Panera Bread

With a bit of Fall in the air this morning, we ventured out to the Panera Bread at the Madonna Plaza Shopping Center in SLO.  Yes, it is a chain and might not have the local flavor and personality of independently owned coffee houses, but we are running out of those to visit here in SLO.  The advantage of a chain is you know what you'll get no matter where you are.  Sheila found the regular coffee to be quite nice.  You help yourself to light roast, dark roast, hazelnut, or decaf, and the small is $1.99.  Joan had a Pumpkin Spice Latte with almond milk, salted caramel syrup, and whipped cream. It was $4.09.  She describes it as having a rich, smooth taste with a definite pumpkin spice flavor.

Panera has a nice menu of baked goods, pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner items, as well as fresh baked bread.

 There is ample seating, both indoors and out, including some comfortable club chairs, which we took advantage of.

 Think About It: "If it weren't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable personality whatsoever." David Letterman