Au Bon Pain

Like Panera, but with a bit of pretension and slightly higher prices. That being said, the workers are nice and can make a very tasty and fast breakfast sandwich. I had one of the special sandwiches consisting of 3 egg whites, white cheddar cheese, avocado (about 3 very small pieces), and some kind of aioli spread if I recall. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/163pIpLswWvoyimoz7ttfA?select=RQ0NgYwnsSsAUtJXspaJxw">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a> They were out of the "skinny" bagel so I had to settle on a regular boring plain bagel. There wasn't even a whole wheat option!? I guess the early bird gets the bagel...

There is a touchscreen monitor "nutrition kiosk" where you can look up everything from recipes to nutritional info about their food. Neat. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/163pIpLswWvoyimoz7ttfA?select=fPLl5CUkJw9EwWrzniuKsQ">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a> Online, you can use this link <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aubonpain.com%2Fnutrition%2Fsmartmenu.aspx&s=60fe79df8e3a717c6bd3f35621c4a535ed97f78f813a00f9388df665a0b08273" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.aubonpain.com…</a> to check out the nutritional info as well as the ingredients. Useful for those with allergies. My sandwich was a little over 300 calories but really high in sodium. Probably why it tasted so good. I have also had ABP soups at other locations and have found them to be very nice too.

Major gripe about the sandwich is that by the time I got in to work (about 5 minutes later), it wasn't really warm/hot enough. No big deal as I have access to a microwave, but not everyone does, so this could be a bummer for some. *Tip. There are microwaves about 20 feet away in the main hallway by the snack machines. Hang a left, then a right (into the hallway) and you'll be right there.

If I was stuck in the hospital area, this place would be a good option and can be reasonably healthy choice at that. Which, considering it's in a hospital, is appropriate.

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*So if you do not parlez français, how should their name be pronounced? I called them up at 1.800.825.5227 and the prerecorded message pronounced it like o bahn paan, give it  a slight nasality, put on a(n) (optional) beret and you'll be right on target. ....the things I do for a Yelp review :)

Ugh, reviewing a chain. This seems low. But really, Au Bon Pain is nothing to cringe about. To those unfamiliar, it's like Panera or Bruegger's with prices to match. Au Bon Pain seems a bit more health conscious than others- nutrition information for the pastries are clearly marked and there are pre-cut fresh fruits to pick alongside the drinks. There are 6+ self-serve soups to choose from that rotate from an even more extensive menu, along with a good slew of sandwiches made to order, including breakfast sandwiches served all day. Coffee is also on hand and self-serve out of large thermoses.

With its bright, clean space, it's a breath of fresh air from the usual offerings at University Hospital and it reminds me of my DC commutes of yore (minus the vaulted ceilings and columns of Union Station) so for once I will celebrate a chain store opening nearby.

Of note, it is not a standalone restaurant; the seating is shared with the UH cafeteria. Also, like any place inside UH, parking is difficult so I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to come here unless you work here, are visiting UH or live within walking distance.