January 14, 2006
Le Pain Quotidien
Yes, it's a chain, but Le Pain Quotidien has my respect. From Belgium, they have locations internationally, and many locations in Manhattan, and Los Angeles. They specialize in dense, chewy, rustic organic breads. I've bought their bread many times, and it is expensive ($10 for a loaf), but the loaf lasts a long time due to its denseness. On Friday, my family, myself, and my friend Adam ate lunch at the branch in the Upper West Side (84th & Amsterdam).
I got a Tuscan bread platter (or something like that). It had a farmer's cheese, a pesto & olive tapenade, prosciutto, shaved parmesan, and a selection of bread. Very delicious, and a deceptively large amount of food.
When in a Belgian place in mid-winter, there's nothing better than a nice Belgian Hot Cocoa. I've never had one like this, which was a separate bowl of froth, and the molten chocolate on the side. It worked fairly well, and the cocoa was wonderful.
Adam got a Sardine & Beet sandwich, which I tried. It was salty with an mild sweetness, and not as odd as one might imagine.
Greta got a couple of tarts. Shown below is the apricot tart. I didn't try it, but she reports that it was really good.
I really like this place. Their whole philosophy of organic, rustic food is something I think New York needs more of.