(Photo credit: Manny Hernandez)
Miami said “Bonjour!” on Nov. 17 to Belgian bakery-restaurant Le Pain Quotidien, 3425 Main Hwy. in Coconut Grove, the first Florida location for the international restaurant group.
Le Pain Quotidien, which means “the daily bread” in French, provides breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, offering a simple, wholesome and seasonal menu to residents in the neighborhood.
Le Pain Quotidien’s concept remains essentially unchanged since its founder, Alain Coumont, opened his first bakery in Brussels in 1990.
The bakery-restaurant prides itself on serving simple, nourishing, delicious food in a setting that offers reprieve from the busy urban lifestyle. The rustic interiors and traditional dishes transport customers to the Belgian countryside and a simpler way of life.
“Ever since we opened our first bakery in Brussels, breaking bread with friends and neighbors has been the foundation of Le Pain Quotidien,” said Vincent Herbert, CEO of Le Pain Quotidien. “We are delighted to be part of the wonderful community of Coconut Grove and look forward to sharing our daily bread with our new neighbors.”
Filled with natural light through its two-story high ceilings and 30 windows, the 4,000-square-foot restaurant has the capacity to seat over 100 guests indoors and 24 on its outdoor patio. The unique layout features two of Le Pain Quotidien’s signature communal tables — one on each floor — made of reclaimed wood.
Since the beginning, a communal table has formed the centerpiece of every Le Pain Quotidien. Designed to bring friends, family and even strangers together, the communal table represents Le Pain Quotidien’s commitment to fostering community connections.
The Coconut Grove location also features an open kitchen upstairs, a fully equipped in-store bakery on the ground floor where 100 percent organic breads and artisanal pastries are baked daily onsite, custom leather seating, original glass bricks, two large skylights and a turquoise staircase featuring handmade steps and a curved glass banister. Décor and artwork inspired by the neighborhood, including coconuts and peacocks, also contributes to the location’s individual style.
Delightful and varied menu items mean mornings at the bakery begin with breakfast and brunch offerings such as handmade organic breads, artisanal pastries and organic eggs, in addition to a range of baked goods, yogurt, organic coffee and teas. Other unique and healthy selections include the Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl, Key Lime Chia Parfait, Avocado Toast, Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl and fresh smoothies.
Miami residents already are becoming familiar with Le Pain Quotidien’s signature open-faced sandwiches called tartines, made from their organic whole wheat sourdough bread. Tartines join other tasty options such as savory soups, salads and quiches. Come evening, guests can linger over a glass of organic wine or a beer and can find many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on the menu in addition to hot dishes exclusive to Miami, including Roasted Wild Salmon and Chicken Ratatouille.
The Coconut Grove location also provides a range of catering and event services to suit every palate and occasion.
Plans for future expansion in the region already are in the works and will be announced soon.
Le Pain Quotidien at 3425 Main Hwy. in Coconut Grove will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. For additional information on Le Pain Quotidien, visit www.lepainquotidien.com.
