Belgian bakery to open first OC location in October

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 this October 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. For more information, including menus, catering information and baking classes, visit www.lepainquotidien.us.

ABOUT LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
Le Pain Quotidien serves simple, elegant boulangerie fare, made with organic ingredients whenever possible. The concept remains essentially unchanged since founder Alain Coumont opened the first Le Pain Quotidien in Brussels in 1990. 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. Le Pain Quotidien is committed to responsible business practices that are good for the community and the environment.

The bakery-café offers an exclusive line of specialty retail products, including single estate Peruvian coffee beans, Belgian chocolates, jams and fruit preserves, artisanal olive oil from Tunisia, Italian honey, sea salt and black pepper, and balsamic vinegar.

In addition to its signature communal dining table, Le Pain Quotidien features high ceilings, rustic brick walls, expansive windows and classical music for a warm atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and conversation. Wood-crafted tables, chairs, counters and displays give the café a timeless feel. Le Pain Quotidien uses reclaimed wood and recycled Gypsum in its construction with energy-efficient lamps, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and packaging.

Located at Fashion Island, Orange County’s premier coastal shopping and dining experience, Le Pain Quotidien is situated among many specialty boutiques and world-class department stores. Visited by more than 13 million people annually, Fashion Island offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that is distinctively Southern California.

For more information, including menus, catering information and baking classes, visit http://www.lepainquotidien.us/ (www.facebook.com/lepainquotidien.usa or www.twitter.com/lepainquotidien).