Oh my gosh you guys – it’s SLEETING right now! My friends to the north in Minneapolis got a reported SIX inches of snow last night. I am praying to the high Heavens that it doesn’t come down this way – I’m not ready for snow!!

EEEEEK

In other news, since the Farmer’s Market ended a couple weeks ago, I haven’t had an excuse to get downtown – until this morning!

My friend John, who works for Panera Iowa, (remember that epic dinner feast?!) invited me to come and have breakfast at the soft launch of their new location in the heart of downtown Des Moines – sweet! I scooped up my Mom and away we went.

They don’t officially open ’til Tuesday (at 215 10th St for you locals) but they had a “friends and family” type preview this morning.

Complete with play money – wheeee!!!

John handed over a stack of fake bills and told us to go for it. Just like last time, I took the opportunity to try something new. 

I surveyed the scene…

 

There were gooey cinnamon rolls for miles, crispy bear claws for days, 

and tender muffin tops to the sky!

I knew what had to happen though… I had to try the Spinach & Bacon Soufflé!

We ordered up and chose a nice little table next to the huge glass store front.

This Panera location is a little different from most because while the feeling is still homey and cozy, the decor is very modern. John told me it’s called a “G2″ or “generation 2″ store for that reason. Ok, enough decor talk – time to dig in!

 

Now, for some reason I always get a bagel when I go to Panera for breakfast. I’ve seen the soufflés, of course, but I’d never made the leap to order one.

Bagels be gone! This spinach and bacon soufflé had a warm, buttery croissant wrapped around a cheesy, hot egg filling laced with salty bacon. OMG!!!!

Seriously – these soufflés are TO DIE. Plus John told me that they never stay out on the warmer for more then an hour, so you’re always guaranteed to be digging into a fresh one. Awesome!

I supplemented my soufflé with a Cornbread Muffie. What, you don’t eat cornbread with your eggs & bacon?!

It just looked so darn delish and, hello it was free, so I went for it. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. FAB. Also, FYI, Panera now has steak chili that they serve with one of these bad boys alongside. Can’t wait to try it!

My Mom and I felt it was only appropriate to sip on some warm vanilla lattes while we dined.

Mmmm.  

What a wonderful opportunity to check out the newest Panera location in my town and try some new (to me) dishes. Plus, the play money – I think my Mom might have enjoyed that part the most!

“You see…it’s fake money! That’s so clever! I just can’t get over it!”

“Yeah, Mom!” Ohhh, it’s the little things, really.

We had a bazillion fake dollars leftover, and they were only good today, so we got some bagels to bring home for our men.

Oh – next time I am TOTALLY getting this French Toast Bagel Breakfast Sandwich. Eggs, sausage and white cheddar cheese grilled on a a French Toast Bagel. I mean!!!! 

Thanks again to John for being so generous. Locals, check out the newest location downtown opening Tuesday, and everyone else – hop over to your local joint try out those soufflés. You’ll love ‘em!

Ahhhhlrighty. There’s nothing I’d like to do more then hunker down on the couch under a fluffy blanket and watch the Iowa Hawkeyes, but alas, I have things. Ben and I have a friend’s wedding to attend tonight a few hours away and not only have I not packed, but I don’t have anything to wear and we’re leaving in a couple hours, ahh!!!

Why is it that you can have a closet full of clothes, but still nothing to wear? I’ll never understand it…a quick trip to the mall might be in order. Better jet – see you!!

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Do you ever eat “weird” things for breakfast? Leftover lasagna, cold pizza…cornbread?

I always feel too weird about eating lunch or dinner foods in the morning. I just have this thing about it. Although, my cornbread pancakes were pretty awesome!