Le Pain Quotidien (All Over)

Is it weird to love a place when you can't pronounce its name? Le Pain Quotidien translates to "our daily bread," and that is exactly what LPQ sets out to provide. Known for their communal tables and deliciously organic entrees, LPQ has more than 25 locations throughout New York City as well as in a handful of other states and countries. Their shops are always delightfully rustic with a distinctly French feel. Best of all, it always smells like freshly baked bread.

 

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I've been to a few LPQ locaitons for lunch and even a few times to study, but recently M and I went to their Upper West location on 72nd and Columbus to try some of their famous pastries. Now, I should say now that I arrived far earlier than M to get some reading done. Our waitress was kind and patient with me, refilling my coffee and being attentive without being obnoxious while I waited for my friend, and that was much appreciated. After M arrived and we had some real food (one day I will probably dedicate a post to the number of carrot soups I've tried in this city), we decided it was time for the sweet stuff.

First we sampled the Raspberry Tart. Let me take a moment here to confess my undying love for fresh berries. I spend my year longing for summer not because I crave the sunlight or yearn for vacation, but because summer is berry season. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries. Send them over. I freeking love berries.

So you can probably guess that I either loved or hated this tart based upon the freshness of the berries. You'll be happy to know that they were perfect. The raspberry coulis under the berries was just the right balance of sweet and tart. The pastry cream was light and fresh. The shell was buttery and dense, yet flaky and sweet. Y'all, this tart is perfection.

Next we tried the Belgian Brownie. It doesn't really look like a brownie, but if you're like me and define brownies as dense, fudgy, dark chocolatey treats that are somewhere between bar cookies and cakes, you will love this. This dessert epitomized the word "rich." I don't think I could have eaten the entire thing by myself. But alongside the Raspberry Tart, we had created the perfect dessert combination.

 

Clearly we hated every bite.

Overall, LPQ has delicious real food and outstanding desserts. Their food, combined with their friendly service and European ambiance, makes them one of my favorite chains in the city. Side note: because they have so many locations, they have to post their calorie counts. I have mixed feelings about this, but the numbers generally comfort me more than creep me out. I plan to continue frequenting NYC's many LPQ locations, slowly eating my way through their entire menu.

Le Pain Quotidien gets my stamp of approval!

Have you been to Le Pain Quotidien? Do you have any favorite chains that consistently impress you? Do you have ideas about where I should have gone instead or where I should go next? Sound off in the comments!