Review: Le Pain Quotidien- Wholesome food and Simple Delights!

What you see- We entered the inviting façade of LPQ in Bandra & took in the bleached wood interiors, beige walls & the sunlight pouring in from glass windows. As a smiling host approached us, vying for our attention were freshly baked breads, preserves and other jarred delights. We walked past the long communal table to take our seats near the bar counter to enjoy the special set dinner specially crafted for LPQ’s second anniversary. Potted plants in small gunny sacks & candles placed on tables set the right mood for this unhurried culinary experience.

All Set for a LPQ Experience! 

What you get- The special set menu dinner boasted of seven limited edition dishes in vegetarian & non-vegetarian options served with free flowing White or Red Wine Sangria. We opted for White Sangria made with white wine, apple juice, a dash of vodka & juicy green apple slices. All the elements in the Sangria were in perfect balance & started giving us a Happy-High the minute we emptied our first glass. A smiling server placed the first course- platter of Crostini served with an herbed yoghurt dip. Crostini are made by thinly slicing bread and toasting or grilling it so that it becomes crispy. The herbed yoghurt dip was dense, chilled & a perfect accompanist & the Crostini crisp & light.

I Cross my heart..."I Love this Crostini"

Next came, Smoked Turkey Tartine.  This open-faced sandwich was loaded with turkey and herb feta cheese spread. Smoked turkey has a different color and texture and paired here with feta cheese, it was simply delicious and gulped down in no time.

For the next course, we had an option of Arugula salad & grilled cantaloupe served with a portion of baby lobster or chicken. Being a seafood fan, I opted for lobster & was not disappointed a bit. The lobster was juicy and succulent; the grilled cantaloupe had a nice bite to it, the salad fresh & generously drizzled with olive oil.

Again, it was a difficult choice between roasted Grouper fish with kasundi potatoes or seafood tagliolini served with tomatoes and zucchini. We chose fish over the long, paper-thin and cylindrical pasta. The fish was deliciously flaky, slightly firm textured & above all, cooked to perfection. The kasundi potatoes balanced the flavors & the portion was good enough to be ordered as a main course dish.

The chunky green apple gazpacho, a welcome twist to a regular one was light and healthy. Served in a shot glass, it was delightful enough to balance out the calorie count of the sinful desserts in the last course.The only disappointment was the Chicken organic spaghetti. Bland and devoid of a healthy portion of any sauce and veggies it felt incomplete. Very few pieces of Chicken made us leave it half-way & look forward to the final course of desserts.

Having heard about LPQ’s desserts we were waiting in anticipation for the dessert platter. Forgetting the calories we dug happily into the trio of walnut honey tart, Belgian Chocó hazelnut slice & white chocolate strawberry cheese cake. The portions were just perfect to let us sample the trio, the dessert moist & melt-in-the-mouth consistency & the taste decadent.

Verdict- Well-priced and suffused with a relaxed & comforting feel, LPQ is a must-visit. The place boasts of a good seating capacity & guests can also enjoy a small Al-fresco seating area while they chow down their take-away.  With delicious food, sinful deserts and excellent plating, LPQ is good for a quick business lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends & family.  Serves alcohol. Valet parking is available.

Address:

Ground Floor, Maker Maxity, Building No. 2, Bandra Kurla Complex, North Avenue, Bandra (E), Mumbai, 400051

Landmark: Opposite Bandra Family Court

Call- (+91) 9022974798