I had the worst worst boxed lunch from Panera today. It was such a disappointment because usually they do a good job with our catering orders.
My office ordered from the catering menu so you get what they call a boxed lunch. On the catering menu, they describe the boxed lunch salad as your choice of Premium, Signature or Cafe salad served with 1/2 of a baguette (plain or whole wheat) and your choice of cookie.
I ordered the Thai Chopped Chicken salad - which I have had before and the first time I loved it. Sadly, this time it was just gross.
When I opened the salad, I noticed immediately that they had forgotten the low-fat Thai Chili Vinaigrette which is usually included in little containers on the side. Oh well, no worries, I'll live without salad dressing even though last time I thought the chili vinegrette was pretty tasty.
But then I bite into the salad and there is something gritty. I take another bite of just chicken and again, there's the grit. It was also in the roasted veggies. Did they sandblast the chicken & veggies before grilling them? Yucko, big thumbs down. :-(
I really don't know why they advertise that the salad boxed lunch comes with a portion of baguette, but they don't serve that - instead they throw a bag of potato chips in which is a weird accompaniment for a salad.
And my final disappointment of this meal, despite the fact that I requested a toffee nut cookie, they have given me an oatmeal raisin instead. Oatmeal rasin is ok, but if I am going to splurge and indulge in a sweet treat, I'd really rather it be the flavor I ordered.
What's up Panera at Ballantyne? Hope next time you do a better job.