Yesterday I had the day off from work, so I decided to spend part of the day outside relishing the gorgeous fall weather. After several days of rain, it was so delightful to enjoy a dry, crispy-cool and sunny Thursday.
I had several errands I needed to run, but I also wanted to relax and take time to feed my day with a visit to one of my favorite cafes; grabbing a sandwich while sitting outside eating it.
For those of you who might not have a Corner Bakery where you live, it's a faaabulous eatery that offers a delicious menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. OMG...the bread and pastry menu is to DIE FOR, especially if you're someone like me who worships bread (carbs) and has a sweet tooth that doesn't end. Anytime I stop at the Corner Bakery, it takes me at least 20 minutes to decide what I want because it all sounds so good that my conclusion is to order EVERYTHING on the menu.
Me: (standing there and staring up at the menu) "Ooo...I think I'll get that, no wait, maybe that, no wait, that sounds good too, maybe that, no wait, oh shit, I think I'll just order one of each!"
This is the Corner Bakery I went to, which is located on the corner of 17th Street and JFK Boulevard.
I just so happened to go during the city lunch hour rush, so I had to take a number (90) and wait for my order, which I finally decided on the California Grille on Harvest Bread Panini:
a vegetarian mixture of grilled zucchini, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes and pesto with fresh spinach and provolone cheese.
And here it is....
And just about the time I was getting ready to put the last piece into my mouth, I turned my head to the right and saw this...
Adorable little sparrows EYEING me and tweeting, "Oh, can we have some too? We love panini's."
So of course, I torn the rest of my panini into tiny pieces and shared it with my fine-feathered friends.
But as you can tell from this next photograph, ONE of the sparrows ate MOST of it...
*I nicknamed him, FULL-FIGURED FREDDIE.
One of the Liberty Place Towers.
A cathedral.
Window reflections.
Top of the Cira Centre building.
Yesterday was one of those days when you say to yourself before going to bed, "Man...this was an exceptionally great day. Thank you!"
Have a beautiful fall weekend everyone!
X
I have never heard of The Corner Bakery. All we have along that line is Panera, but I have only ordered bagels or soup from them. I loved Full Figured Freddie. I've noticed birds like him (greedy ones) at my feeder!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, as usual, Ron. I can't believe your nice weather! We've had record breaking cold. And I won't be shuffling off to Buffalo anytime soon!
It's always wonderful to have a bakery nearby. Those are gorgeous photos. I especially love the birds!
ReplyDeleteRon, I love the Corner Bakery. The food is awesome! There was one located not too far from where I lived in NY. I think they used to be a sister company to Maggiano's, which is another restaurant I love!
ReplyDeleteGreat photographs! The ones of the sparrows are so cute. Full-Figured Freddie Lol! And that final photograph of the Cira Centre is beautiful!
Have a wonderful weekend, Ron x
" All we have along that line is Panera, but I have only ordered bagels or soup from them. "
ReplyDeleteBijoux, I LOVE Panera Bread! We finally got one here in Philly this year. The Corner Bakery is kind of like Panera when it comes to their breads, pastries and sandwiches. I think CB must be a chain that is located mainly on the north east coast.
" I loved Full Figured Freddie. I've noticed birds like him (greedy ones) at my feeder!"
Isn't he ADORABLE? He's so FLUFFY!
We've had a lot of rain lately, but yesterday was stunning. I even saw a few people walking around the city without a COAT.
Can you believe the SNOW in Buffalo already!?
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a beautiful weekend!
X
The baked goods from the Corner Bakery are BEYOND fabulous! They make a Jewish Apple Cake that is scrumptious! I especially love their sandwiches and salads.
ReplyDelete" I especially love the birds!"
Aren't they CUTE?
Thanks for stopping by, Suzi! Have a terrific weekend with your family!
X
Hola Denise!
ReplyDelete" I think they used to be a sister company to Maggiano's, which is another restaurant I love!"
Yes, I think they must be because there is a Maggiano's not too far from where I live, and a couple of years ago they took part of it added a Corner Bakery. Maggiano's has the BEST Italian food for being a chain restaurant.
Aren't the sparrows cute? The Cira Centre is located near the Trader Joe's I shop in.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend too!
X
I don't know the Corner Bakery, Ron, but I know a great post when I see one--and this is it! You took a simple day off and turned it into a meditation on life and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteMost people wouldn't have seen anything worth writing about or photographing on such a routine day, but you found a great story in everyday life! Great food, great photos and Full-Figured Freddie, to boot! You can't get that on just any corner!
