Belgian bakery and café Le Pain Quotidien, known for its simple, elegant boulangerie fare including organic breads and beverages opens its first location in Orange County the week of October 17th in Fashion Island’s Pacific Court. With a communal table, a trademark piece for the brand, the 169-seat restaurant boasts an expansive 400-square-footpatio with stunning ocean views unique to its Newport Beach location.
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. In light of its extraordinary expansion, the company makes a continuous effort to stay true to its roots and values of conviviality, authenticity, quality, and simplicity. On a local level, each eatery sources organic ingredients and implements sustainable practices.
The Fashion Island location will be only the second worldwide to feature a unique on-site bakery that will offer baking classes to the public. The bakery, which is in full view of diners, will serve as an educational hub highlighting Le Pain Quotidien’s organic bread, which is still kneaded and shaped by hand then baked in a hearth under the watchful eye of artisan bakers. Wheat, rye, spelt, five-grain walnut, baguettes, French rolls, brioche, croissants, muffins and other pastries, will all be baked fresh daily. Friday sees the addition of freshly baked challah.
“We are looking forward to introducing Le Pain Quotidien to Orange County, and we are excited to offer on-site baking classes to the community,” said Jay Wainwright, President of Le Pain Quotidien US. “We think that this Fashion Island location will be a welcome addition to the region’s rich dining landscape.”
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. A wide selection of soups, salads, tartines (open-faced sandwiches, a house specialty) all incorporate signature breads. The tartine is one of Le Pain Quotidien’s most popular offerings with more than a dozen varieties, 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. The artisan bakers will also create new bread and pastries to retail only in the Fashion Island locale. Fall specials will 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.
Opening hours for this fall will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Le Pain Quotidien is located within Fashion Island’s Pacific Court (1103 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach).
