Hoboken has changed drastically in such a short time period. But I must say that it’s a change for the better. This summer will become a dividing point in the history of this little city separating the earlier days (or B.P.) from the latter days (or A.P.). Those abbreviations obviously reference the times Before and After Panera. I had my doubts about this bakery revolutionary. They were taking months to renovate one of the largest storefronts on the main stretch and for what purpose? To proffer bread-based goodies upon the yuppy crowd? Needless to say, they swung wide their doors despite (or quite possibly in spite of) my outcries of over-production for such a simply task. And what can I say – they won me over. The bread is delectable, the sandwiches are works of art, the soups are sophisticated bowls of warmth, and the salads are mixed like none other. Seriously, it’s wonderful.
So todayI decided to try lunch at one of the locations near me (they have a bakery-cafe locator, although Hoboken is not listed yet) in Wayne. While the directions were adequate, the actual sign was not. Alas, after 15 minutes of driving around I spotted the shopping center in which the destination of my epicurean delight was located. Alas, I had just switched into the middle lane due to the painfully slow advancement of the people in the right. And thus, I had a rather mediocre helping of teriyaki chicken at the Willowbrook Mall solidifying my resolve that I will begin to bring lunch on a regular basis. My stomach would thank me more if only I had started a day sooner…
It’s true, Panera Bread is really good even though you hate to buy into that commercial hype. We have a few in Atlanta and will sometimes indulge in lunch there – even though it’s on the main road and thus takes forever and a day to get there and back. I’m a big fan of their french onion soup. Yummy! Hmm… I’m suddenly hungry….
~Malina