Hungry Posted: Le Pain Quotidien

By: Diana Rodriguez

What to expect: The outdoor seating at LPQ is always bustling so you get to peek at some of your options as you walk past the tables to get inside. Then you are greeted by rows of fresh baked breads and cases of pastries behind the glass. Stay downstairs and order from the counter if you are grabbing something to go, or wait to be seated. We recommend you dine in and check out the second floor with the large glass windows. Upstairs you will notice the ocean blue hues and fish scales painted on the wall to make this South Florida location unique.

The Menu: At Le Pain Quotidien, the menu is sectioned to showcase their bakery, breakfast & brunch, salads and soups, tartines, and a variety of other plates from small to large. Most recognized for their tartines—Belgian open-faced sandwiches—this section is boxed off in green. These are served on organic whole-wheat sourdough. However, nearly every dish on the menu is paired with bread so you know to come hungry.

What to order: With a versatile menu that may be slightly customized, we recommend you share a few dishes. Unless you want to go all in, then be sure to order one of their delectable tartines if this is your first visit.

Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl: This was our top choice from the breakfast items and one you can easily share (if you are also ordering the Smoked Salmon Tartine). Start with an organic sunny-side-up egg, ancient grains, roasted Brussels, sweet potatoes, avocado, kale, arugula and red cabbage. Then mix it all together and serve. It is a warm dish and has all the good kinds of fat (wink, wink).

Avocado Toast: Because avocado toast on the menu still gets rave reviews. We love the gluten-free bread used for this toast and especially the combination of avocado with the citrus cumin salt. Unlike other toasts, this one has slices of avocado on top of the mashed avo. You have more options here like adding an egg or smoked salmon. Dreams do come true.

Warm Belgian Waffle: Just add fresh berries and cream. That’s right. No maple syrup needed. When you bite into the waffle, you will get tiny pieces of crystallized sugar that make this dish so magical. The whipped cream on top is a nice contrast to the waffle’s texture.

Off the menu: The secret is that the menu already allows for you to customize certain dishes. You can always ask them to warm your pastries as well (in case you’ve never asked). Otherwise, always add the fried egg on top.

How to score a table: Weekends are pretty busy here as early as 9 AM. Beat the crowd by getting here early or leaving the kids at home. Smaller groups always get seated faster. You can also ask to be seated at the common table since you won’t mind making new friends.