Have a great weekend, buddy, and keep feeding the birdies!
Bakeries are great when they turn their attention to feeding their customers. There is NOTHING like freshly baked bread, either by taste or smell. You are lucky to have one near you., We have one but it only deals with British foods, although their omelettes are to die for.
ReplyDeleteAfter all the news about the USA's 6 ft snow drifts I'm pleased to hear you only had rain ... Ooops sorry, I forgot you actually LIKE snow... grins. As for the sparrows, I am EXTREMELY jealous because we have lost ours, at least where I live. It is years since I saw one. Next time you hand out morsels do tell them that one is from me.
Enjoy your weekend and make sure you stay well xx
(PS The latest health problem is heart trouble... at this stage only minor but enough to have medication. OMG what next!)
Rob, I loved your comment because you understood completely what I meant about experiencing an exceptionally great day. It was just a "simple" day that allowed me to remember the little things in my life that I have to be grateful for.
ReplyDeleteLike eating a delicious sandwich and sharing with the sparrows on a sunny cool day.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope you're feeling better. Have a super week!
X
Ron, that California Grille Panini sounded and looked so tasty! We don't have a Corner Bakery where I live but it's a place I know would enjoy. I've got a big time sweet tooth myself and a passion for breads.
ReplyDeleteGreat photographs as usual. I can't believe how close you got to those sparrows. And I love the window reflections.
Really nice post, dude!
"There is NOTHING like freshly baked bread, either by taste or smell."
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree, Valerie...there is NOTHING like it :)
"We have one but it only deals with British foods, although their omelettes are to die for."
OMG...I LOVE omelettes! I don't eat eggs much but when I do, I like a Greek omelette - spinach, tomatoes and feta cheese!
"After all the news about the USA's 6 ft snow drifts I'm pleased to hear you only had rain ... Ooops sorry, I forgot you actually LIKE snow... grins."
I know, can you believe the amount of SNOW that Buffalo got already!?! And yes, I do love snow and am eagerly waiting our turn :)
"As for the sparrows, I am EXTREMELY jealous because we have lost ours, at least where I live. It is years since I saw one. Next time you hand out morsels do tell them that one is from me."
Yes, I will! Sparrows are probably one of my favorite birds because they are so tiny and cute. I just wanna pick them up and hug them :)
"(PS The latest health problem is heart trouble... at this stage only minor but enough to have medication. OMG what next!)"
Sorry to hear that, dear lady. Glad to hear that you're able to take medication and that's is only minor.
(((((((( You )))))))
Have a super weekend!
X to you and Joe!
"We don't have a Corner Bakery where I live but it's a place I know would enjoy. I've got a big time sweet tooth myself and a passion for breads."
ReplyDeleteMatt, if you love bread and sweets the way I do, I know you would enjoy the Corner Bakery. We have two here in the city, both of which are not far from where I live.
" I can't believe how close you got to those sparrows."
City sparrows are very much like city squirrels, they are very people-friendly and will come up close to you when they want to eat. Full-Figured Freddy was only about 12 inches from me!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week!
X
Ron, you were # 90??? How long did you have to wait?
ReplyDelete"a vegetarian mixture of grilled zucchini, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes and pesto with fresh spinach and provolone cheese." That sounds so tasty. We don't have a Corner Bakery where I live, but do they deliver out-of-state? Lol
"*I nicknamed him, FULL-FIGURED FREDDIE." That is so cute!
The Cira Centre building photo is amazing! You have a great eye for photography, Ron.
'Glad to hear that you're able to take medication and that's is only minor.'
ReplyDeleteNot ME ... HIM... I don't go in for such things... haha
Food is the one thing I miss about Philly - we lived in South Philly so no chain stores just the little family owned stores where everything is made right there. And bakeries? Oh my heavens. 3 blocks from our house was a store that sold bread only - that's it, just bread, made there that morning. My bread loving husband was in carb-heaven.
ReplyDeleteOh how yummy,that's my kind of sandwich but I think I would have devoured two!!!
ReplyDeleteNumber 90 wow that is a long line to wait in but worth it.
Loved the birdie photos most of all but all wonderful as usual.you live in a beautiful city Ron,thanks for sharing glimpses with us . Have a super duper weekend.I'm guessing you will have a busy one in retail. Hugs,G
My comments seem to be disappearing, I'm typing on my kindle maybe ill wait and revisit when I'm on my computer. In the meantime I want 2 of those sandwiches,how yummy.
