knowing all of you look forward to the many other facets of
dining here in Sonoma County, Child, saying only once could just Be
Enough of This...!!!!