Gorgeous morning!! Too bad we’re headed home. Although I hear the weather in Cville is supposed to hit 70* tomorrow!!
We went out for a quick breakfast this morning and landed at the first spot we found: Bruegger’s Bagels. It was quite the disappointment.
I had a Honey Grain bagel with cream cheese – skinny style where they cut out some of the boring bagel filler. This bagel was a sad comparison to the wonderful Bodo’s bagels that are boiled on site in Cville. It was dry and tasteless : (
I had an orange on the side – and being in CA, THIS was good.
But this part was no fun!
Decaf coffee on the side (I also had a cup of regular in the room – plus some dried fruit to get me to breakfast. My stomach was a bit queasy when I woke up).
I am really regretting that we went with our first thought for breakfast because we walked a few blocks to Café 1134 to get sandwiches to take on the plane and I discovered that they had an awesome breakfast menu – including SMOOTHIE IN A BOWL topped with granola and banana!!! The only plus is that our breakfast was cheap, but so sad I missed out.
Hopefully the quality veggie sandwiches we picked up will make up for the difference.
Loved their signs. Especially this one:
BE NICE. What a simple concept that I feel like so many don’t take to heart these days.
Farewell Cali!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
Love that “Work Hard Be Nice” sign too!
Danielle says
Sorry about breakfast! You’ll get ’em tomorrow 😉 love the signs, too!
Christine @ Oatmeal Bowl says
How cool is that – the place has a smoothie in a bowl. haha.
That must be weird as a baker and a baker’s wife to go into a bread or bagel shop. I believe you probably compare the goods a lot? haha. Sorry it wasn’t too good of a breakfast. But the orange… love my oranges. Have a safe flight!
Cm @ Lazy Healthy says
Ouch yeah, Bruegger’s is definitely glorified fast food.
Andrea @FrSeed2Stomach says
agreed! sorry you had to figure it out the hard way, Kath. I don’t even think it’s all that glorified…
j3nn says
Wish we had some of that Cali or Cville weather right now! It’s a winter storm mix out there and we have to go out but now we can’t. :'(
have safe travels home!
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
Aw, that’s too bad Bruegger’s was a disappointment – normally I love their bagels! I absolutely hate settling for someplace to eat and then discovering a better option after you’ve already eaten 🙁 But I’m sure your sandwiches will make up for it! Have a safe trip back!
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
oh my gosh, i’m so sad you were disappointed with your bruegger’s experience!! it is one of my FAVORITE bagel spots. hoping you just got a rotten egg and will get to try again soon 🙂
Sneakers2sandals says
I love that sign!! I just pinned it 🙂
Vivi @My.Beautiful.Air says
have a safe trip back!
Maria@ Sinfully Nutritious says
I love the sign, the bagel and the coffee. YUM.
I am so glad you post while traveling. I feel like I am experiencing a vacation.
I finally posted those Tempeh “Crab” Cakes I was telling you about, check them out if you can!
Jenny@vegetarianhatesvegetables says
Seriously! There just aren’t enough nice people in the world anymore. I think we could all use reminders like these.
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
What a bummer about Brueggers. It is actually one of our favorite vacation breakfast places. The signs are cute!
Lucy says
Of course the bagel is going to be gross when you remove the delicious insides. D’oh.
KathEats says
There were still insides… Dry
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I feel like people these days are forgetting to smile and say hello and well – be nice to others! That sign was refreshing to see!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Sorry that you didn’t care for Brueggers! Normally their bagels are really good. Have a safe flight home!
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Too bad that Brueggers was a disappointment — we have them around us in the Twin Cities and I love them. And bummer to miss your smoothie in a bowl! But that place looked really cool, love the signs. Safe travels home 🙂 Isn’t that the way…good weather on departure day??!
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Sorry breakfast wasn’t stellar. I have that “Happiness” picture in my studio. It’s from World Market in case you *reeeeeally* liked it! 🙂
Kelly says
Jealous of your weather in Cville, we just got blasted with snow today! Winter is still up us… I mean me! 🙂
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
Yes, I agree with you that Bruegger’s is not such a much… too bad your breakfast was not up to par but hopefully lunch makes up for it!
mel says
HS….was that really nice? haha. Kidding. But seriously, I was telling my hubby this yesterday. I was at kroger and an older woman who was working in the produce dept. dropped several containers of cookies on the floor. I saw TWO men walk by her and not even stop to try and help. I approached her and helped her pick them up, which took maybe 1 minute and she was so thankful. Are people really so busy that they can’t stop and help someone for one minute? Especially an elderly woman. Or open the door for someone? Or say thank you? Sadly, I think kindness is on the downslide. I for one will teach my children to always be kind to people…no matter what they look like or what they are doing.