ReplyDeleteLove those pics and especially love your full figured birdy friend! Sounds like a great day indeed!
ReplyDeleteAs cute as the full fiured Freddie photo is, I gotta say the windows reflecting is my favorite! What an amazing day you had, sir. And it looks like you mighta had ample time to argue with yourself with the number90 you had. Seems it was worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteNope, no Corner Bakery here, but we have a Panera's that I'd end up ill from if I just walked into the joint. *sigh* Damn gluten issues.....I really, REALLY miss crust breads.
I drooled over the photos of your sammich and had to clear off the slobber from the tablet......shheeeessshh!! :-/
Ah, but the pretty photos, the joy in finding Freddie, the walk about under that amazing blue sky....what a glorious day off. Thank you for spending it with us!
Ron, you sound like my mother -- perhaps it's the Italian coming out in y'all?? -- she, too, is a HUGE fan of bread. In fact, even now, she's got bread squirreled away in the freezer -- in case we run into Hard Times, I guess, ha!
ReplyDeleteLove that little fat sparrow -- doesn't look like he's going to waste away any time soon!
We don't have a Corner Bakery. It sounds like a great place to spend some money -- and I enjoyed dining with you. Have a super weekend!
Ooops, sorry about that Valerie. For some reason I thought you meant you. Either way, I'm am so glad to hear that there is medication and that's it's only minor.
ReplyDeletePlease give my best to Joe!
X to you and both!
Hey ho Robert!
ReplyDelete"Ron, you were # 90??? How long did you have to wait?"
I know, that's what I thought when they handed me #90! But I think the numbers were just random because I only had to wait about 5-7 minutes to get my sandwich.
"We don't have a Corner Bakery where I live, but do they deliver out-of-state? Lol"
HAHAHAHAHA! OMG...the sandwich was HEAVENLY!
Isn't Freddie ADORABLE?
They are planning to construct a second Cira Centre building and making it HIGHER than the one pictured here. Isn't it a fabulous building?
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a stupendous weekend!
X
"we lived in South Philly so no chain stores just the little family owned stores where everything is made right there. And bakeries? Oh my heavens. 3 blocks from our house was a store that sold bread only - that's it, just bread, made there that morning. "
ReplyDeleteYes, South Philly is still one of the only areas here in Philly that still has those family owned stores that sells their goods FRESH. I LOVE the bread stores especially!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Grace. Have a super weekend!
X
"Oh how yummy,that's my kind of sandwich but I think I would have devoured two!!!"
ReplyDeleteOMG Geraldine, that sandwich was BEYOND delicious! I love the taste of pesto. And anything that has artichokes on it!!!!
"Number 90 wow that is a long line to wait in but worth it."
Amazingly enough, I only had to wait about 5-7 minutes to get my sandwich. I think the number were random because their were some customers who had numbers higher than mine and got served before I did.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super-duper too!
X
P.S. Starting next weekend is when it will start getting very busy for the holidays.
Both your comments appeared. Yahoooooooooo!
ReplyDeleteX
Thanks, Shae :) Aren't the birdies ADORABLE?
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a GREAT day!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!
X
Hiya Mark!
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right, Panera Bread is VERY similar to a Corner Bakery. The only difference is that the Corner Bakery is also a sit-down restaurant where you can get waiter service. I also think their pastry and bread menu is a bit more elaborate.
But OMG...I also love Panera!
"Q: Were the sparrows also moaning and singing Donna Summer songs?"
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes, they were singing the chorus!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!
X to you and Tara!
Hiya Mel!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) The photo of the windows reflecting was the last shot I took during the day. The sun was hitting the windows at a perfect angle that they looked like MIRRORS.
"And it looks like you mighta had ample time to argue with yourself with the number90 you had. Seems it was worth the wait."
I was so relieved to find out that I only had to wait about 5-7 minutes to get my sandwich order. I think the numbers where just random because they're were customers who had numbers higher than mine and got served first.
"Nope, no Corner Bakery here, but we have a Panera's that I'd end up ill from if I just walked into the joint. *sigh* Damn gluten issues.....I really, REALLY miss crust breads."
OMG, that's right, I forgot about your gluten issue. And yes, Panera Bread is very similar to a Corner Bakery.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a SUPER weekend!
((((((((( You )))))))))
X
P.S. Hope your eyes are feeling better.
