Moulin Now Open in Newport Beach
The Bistro-Épicerie-Cafe Promises to be “Always Fresh, Always French”
Moulin, the bistro-epicerie-cafe that is as French as any bistro in France, opened this morning in Newport Beach. Specializing in fresh-baked baguettes and viennoiseries, rotisserie chicken, classic pastries and the most beloved culinary delights served in bistros across France, Moulin is the result of a 30-year long dream by Laurent Vrignaud who wanted to create a bistro just like those he has missed since moving to California in the 1980’s.
With exceptionally high standards for authenticity, Laurent enlisted a staff uniquely qualified to create the most genuine bistro foods and experience possible including Anthony Bar as chef and Patrick Sigaud as boulanger-pâtissier (baker-pastry chef), both of whom received culinary training in their native France. Nearly every dish has a story, and the Moulin staff is happy to share these stories with guests who wish to broaden their understanding of French culture and cuisine.
In the morning, guests may enjoy coffee, espresso, all-day breakfast and a range of breads and viennoiseries all baked fresh throughout each day in an exhibition-style boulangerie-pâtisserie. In keeping with French tradition, no baguette sold has been out of the oven more than six hours.
After 11:00 a.m., Moulin will serve fresh chicken slow-cooked in a French rotisserie oven engineered to provide the exact rotation speed, heat and air flow that self-bastes the meat so it is crispy on the outside, moist inside. This rotisserie chicken will feature in any dish with the name “Moulin” such as L’Omelette Moulin, La Salade Moulin and La Crêpe Moulin, as well as La Poulet Frites, a classic dish with half a roasted chicken, green salad and a choice of hand-cut pommes frites, mashed or rustic potatoes.
Additional lunch fare includes les casse croûte (baguette sandwiches) with a variety of fillings including Jambon de Paris (housemade ham), le croque monsieur, la quiche, la charcuterie and cheese plates, and a daily plat du jour, which features a range of traditional dishes such as coq au vin, steak frites, and boeuf bourguignon. A few salads on the menu are La Salade Nicoise, La Salade Moulin and La Salade Frisee made with smoked bacon and poached egg.
Desserts include what are referred to as “the classics,” which are les tartes, les eclairs, Paris Brest, mille-feuille, and more, as well as made-to-order les crêpes filled with sweet and savory fillings.
The wine selection includes more than 70 varieties of Champagne, rose, reds and whites. French beers, cidre, waters and sodas also are available. The epicerie includes some of the finest imported mustards, jams, honey, salt, sodas, cookies and more.
Laurent went to extraordinary lengths to create the look and feel of Moulin. Extensive reconstruction on the 2,800 square-foot bistro started by removing everything down to the outer walls and concrete slab, and rebuilding the entire space from scratch. The space is filled with vintage furnishings and decor such as bistro tables and chairs, original metal signs, light fixtures, an antique butcher’s block, and a giant framed print from the 1920’s all collected by Laurent over the last 20 years during visits back home to France. Espresso, beer and wine are served at a custom-made bar made of zinc, which was the material commonly used to construct bars in French cafes beginning in the late 1800’s, and the breads and pastries are cooked in French ovens that Laurent purchased in France. Moulin offers seating at a communal table, at bistro tables, and along two bars. Additional seating is available on the outdoor terrasse de cafe with umbrella-covered tables, a water fountain, and overhead cafe lighting to resemble the outdoor bistro terraces of France.
Address: 1000 Bristol Street North, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Hours: Seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Three-course Chef’s Dinner $25: Tuesday nights only, 7:00 p.m. (reservations required)
Learn more: www.moulinbistro.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/moulinbistro
Instagram/Twitter: @moulinbistro
About Moulin
Moulin is a bistro-epicerie-cafe that makes guests feel as if they have been transported to France. Open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Moulin serves all-day breakfast, fresh-baked breads, viennoiserie and pastries, rotisserie chicken, charcuterie and cheese plates, beer and wine, and the most beloved dishes served in bistros across the country. The epicerie offers imported mustard, honey, jams, salt, cookies and candy and more. Moulin is located at 1000 North Bristol Street in Newport Beach. For online/mobile ordering download the Moulin Bistro app.
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