Khushboo says
Bummer about breakfast! I was actually a huge fan of Breuggers when I tried it in LA- perhaps an off day?
jen_alluisi says
Heh. When I was in college, I was in a theatre production that we all wrote and then performed called BE NICE OR LEAVE. It was…artsy. Not totally straightforward. A bit silly. But VERY Southern 🙂 And friends have been buying me magnets, bags, shirts, etc. with “Be Nice or Leave” printed on them ever since.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
I agree….BE nice to everyone 🙂 It is a wonderful thing!
Cait's Plate says
Ugh I HATE when that happens! There’s nothing worse than finding a great place right after you’ve already settled for one!
At least you got some yummy mid-afternoon stuff to look forward to! Safe travels 🙂
PS – SO jealous of the weather you’re going back to! We’re getting our 3rd snowstorm right now!
Deirdre @ Oh Well Whatever.com says
At least you got to experience some of the CA sun and blue skies. Have a safe trip home.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Oh wow, SIAB in a restaurant?!!??! They must have been reading your blog before they put that on the menu! 😉 Sorry to hear about the disappointing bagel. I think peeling oranges is the primary reason that I don’t buy them that often, but I bet ones grown AND eaten in California are to die for!
Alaina says
Your San Diego recaps are making me want to go back to Southern California! Love that beautiful weather. 🙂
Have a safe trip home!
Jen says
I hate stale bagels. It’s impossible to ‘revive’ them. Oh my Lord that last photo! I want to move to Cali! You were in San Diego right? Too bad the housing is crazy expensive there 😉
Molly @ RDexposed says
One of our nurses that I work with has a sign on her desk that reads, “because nice matters.” Love the statement and truth in it.
Sarah@The Flying ONION says
Safe travels home! 😀
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
We had a Brueggers at my school in Charleston, I liked their salads but their bagels weren’t great…
Stephanie says
My motto when I was teaching elementary school was “work hard be nice.” I wish I had that sign! I also used to live in San Diego and have loved reading about your adventures. Safe travels home!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Be nice is a concept that too many people just don’t get. 🙂
You’re right- the weather will be great tomorrow- and then all over the place again, just like it has been! I’m wondering if there’s still a chance for winter to make an appearance over the next few weeks (i’m kind of hoping not!)
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
The bagel looks sad 🙁 Your bagels from cville always look awesome!! Enjoy the last bit of your time in Cali!
joelle (on a pink typewriter) says
It’s pouring here in DC right now, so hope you packed an umbrella for when you get home!
Sana says
I think being nice works both ways, I try and be nice to other people so that in return people will be nice to me.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Love those signs!!
katie @KatieDid says
short but sweet trip, it looked like tons of fun. Hoping that sandwich makes up for the less than stellar bagel for you!
Hillary says
Disappointing! Brueggers is usually pretty good—or at least they used to be!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
Ohhh I’ve always been curious about Brueggers! I guess I’ll try the non-skinny bagel 😀 Have a great and safe day Kath!~
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
That kind of stuff always happens to me where I find a better place to have eaten after the not so great meal is done. At least you will have a good lunch! Have a safe trip home!
Caitlin @ Cake with Love says
I like both signs so much truth in the meaning! have a safe flight!
Amanda @ Dogs, Chocolate and Fruits & Veggies says
Getting a sad looking bagel is always a disappointment. Growing up on New York bagels, I experienced this often when I moved to the DC area, I’ve learned how to cope though 🙂
Em (Wine and Butter) says
Kath!!
Im not 100% where to comment but Ive just been reading BERF .. I adore it!! And I am NOT a baby person. My maternal instincts seem to be dwindling by the year and babies in general I can totally take or leave (good thing I dont have one right…!?) – BUT I thought I’d check it out and its adorable! It actually reminds me lots of your starting blog, sharing your weight loss journey… very honest, smart and open! If/ when I do cross the (currently humungous) gap into motherhood I can totally see myself using it as a resource AND I would encourage even the less ‘baby mama’ orientated of your readers to check it out!
I get really mad if I have a sucky meal too! 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
safe travels!
Elizabeth says
Kath, I have read for a long time, but have never commented, but I just have to tell you how much I have been enjoying your blog lately. It is so forthcoming, honest, and inspiring, and I feel like your posts are just downright bubbly since the announcement of your pregnancy. Love the recipes and the experiences you share, and can’t wait to keep reading as you continue on this healthy living journey through these new (to you!) circumstances! Good luck with everything and thanks for producing such quality material! 🙂
KathEats says
Thanks so much Elizabeth!
seana says
We have Bruegger’s here in upstate NY. Nothing great at all. Jealous of your weather. We’re getting 6-10 inches of snow tonight. Yuck.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I have two boys now in their teens. I have tried to raise them on the premise…’do unto others as you would have done unto you’. When we go anywhere I always remind them….’if you want to be invited back, behave like you do’. The praise that means the most to me is when someone tells me…’yours boys are so nice!’ In this crazy world…a little bit of nice goes a long way!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I love subway signs like that. So cute. Bummer on missing a smoothie in a bowl. That always is a good one!