"- perhaps it's the Italian coming out in y'all?? -- she, too, is a HUGE fan of bread. In fact, even now, she's got bread squirreled away in the freezer -- in case we run into Hard Times, I guess, ha!"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAH! Yup, Debbie, it MUST be an "Italian thing" because most Italians I know WORSHIP bread. As a kid, I always remember my father buying fresh loaves of bread on Sunday so that we would have them for a few days during the week.
Isn't Freddie CUTE? I don't think I've ever seen a more full-figured sparrow!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a SUPER weekend!
X
I have never heard of the Corner Bakery either! It must be nice to just be able to walk everywhere! You have some awesome scenery in your town Ron!! Full Figured Freddie is the perfect name for that guy!! Your sandwich looks really good!! We are having a snow storm and you are out sitting at a corner cafe! Must be NICE!! :) I cannot wait until they finish building the new Panera Bread near us...well, it's about 20 minutes drive...but it is still the closest one! Happy Saturday Ron!! xo Jeanne and the girls!
ReplyDeleteHey there Jeanne!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few Corner Bakery's in NY, but I'm not sure if any of them are close to you. It's very similar to Panera Bread.
Yes, it is nice to be able to walk everywhere. That's one of the main things I enjoy about living in a city. And not owning a car :)
"We are having a snow storm and you are out sitting at a corner cafe! Must be NICE!! :)"
OMG...I've heard about all the snow they're getting in Buffalo, so I know you must be getting a lot of it too. I can't wait until we get our first really good snowfall!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy your weekend and I hope you're feeling better.
(((((( You ))))))
X to you and the girlz!
That was so wise of you to take advantage of what will probably one of the last decent days of the year left. It rose above freezing today so I went outside and put up my Christmas decorations.
ReplyDeleteThat chubby birdy reminds me of my Dino.
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Hiya Chrissy!
ReplyDelete" It rose above freezing today so I went outside and put up my Christmas decorations."
WOW! Yesterday was FREEZING, however today was cold but not bad at all. I even saw someone walking outside with SHORTS on!!!! We are supposedly getting hit with snow sometime next week. I hope it snows on Thanksgiving Day!
"That chubby birdy reminds me of my Dino."
OMG...how CUTE!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a great rest of your weekend!
X to you and the gang!
Ron, I have only eaten at a Corner Bakery once. I ordered one of their sandwich and salad combos and really enjoyed it. I also took home one of their muffins. They have great coffee too.
ReplyDeleteI love your photographs. You make Philly look so inviting. The photographs of the sparrows are so cute!
Hey there Elaine!
ReplyDelete" I ordered one of their sandwich and salad combos and really enjoyed it. I also took home one of their muffins. They have great coffee too."
It's ironic you mentioned the sandwich and salad combo because I almost order one of those myself. However, I was so hungry that I didn't think a half a sandwich and side salad would fill me. For a little guy, I have a HUGE appetite - HA! And you're right, their coffee is awesome. I had a cup one time when I ordered a slice of Jewish Apple Cake, which was soooooo delicious!
Aren't the sparrows precious? I couldn't get over how MANY of them there were.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fabulous weekend!
X
That sounds like my kind off sandwich! Mmmmm! Don't you think that nice weather after bad makes it even more glorious to sit outside?
ReplyDeleteLooks like an absolutely gorgeous day. And I always love when birds come around wanting crumbs. So cute! But I think Freddie may just be fluffing his feathers out for insulation. :)
Goodness! What a lovely day off. I envy your gorgeous sights around the city center. I stalk a photographer on Facebook that lives in downtown Fort Worth for just the same reason. The gorgeous photographs of city living. :-) The Pannini looked divine and so did Freddie. Gotta love the big-boned fellas. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank God, I came on a full stomach, Ron! Your appreciation for that day so comes through with your beautiful photos (I love "full-figured Freddie"!) and menu. I love shops like that that one gravitates to more for whatever reason...the service, the selection, the deliciousness...
ReplyDelete"Ooo, love to you, baby," made me roll, and sounds like a line from a disco song...Donna Summer is it? Oooo, love to love you, baby!" Hilarious, Ron! :))
hey ron! i've never been to or seen a corner bakery. i love bakeries and there's one around the corner and down the street from where i live. when i walk in, they know of at least one thing i want and ask how many cheese danishes. everything looks good, but i have my favorite. everything in a bakery always looks good though, i could never work in one.
ReplyDeleteloving the pic of the corner bakery and the rest. nice job.
