I visited the Beverly Hills location and am always impressed with the restaurant layout when I go there. It truly reminds me of somewhere on the streets of Europe. There is a large patio area in front. Inside, there is a bar side where you can peruse their desserts and jarred sauces for sale or order bread or other dishes to go. The dining area is separated from the take-out side by a large compartmentalized shelf holding the silverware, napkins, and various wares for sale. The dining room has several small tables around the edges and a gigantic communal table in the middle. The communal table is perfect for just 1-2 in a party. It is really nice to sit at that communal table as 1 because then you don't feel silly dining by yourself.
Don't let the 1-page menu fool you, there is a lot of variety in their food. They serve both breakfast and lunch. I haven't had the opportunity to try the breakfast yet, but there is a lot of choice--but don't go if you're counting carbs, remember this place is known for its bread.
Usually you can seat yourself, but if you have a particularly large party or a baby or something feel free to stand at the front and someone will assist you. This place really seems to know what you want--even the drinks are unique. Today's special iced tea was pomegranate. They also have a mint lemonade and a to die for apple cider. It tastes as wonderful as if it were fresh from the orchard. The lemonade and iced tea come with their own carafe, but the cider doesn't have refills.
The menu has a variety of salads, tartines (open faced sandwiches), and quiches. This trip everyone in my party of four ordered something different. I got my favorite Chicken Curry Salad Tartine with harissa cranberry chutney. The salad is piled high on a sandy-colored bread. It comes nicely set out on a small porcelain cutting board with a small salad, sliced cucumbers and radishes, and the chutney. The two flavors of the chutney and curry mix together perfectly. The bread has a wonderful texture that only helps the meal.
Another person got the tuna tartine with olive tapenade. I'm not a fan of tuna myself, but she said it was delicious with large chunks of tuna and the tapanade was more of a paste than a minced olive dressing. Another diner got one of the quiches. To me it looked more like a slice of a square deep dish pizza. It was filled to the brim with ingredients including ham. The final diner got the vegetarian salad which was comprised of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of cheeses. Even though I see myself as a beginning cheese contesuir, I wasn't able to identify all the flavors. One may have been thinly sliced irish white cheddar, another one was some kind of blue, and there was for sure brie on that plate. Everyone was sufficiently satisfied at the end of the meal.
We didn't try the dessert this time, but I have had one of the berry tarts before and the berries were incredibly fresh adding to the crisp tart and filling.
The service here is superb. The manager was nearby watching for any disruption and the waitress came by several times asking if we needed anything else.
Le Pain Quotidien is not cheap, my entree was only $8, but altogether with drinks the bill for four came to about $60. However, if you are interested in some delightful flavor pairings and some deliciously fresh bread give it a try as a special treat.
Le Pain Quotidien
9630 S Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Map
1 comment:
Did you know that this chain actually started in Brussels? So it is authentic European, as Carrie mentioned she thought it would be.
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