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness says
Love the “be nice” part of the sign, I hate all of the snark in this world lately.
Blessing {Working Mom Journal} says
Those are simple life advice – work hard and be nice!
Sarah says
Brueggers, I used to love it, before I moved to NYC and tasted all that a bagel should be. subpar is sad.
Emily says
yeah brueggers is super mediocre. i LOVE those signs though….i think your veggie sandwiches will be great..because out of beautiful places like that usually come food equally as wonderful 🙂
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
We have a Brueggers here and I agree that their bagels are extremely sub par–they are SO dense!!!! My friends all love it because, like you said, it’s super cheap and they give us coupons at school making it even cheaper but I’d rather pay a bit more for quality!
Emily says
me too jamie! i have always been willing to pay a little bit extra for what tastes better, or for what is better for you!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Noooo I hate a bad bagel! I go to school in Alabama but am from Long Island and miss my good bagels terribly!
Sam Smith says
What you did to that bagel before eating it was foul. Your fault it wasn’t good since you fiddled with it before consumption.
Jeannie says
Ugh, we have a Brueggers here in town & it’s the worst. On a happier note, I am on the second of 6 bags of CVille Crunch I ordered. Delish. ANd I have to say hoe impressed am by how jam-packed these bags are. You guys did a great job of squeezing in every last delicious crunch! Thank you.
KathEats says
Glad you like it!
Lily says
Aw I can’t believe they took the filling of the bagel out! Safe traveling home 🙂
Heather says
Gah! We just got our Cville Cluster today and WHYYY????? It’s so good! I’m going to have to hide a bag from my husband. (I’m not too proud to hoard, haha!)
KathEats says
🙂
Leah says
Dry bagels and weird orange peels, yuck! I agree we can all stand to be a little nicer!
Paige @ Healthy Hits the Spot says
I will be in San Diego tomorrow! Will be funny if I see any of these places that you’re posting about 🙂 I’m just going for a day trip to Apt. hunt with a friend! Have a safe trip home!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
BE NICE. What a simple concept that I feel like so many don’t take to heart these days. <— AMEN!!!
The simple things and just being nice go so far in life. Thank you for posting that sign!
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
It’s always a disappointment when breakfast is no good – it’s one of my favorite parts of the day!
Dominique says
I can’t believe that place has smoothie-in-a-bowl. I thought that was just your own creation. To be honest, I still think it’s a little weird to have a smoothie in a bowl, but yesterday while Sean was making a smoothie, for a second I thought I should eat it in a bowl topped with granola. Who knows…maybe someday soon I’ll try it out.
I think that’s the saddest bagel and cream cheese I’ve ever seen. Even the coffee shops here like to pile the cream cheese on so it squirts out the sides as you eat it. Here’s hoping the sandwich is better.
Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie says
Oh California…Enjoy the oranges for me!
Pam Landy says
Your comment “BE NICE. What a simple concept that I feel like so many don’t take to heart these days” struck a cord with me because I felt you could have used that advice when you wrote the banana post. Whether is was in “good humor,” I truly thought it was rude to come up with a code word for Karen to use instead of just allowing her to reminisce and listen to her say how much she likes California. Even if you say “we agreed” on it I can imagine Karen wanted to be able to talk about how much she enjoys the state without saying “banana.” I’m sure she has listened to you talk about the blog, oatmeal, or food more than she might want (I could be wrong, but I’m trying to compare it to something reasonable).
When you reply in your comments you sometimes come across as very curt/rude, and we’re essentially your customers so just something to keep in mind. I honestly don’t think my comment will be up for very long, and I’m sure a whole slew of “white knighters” will come to your defense, but it’s worth a shot.
KathEats says
Pam,
Did it occur to you to maybe ask me about the situation before choosing to accuse me of being a mean person? It’s always guilty until proven innocent around here.
Karen was actually the one who came up with the idea. I had just told a story earlier that day about how when we were little, Larbs and I had used the same code word as a concise way to get the message across that there was a rattlesnake on our hiking path and we should run. Karen laughed and decided to do the same for her emotions. We laughed about it the whole weekend inserting it into funny situations, and she used many other words to describe her love for San Diego too. In fact, I told her you guys were accusing me of being a dictator to her and she rolled her eyes and told me to tell you all that she can take care of herself. We have a great supportive relationship of one another and are there in good times and bad, which we’ve had our share of this year. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t assume you know all the facts of my life before making assumptions about my character.
seana says
Kath,
Don’t take other’s comments to heart. Karen clearly looked super happy and worry free. As did you and Matt. Don’t let people’s comments get to you. You have to answer to yourself and yourself alone. I felt bad for you when I read her post. Don’t even other responding to people like that. You’re a good person!
White Knighter says
Mind your own business, Pam Landy!
Angel7 says
I really like their signage!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
I hate when I jump at the first place I see for food and miss out on something better a short way down the street. It happens to everyone, though from time to time.