I am currently in New York, it’s been over ten years since I have been back to the city that literally never sleeps. I am feeling pretty exhausted! I need a vacation from my vacation. Although, being on the go is just part of the life of an entrepreneur. Currently sipping on a delicious almond milk mocha, the best I have ever had to date. One thing you will notice about New York is the number of restaurants, cafés, bakeries…eateries everywhere. Luckily, most restaurants have ratings on the front window and menus outside. If it’s Zagat rated or if it’s a Michelin star establishment you can guarantee that it’s good.
I told you I would be BRUNCHING around the world when I previewed our official Brunch Collection. The plan was to start in Toronto, but plans change and I am in New York at the moment…so New York it is. Yes, we have Brunch Collection New York tees and porcelain mugs! We love brunch and so does New York!
IN LOVE WITH LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
Le Pain Quotidien, “the daily bread”, started in Brussels by Allan Coumont in the early 1990’s lived up to the hype. I read the reviews, I heard about first-hand experiences at one of the many locations around the world and I can honestly tell you this, it’s seriously good. It’s everything you would want in a café bakery and that je né sais quoi you will miss.
As I mentioned above, this is the best latte (I had a mocha) I have ever had to date. I can’t say ever because we’re still on tour here so I am bound to experience something just as good, if not better. None the less, this is keeping me happy. I wish I could just have someone dispensing this perfection for me daily. I will also note, I didn’t have to break the bank either and it’s not loaded with any weird syrups or sweeteners. It’s made the way a good mocha should be made, simple and with a lot of care and love.
The first thing you will notice when you enter Le Pain Quotidien on Madison Avenue (their first location in the US) is the rustic simple decor. A large rectangular family style oak table takes center stage. At LPQ you are family and they encourage you to dine amongst new people like they are family. For those who prefer to sit alone or with their own group, don’t worry there are smaller tables available. It was super busy when we arrived, the family seating was full so we sat at our own table.
I ordered an avocado tartine with citrus cumin salt, chia seeds and extra virgin olive oil. It was delicious and the chia seeds added a nice crunch. A tartine is an open-faced sandwich, some call it avocado toast but the appropriate term for an open-faced sandwich is tartine. LPQ offers nine different tartine options on their menu. The chicken curry salad tartine with carrot, sunflower seeds, scallions and mint with cranberry-harissa chutney must be delicious. I will definitely try it next time, it was a bit early for that but I considered it! If you’re not a tartine person, there are salads, quiches, soups, freshly baked goods, desserts, artisanal cheese & charcuterie boards, organic wines and craft beers and great brunch and breakfast selections.
LPQ is the kind of place you try once and without hesitation, you will find yourself there again sooner than later. They have a few gluten-free options (yay!) as well; this includes bread! I hope they open up a location in Toronto, a girl can dream right?!
FAMILY LOVE
LPQ has such a deep love of family and coming together that they partnered with FEED Supper Foundation. FEEDs’ mission is to “raise 2 million meals for children and families by October 16th, World Food Day.” You can participate by joining LPQ at one of their communal tables and dine for a cause. You can find out more here.
This Brunch Tour is off to a great start. Please let me know if you stop by one of the many LPQ locations around the world.
Don’t forget to tag #BrunchTour as you add to your Brunch Collection.
For Brunch Collection New York mugs and tees you can pre-order before they are available for purchase on the online store in October.
Cover Image Courtesty: LPQ
