Grand Prize Winner

Lauren, Brooklyn, NY

Well, I could write about how I am the pickiest eater ever and how the create-your-own sandwich forms ensure not only that there is something I can eat, but that it gets made right -- every time. But that's nothing unusual -- it happens every time I go to Au Bon Pain. My favorite visit would have to be on one especially crowded day. I was in line waiting to pay for my half sandwich and soup. The line was fairly long. When the man in front of me got to the register, all he had was an empty soup cup and a muffin wrapper. The cashier looked at him slightly perplexed, and then he turned to me and asked, "Can you blame me?" And I couldn't. Sometimes you just can't resist the call of hot soup and freshly baked goods!

First Prize Winner

Michael, Astoria, NY

"Huh? And Mmm-hmmm."

These are unfortunately the two responses I've gotten used to when dealing with sandwich/coffee shops in NYC:

When ordering a sandwich :
Me: "What kind of bread do you have?"
Counter Person : "Huh?"

and

when the cashier hands me my change :
Me: "Thank you.
Cashier "Mmm-hmmm."

I don't expect people to bend over backwards for me. I truly don't. Having worked with the public myself, I know how tiring and frustrating it can be. I do expect common courtesy. That's why Au Bon Pain is always my choice for a breakfast or lunch out. Not only do they make the best Chai and serve the tastiest caprese sandwiches, I've always experienced the kind of service that shows respect and politeness. That's what makes Au Bon Pain special to me. Associates seem to actually care about their job, they don't hand you sloppy sandwiches or grunt when you ask them a question, and in a world where manners seem to be on the decline, that is very much appreciated and "beyond the ordinary."

The harvest pumpkin soup is pretty amazing too!

Second Prize Winner

Andrea, Jackson Heights, NY

Au Bon Pain always brings me back to my early teen years. I would go out with my mom to the Manhattan Mall in New York City and feel so special - I was at Au Bon Pain, after all! She always ordered me my favorites, too - ham and cheddar with lettuce, tomato and mayo on french baguette - with a Diet Pepsi. As I ate, I would look around and dream about being a distinctive career woman one day as I watched people sip their "adult" coffee and rush off to wherever they were going. Fast forward 10 years later - to the present - and I am now one of those adults, but I always get to reminisce with my favorite sandwich that will always taste the same. Au Bon Pain has always served as an elegant haven from the hustle and bustle of New York City with the utmost quality at reasonable prices, and that, to me, is simply Beyond the Ordinary.