Moulin the award-winning French bistro with locations in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, will double its number of stores in 2019. Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud’s growing Moulin brand expands with his French antique store set to open in Newport Beach early January and the brand’s third bistro location in San Clemente set to open in March.
Moulin’s third bistro will open at the historic Casino San Clemente (120 W Avenida Pico). Built in 1937, this seaside landmark has long been a gathering place for celebration and revelry, serving as a beacon for San Clemente, drawing in Hollywood starlets and travelers from around the world. Within walking distance to San Clemente’s popular North Beach, much of Moulin’s menu will be available to-go, modeled after cafes along coastal France.
“California’s surf culture is what drew me to the US from France nearly 35 years ago,” comments Vrignaud. “Today, I’m constantly drawn back to the beach. Moulin’s new location at Casino San Clemente is the ideal destination to recreate my love for Paris with a touch of childhood memories spent at the beach.”
Much like Casino San Clemente, Vrignaud created Moulin as a central gathering place — a place for friends to enjoy a cup of coffee together in the morning or for a budding romance to bloom over a bottle of champagne in the early afternoon. Delivering its signature all-encompassing French experience, Moulin San Clemente will be filled with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch of Paris.
The 1500 sq. ft. bistro faces San Clemente’s North Beach; its ocean-view patio will offer vintage bistro tables and chairs shaded by Moulin’s signature red umbrellas. Inside will be filled with the original metal plaques, light fixtures, and framed French art – all collected by Laurent from France — which have become synonymous with the Moulin brand.
Moulin San Clemente will serve the classic dishes of France including bistro favorites like Croque Madame, omelets, and Eggs Benedict; its patisserie will glisten with iconic pastries such as the St. Honoré and Tart Tatin, as well as house-baked bread and classic viennoiserie.
“In keeping with our tradition of supporting small, family-owned businesses we’re blessed to have the Moulin culinary artisans take up residence at the Casino San Clemente,” explains Linda Sadeghi, Casino San Clemente’s co-owner.
The Moulin antique store, which will open adjacent to Vrignaud’s flagship location in Newport Beach (1000 N Bristol St.) this January will focus on “Art de la Table” offering a curated collection of vintage French finds sourced from various markets across France including the famous Les Puces in Paris. Focusing on brands like Maison Gatti, Tolix, and Fermob, the store will carry a variety of vintage furnishings and metal signage similar to those at Moulin. Everything at Moulin and the antique store has been hand-selected by Laurent on his frequent trips back home to France. To meet the high demand for catering inquiries, the antique store will also serve as a meeting space for prospective catering clients.
Moulin San Clemente is located within the historic Casino San Clemente (120 W Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92672) and offers 1200 sq. ft. of indoor seating and a 300 sq. ft. ocean-view patio. The 60-seat restaurant will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please visit: www.moulin.com or connect with @moulin on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates.
About Moulin
Since opening its doors in September 2014, Moulin has been delighting guests with its authentic French foods and culture. Born and raised in Montmartre, Paris, Laurent Vrignaud created Moulin out of his love for the French bistro culture he has missed since moving to California in the 1980s. From the moment you step inside, Moulin transports you to France with the smell of fresh artisan bread, the sight of fresh chickens turning in the rotisserie and the sound of people speaking French. Open seven days a week, Moulin serves breakfast, fresh-baked bread, viennoiserie, and artisan pastries, rotisserie chicken, charcuterie and cheese plates, French wine and beer, and the most beloved dishes served across the country. Moulin has locations in Newport Beach (1000 Bristol Street N), Laguna Beach (248 Forest Ave), and San Clemente (120 W Avenida Pico).
About Casino San Clemente
For more information on the Casino San Clemente, seaside private event venue, please visit thecasinosanclemente.com or call 949-369-6600
