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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Nachos Dulces at Sol Cocina

warm tortilla ‘chips’ dusted with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with dulce de leche & chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream, sprinkled with crushed Ibarra chocolate & toasted almonds

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Patio dining in southern California doesn’t get much better than this – unless you’re at the beach!
Two of the best items on the menu: silky Edamame Dumplings and Caramelized Onion Tart with Figs and Gorgonzola.

True Food Kitchen, newly opened in Fashion Island next to Roy’s.

451 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA

(949) 644-2400

P.S.  Bring your sunscreen – the stylish awnings have gaps and, since June gloom has finally disappeared, the  sun was intense! The photos were taken under the shade of the awning, where alas, I was not.

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Post tags: Fashion Island, gluten-free, Newport Beach, True Food Kitchen, vegan, vegetarian

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Sol Cocina’s LOBSTER & SHRIMP TACOS (each with a different salsa: one with mango habanero, one with pico de gallo and one with tomatillo (or pick your fave).

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Just recently, Sol Cocina in Newport Beach celebrated their one year anniversary with a week-long celebration that ended with a bash for a few hundred of their avid friends. Sol Cocina occupies a beautiful space designed to echo the expansiveness of the sea, sky, and desert of the Baja peninsula and successfully combines old world charm with urban comfort. The party began in the downstairs private dining room but, considering this area can be reserved for private events of 35 to 50 guests, we soon overflowed into the main dining area where guests enjoy a fabulous view of the Balboa marina while sipping Partida margaritas (or your choice of the 60 artisan tequilas offered).

Of course, there was Chef Deborah Schneider’s house special Guacamole Sol, passed mini carne asada tostadas, panuchos (empanadas), and other delicious Baja antojitos. And no party is complete without cupcakes!

Sol Cocina has a menu full of fresh, seasonal ingredients and  showcases dishes that are true to Baja style like Carne Asada Street Tacos and Cocktel de Mariscos as well as chef’s own Baja-inspired dishes. Besides ultimate harbor vistas from every table, the restaurant features an open kitchen with counter seating and a vibrant bar with cozy fireside seating. They have a fantastic happy hour from 3:00 – 6:00, 7 days a week, with $5.00 Sol house margaritas, well drinks and beer, and special pricing on antojitos. If you haven’t experienced Sol – you better,  Andale!

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Post tags: Chef Deborah Schneider, Newport Beach, Sol Cocina

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner – Sunday, May 9th to be exact. If you don’t have a plan for your mother or the mother of your children, I can offer some suggestions. If brunch is one of your  Mother’s Day traditions, you might want to start thinking about it now ‘cuz it is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants Another popular activity among moms is relaxing and being pampered with a massage or facial at one of the many resort spas or day spas in the area.

Last week I had the pleasure of being treated to a Mom’s Day Off with some of my favorite girls, all of us bloggers at OC Family, at the luxurious and picturesque Resort at Pelican Hill. If you want to make this THE most memorable of Mother’s Days, I highly recommend indulging the mom you love with a day like this:

For reservations or inquiries call (949) 467-6800 or online at http://www.pelicanhill.com.

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Post tags: Mothers Day, Newport Beach, Resort at Pelican Hill

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Post tags: community events, Newport Beach, Public Safety Day, Red Cross, volunteer

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