The sensational Le Pain Quotidien has finally arrived in The Commons Calabasas. I first discovered this Belgian farmhouse-style restaurant in London during my experience abroad. It is the perfect, cozy nook for both young and old to study, sip on a perfectly frothed cappuccino or meet friends.
Le Pain Quotidien is a French phrase meaning “the daily bread.” It began in 1990 as an artisanal bakery in Belgium. At the time, the chef and owner Alain Coumont began with a simple menu of fresh local organic breads, salads and sandwiches. He wished to bring better quality bread to the people of his hometown in Brussels.
Coumont began hand mixing his own organic stone-ground flour, water and salt into the familiar loaves of his childhood. Today, there are more than 100 Le Pain Quotidien cafes in 15 countries. Each store offers a similar rustic feel with the same furniture and architecture used in each. Reclaimed wood and recycled Gypsum are used in the construction of all of Coumont’s restaurants. I have now been to four Le Pain Quotidiens in London, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and Calabasas, and can personally attest each store offers the same charming and unhurried service, decor and earthy cuisine.
Walking into Calabasas Le Pain Quotidien, I was greeted with the authentic feel each restaurant offers. The first similarity I noticed is the signature communal table in the heart of the restaurant. It allows friends and diners to come together and break bread. Another commonality is the large chalkboard that lists the seasonal items. The menu consists of the highest quality and mostly organic ingredients that are delicately selected and assembled in the kitchen. There is also a growing list of vegan and gluten-free dishes, which taste equally exceptional. Specialty jams and chocolate spreads are also provided on each table to spread on the artisanal breads. If you are a Nutella fan, just wait until you have a taste of one of Le Pain’s chocolaty spreads. The sweet rich fluffy spread melts in your mouth, like a cloud of chocolate and pralines.
Before opening my menu, I decided on the Harvest Cranberry Porridge listed on the seasonal chalkboard. The porridge contains warm faro simmered with almond milk, pecans, walnuts and cranberries topped with fresh strawberries. The warmth from the bowl comforts your heart and soul with each spoonful. The other menu items include fantastic salads, soups, tartines, omelets, organic free-range meats and decadent desserts. 
For my drink, I selected another seasonal item, the chai latte. Le Pain Quotidien offers a variety of milks including cow, soy and almond milk for your choosing. After deciding on almond milk, the waitress delivered a freshly steamed drink to my booth in a fantastic fishbowl mug. The spiciness of the chai paired with the soft nuttiness from the milk makes for the ultimate tea beverage. The mochachino is equally delicious and by far the best chocolaty coffee drink I have ever tasted. Watch out Starbucks and Coffee Bean.
Next time you are at The Commons in Calabasas or want a Belgian inspired meal, be sure to dine at Le Pain Quotidien. The kind staff and tasty bites will make your experience quite enjoyable and leave you feeling comforted with a satisfied appetite.
