Le Pain Quotidien, Double Bay

Le Pain Quotidien, the Brussels-born eatery renowned around the world for its artisan bread and pastries has recently opened its doors for dinner service at Double Bay.

Le Pain Quotidien, Double Bay

It’s not tartines and waffles. The eatery with the long communal table as one of its features has set to create a French farmhouse vibe with European-style meals and large platters.

Le Pain Quotidien menu

The menu is created by Head Chef Vincent Girardin and includes regional French dishes such as pot au feu and lighter dishes summer Asian beef salad with lime and ginger dressing as well as vegan options.

The eatery is licensed, and you can enjoy a modest but good selection of wines by the bottle or by the glass such as the Stonier Chardonnay 2012 from the Mornington Peninsula or start with a traditional Kir Royale, made with sparkling wine and creme de cassis. BYO is also available at $4.50 per bottle.

Bread selection

The selection of breads and butter begs for a taste of each, from the nutty walnut boule, to the five grain with raisin, wholewheat bread and the crusty baguette a l’ancienne. The bread is made daily, and as delicious as it is, it is best not fill up before the meal.

Vegetable Ratatouille

From the entrées comes the Vegetable Ratatouille ($13), a chunky vegetable stew made with capsicums, tomatoes onions and zucchini served with Harissa in a cast iron pot. Light and satisfying, the flavours remind you of sunny Provence, and the accompanying sliced baguette invites you to dunk the bread and savour to the end.

Goats Cheese and Prosciutto salad

The Goats Cheese and Prosciutto salad ($18) is a generous serve. The mesclun salad is lovely and fresh, lightly dressed in oil and the dish is dotted with the creamiest goats cheese from Victoria. The grilled hazelnut and raisin flute bread topped with tapenade is a sensational combination.

Mediterranean Lamb Cocotte

From the mains comes the hearty Mediterranean Lamb Cocotte ($29) presented in a cast iron pot. Tender pieces of lamb shoulder are cooked in a rich, gravy sauce with carrots and beans and an accompanying minted yoghurt sauce with harissa.

Coq au Vin

The coq au vin ($25) is difficult to pass up. The chicken in red wine with mushrooms, thyme, parsley and whole small onions is cooked for 24 hours and yields tender and succulent meat, with a good balance of herbs and garlic. Although not served with bread, a crusty baguette dunked in the fragrant liquid is a must.

2009 Les Traverses

A glass of 2009 Les Traverses from Ventoux in the South of France goes well with both dishes, a combination of Grenache and Syrah which yields a light-style of wine with red fruit and pepper aromas.

When it comes to dessert options, you’ll find a selection of tarts and pastries from Le Pain Quotidien‘s day time menu presented with a difference. Plans are underway to offer other options and it would good to see desserts such as a warm tarte tatin, soufflé and clafoutis.

Mixed berry tart ($6.50) with ricotta cheese

Chocolate espresso tart ($6.50)

A Masala Chai tea ($3.75) can aid in a little digestion…

Chai tea

or to put a decadent finish to the meal, try the a pot of Belgian hot chocolate ($5.50).

Belgian Hot Chocolate

Le Pain Quotidien in Double Bay began trading in December 2012, serving dinner nightly from 5pm until 9pm, with coffee and cakes until 10pm. On a Friday night, couples, families and friends are gathered over wholesome meals and conversations. While it retains its café vibe in the evening, classic jazz tunes contribute to a more relaxed ambience with outdoor seating along the footpath giving it a European feel.

Whether you’re dining as a couple or with friends, you’ll enjoy hearty French-style cuisine, generously-sized dishes in a rustic presentation and flavours that remind you of la cuisine de maman.

Le Pain Quotidien
15 Knox St
Double Bay NSW 2028
www.lepainquotidien.com.au