Le Pain Quotidien has arrived in Orange County! And it’s arrived in style, with a prime location and stunning ocean view at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Now we can enjoy the simple, elegant boulangerie fare of Belgian bakery and café Le Pain Quotidien that Belgians, Parisians, New Yorkers and Angelenos have been privy to for years!
Le Pain Quotidien – pronounced luh paN koh-ti-dyaN, meaning “the daily bread” — was founded in Brussels in 1990 by Chef Alain Coumont, whose concept of simplicity and timelessness now has an international presence with more than 150 locations worldwide.
The bakery, which is in full view of passers-by and diners, entices you with glimpses of its artisan organic bread, which is still kneaded and shaped by hand then baked in a hearth under the watchful eye of head baker Jonathan Eng.
The Fashion Island location is the second to feature a unique on-site bakery that will offer baking classes to the public – the first was Bleeker Street in NYC. Jonathan comes to sunny southern California from the Bleeker Street location and will lead the baking classes at Newport Beach. Wheat, rye, spelt, five-grain walnut, baguettes, French rolls, brioche, croissants, muffins and other pastries, will all be baked fresh daily.
Le Pain Quotidien’s menu accommodates vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner for in-restaurant dining or take-out service with a wide selection of soups, salads, and tartines (open-faced sandwiches, a house specialty) featuring their signature breads.
The tartine is one of Le Pain Quotidien’s most popular offerings and, at a media preview, guests were treated to a tasting of several of the more than dozen varieties available on the dining and catering menu, including Paris Ham and Aged Gruyère with cornichons and mustard trio; Organic Black Bean Hummus with avocado and spicy tahini; Smoked Atlantic Salmon with avocado and chopped dill; and Chicken Curry Salad with a side of harissa-cranberry chutney.
Le Pain Quotidien will also present seasonal offerings on a menu that changes approximately five times a year and the artisan bakers will be creating new bread and pastries to retail only in the Fashion Island locale. Fall specials include a Broccoli, Ham and Swiss Frittata; Vegan Cherry Scone; Gazpacho; Roasted Turkey, Brie and Honey Mustard Tartine; Endive, Fourme d’Ambert and Pear Salad; French Lentil, Chickpea and Avocado Salad; Mixed Grape and Walnut Tart; and Sparkling Hibiscus Tea.
With its communal tables, artisanal dishes and tranquil environment, Le Pain Quotidien transports its customers to the Belgian countryside and a simpler way of life. In Newport Beach, you’re likely to be drawn to the stunning view of the Pacific from the sunny patio, but you’ll also love the beautiful interior which features high ceilings, warm handcrafted wood furnishings, rustic brick walls, expansive windows and classical music for a warm atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and conversation.
We were pleased to meet Regional Vice President Tony Martin and General Manager Kaylyn Crawford and share in their excitement at the opening of LPQ. Both placed great emphasis on how Le Pain Quotidien is committed to responsible business practices that are good for the community and the environment. In keeping with their commitment to preserving the environment, Le Pain Quotidien uses reclaimed wood and recycled Gypsum in its construction, along with energy-efficient lamps, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, and packaging.
You’re invited to join the Grand Opening celebration and meet Chef Coumont all while benefiting Share Our Strength this Thursday, October 27th. Tickets are $40 per guest and can be purchased by contacting Judy Walker at 949-481-7792 or via email at jwalker@strength.org. Le Pain Quotidien will donate 100% of ticket sales to the local chapter of Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit whose goal it is to end childhood hunger in America.
Le Pain Quotidien
Fashion Island
1103 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA
For more information, including menus, catering information and baking classes, visit www.lepainquotidien.us.
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First of all of love that they are donating to Share Our Strength, but I have to be honest I can’t get past the beautiful pastries. If only I lived closer. Visiting places with you is now one of my new favorite hobbies
Thanks, Red! I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the places I visit and that the time I spend taking/selecting/editing photos and writing is not wasted
Wow…this looks fantastic. Like what Red said….wish I lived closer!
Ok, we definitely have to go here for lunch… soon!!!
I love this place. I first found it in Grenoble. My friend and I thought it was an adorable local place. Then we saw them all over Paris. It was a little disheartening but we still loved it. Now back in the States I go to one when ever I am near. Love it!
I echo Shari’s sentiments about Share our Strength. We are lucky we have few locations in DC but no ocean view:( Love evrything about Le Pain Quotidien and their jams are to die for.
Your site is absolutely gorgeous! The layout and design are spectacular! Bravo! All of your restaurant reviews and recipes are so beautifully written followed by such gorgeous photography. So glad I found your site! Have a beautiful day =]
Awww, thanks so much FreeSpiritEater (love your name)
I’m glad to have discovered your site through Sandra.
I’ve been lucky enough to eat at Le Pain Quotidien. A croissant and cup of coffee? Perfect! Thank you for sharing with me, my friend.
Monet, you could probably bake a croissant that could rival theirs
Hope you’re doing well and back to baking!
Lucky you!! I would pig out on those tartines. And is it just me, or does the head baker look 12??? I am getting old, lol
lol, it’s not just you, Trix
I’ve come across a lot of 12 year olds serving in bars these days too!
What a wonderful place, you lucky duck! Everything looks so amazing! and I agree with Trix, that baker looks like he is in his teens haha
@Ravie – I know! But really – he’s a pro and has to be in his 20s – didn’t want to ask
Those pastries look darn near perfect! I wish I lived closer to one of these too =)
So after we hit Laguna for our next outing we will most certainly need a trip to Fashion Island