Hey there Nitebyrd!
ReplyDeleteYes, Panera is VERY close to a Corner Bakery. I can still remember going into a Panera Bread in Orlando after they opened their first one. OMG...I fell in LOVE! I really like their soup in a bread bowl!
Aren't the sparrows PRECIOUS? I was so lucky to get those shots.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sis. Hope you're enjoying a beautiful Fall!
X ya!!!!!
Hey there Val!
ReplyDeleteI didn't check the store locator to see if they had Corner Bakery's in Jersey. They have a few in NY, though not in the city. We have two here in Philly.
"everything in a bakery always looks good though, i could never work in one."
Same here because I would eating EVERYTHING!!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you had a SUPER weekend!
x
Hellooooooooo Petra!
ReplyDelete"Thank God, I came on a full stomach, Ron!"
OMG...that sandwich was absolutely DELICIOUS!
" (I love "full-figured Freddie"!)"
Isn't he a CUTEY?
"I love shops like that that one gravitates to more for whatever reason...the service, the selection, the deliciousness..."
Meeeeeee too! I eat there a few times every couple of months. Mainly I go for their baked good and coffee, however, I also love their sandwiches!
""Ooo, love to you, baby," made me roll, and sounds like a line from a disco song...Donna Summer is it? Oooo, love to love you, baby!"
Yes, you got it.......DONNA SUMMERS!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Hope you had a spectacular weekend!
X
Hello there Angelia!
ReplyDeleteYes, is was such a lovely day off. It was one of those those days that was totally unexpected, that turned out to be picture perfect!
" I envy your gorgeous sights around the city center. I stalk a photographer on Facebook that lives in downtown Fort Worth for just the same reason."
I love living in a city because there is such a diversity in what you see and experience, which is awesome for taking photographs. NYC is probably my favorite city to take pictures in.
"Gotta love the big-boned fellas. :-)"
HA! LOVED that!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're healing well....
(((((((((((((((( You ))))))))))))))))
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Holy Cow Ron, where do I start! WOW! I love love love your story... I can see you trying to choose... it made me laugh! And the Freddie picture HA HA HA! Then comes the photos you took... OH MY GOSH. Stunning. But truly... one of your best EVER TAKEN is the windows reflection one. That is unbelievable. The wavy reflections are fantastic. You are SO TALENTED!
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you, Katherine :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't Freddie adorable?
YOU are SO TALENTED! I've watched your photography grow over the past several years, and my friend, they ROCK!!!!! The ones on your last post we're faaaaaabulous!
You GO, girl!
X
My biggest pet peeve: People who are habitually late - such a lack of respect in my mind! I am a slow walker because I walk with a cane. I wander a bit on the sidewalk because I also have balance problems, so sorry you wouldn't want to walk behind me & I always have to take the elevators because I have lung disease & walk with a cane.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have Corner Bakery here in Edmonton unfortunately. But we have a delightful restaurant called Cora's Breakfast. The restaurant is only open till 2 p.m. & serves only breakfast & lunch! Every dish is served with a mountain of fresh fruit all around the plate in beautiful designs, no matter what you order. There is so much, almost everyone walks out the door with doggie bags of fresh fruit! (And not all melons - yuck!) Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, nectarines, oranges, apples, apricots & peaches (in season). Just delicious!
ReplyDelete" People who are habitually late - such a lack of respect in my mind!"
ReplyDeleteYes, Benze, it is a lack of respect in my mind as well. It's like they don't care.
"so sorry you wouldn't want to walk behind me & I always have to take the elevators because I have lung disease & walk with a cane."
I totally understand that and would have much patience and compassion. And the same thing goes for elderly people who walk slow. What I'm referring to are "abled" people (many of whom are young college students) who walk slow on city sidewalks and swerve from right to left blocking the way. It's like car drivers who swerve lanes and drive slow.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend.
((((((( You ))))))
X
Benze, Cora Breakfast sounds AMAZING!!!!
ReplyDelete" Every dish is served with a mountain of fresh fruit all around the plate in beautiful designs, no matter what you order. There is so much, almost everyone walks out the door with doggie bags of fresh fruit! (And not all melons - yuck!) Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, nectarines, oranges, apples, apricots & peaches (in season). Just delicious!"
Yummy, yummy, yummy!
We used to have a place here in Philly called "Po' Folks" which sounded very similar to the restaurant you described. It was only open for breakfast and lunch; served large portions; and was very inexpensive. OMG...I miss that place.
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