Sometimes it’s a dog-eat-dog world, but I’ve recently found one cure for that—cute puppy pics and delicious comfort foods at PureBread Deli & Café in Glen Mills.
The unique upscale deli, bakery and café first opened in 2001 in Pike Creek, Del., and has since grown to five locations. Although the service is quick and efficient at PureBread, the locally owned and operated business is a step above national fast food chains. PureBread offers an eclectic variety of gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods and locally roasted coffee. Plus, the décor isn’t too “ruff” on the eyes either.
Here are eight reasons to sit and stay at PureBread Deli & Café:
The Bread
As a self-proclaimed carboholic, my willpower goes to the dogs when it comes to bread, any and all bread. My eyes light up and my tummy grumbles seeing the nine choices of fresh-baked bread. From seeded rye to focaccia, ciabatta to baguettes, who can decide? Oh, and I found out the bakers arrive at midnight to fire up the ovens every day. Now that’s fresh!
Scrumptious Soups
Everything tastes better with crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread, especially a savory, homemade soup. I tried the chicken noodle in a sourdough bread bowl. The piping-hot soup is a lovely medley of white-meat chicken, soft, wide noodles and fresh veggies, ladled inside the warm and tangy sourdough. There are nine gourmet soups on the menu, including Texas chili, New England clam chowder and lobster bisque.
Food Named After Fido
Now here’s where PureBread gets creative with the canine theme. The “Best-In-Show” gourmet sandwiches are named after dog breeds. The Greyhound is stacked with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, tomato and basil pesto on focaccia. A vegetarian option, the Cocker Spaniel, is filled with cucumber, avocado, tomato, onion, spinach and veggie cream cheese on multigrain.
The grilled paninis are also named after dog breeds. I sampled the Jack Russell, a tasty blend of chicken, bacon, cheddar and peppercorn ranch on cheddar bread. Paninis and sandwiches are served with chips or carrots.
Mixed-Breed Sammies
If you’re in the mood to create your own, PureBread offers the Mixed Breeds menu. You pick the protein—turkey, corned beef, tuna salad just to name a few. Choose your bread, cheese, veggies and spread, like honey Dijon, yellow mustard or chipotle mayo. There are several add-ons, too, for a little extra, including pickles, hot peppers and sundried tomatoes. I ordered turkey and provolone on focaccia with lettuce, tomato and red onion with hot peppers to add a little zing. The sandwich may not have barked, but it bit (in a good way) and I devoured every last morsel.
Pure-Brewed Bevs
Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate that PureBread’s java is “pure-brewed.” They buy it from Café Excellence, a micro-roaster in King of Prussia. Their coffees are created using specialty grade 100% Arabica beans purchased directly from plantations in more than two dozen countries throughout the world. Gear up for a simple cup o’ joe, or order one of PureBread’s classic or specialty drinks. There’s caffe mocha, chai tea latte, Nutella macchiato and many more, plus ice-blended beverages, too.
Pup Photos
About those adorable puppy pics. Photos of doggies from all over the area adorn the walls at all five locations. Better yet, you can send your pooch’s picture via the PureBread website and have it play on the HD TVs in each location. It’s a sure bet you’ll hear an “Aww” or “How cute” during your dining experience there. You can’t help but smile.
BreadHeads
Smiling is what the PureBread team is all about. The so-called “BreadHeads” are friendly from the “hi” to the “goodbye.” I was greeted with a big grin and friendly attitude. The employees bring your order to the table, clear your dishes and I noticed them tidying up during my entire visit.
Lend a Paw
Guests can take a Lend a Paw car magnet on their way out. What’s it all about anyway? PureBread’s hope is by displaying it on your car, you’ll help promote random acts of kindness and help make the world a better place. Practicing what they preach, PureBread donates leftover goods to food banks when possible. And get this: the PureBread Lend a Paw Foundation (LAPF) was established to help financially challenged PureBread employees with educational expenses. The LAPF is funded through employer contributions and fundraising events, including the 2nd Annual PureBread Open Par 3 Golf Tournament coming up April 27 at Hartefeld National in Avondale.
Find PureBread Deli & Café at 100 Evergreen Dr., Glen Mills; phone: 610-358-YUMM (9866). Learn more about other locations on the PureBread website.
