Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Belgium's Latest Export

No Belgian food blog can consider itself complete without a trip to Le Pain Quotidien. Not only are they all over Brussels, they are now all over the world. Does this make them more special or less special? Either way, their Belgian outposts serve up tasty sandwiches and salads, and an excellent selection of juices, teas and coffees.

PQs always include a big communal table, part of their philosophy but not something I’ve ever connected with. What I do enjoy is all the light shades of wood, the well-lit dining areas, and (often) a garden or some sort of outdoor eating area that can brighten up just about any gloomy Brussels day.

My favorite menu item I find is best for sharing: the Tuscan platter. Ricotta, parmesan shavings, sundried tomatos, tapenade, and more, all served up with a basket of bread… delicious. Make sure to ask for it without ham, and sometimes they will even be nice enough to add a little extra cheese to make up the difference. Their selection of tartines and salads gives vegetarians plenty to get excited about, although the salads in particular will cost you a pretty penny (eurocent?).

Also, they are open for Sunday brunch. It’s no diner, but if you’re American and missing that Sunday morning food-fest with your newspaper, it’ll do the trick.

Le Pain Quotidien
Various locations in Belgium and beyond:
http://www.lepainquotidien.com/storelocator.htm

2 comments:

Andreea said...

i absolutely love PQ :)
eplied to you on malte. i never had the fish, but friends did and they liked it.
however, if you don't know it already - l'hemisphere in down town brussels has a decent list of vegetarina dishes. we went there recently and i was impressed. i put some photos up on flickr and will write the 'review' soon as well. worth a try :)

Sharon said...

Found Hemisphere's website - wow!! Watch out for a review on that place coming soon... thanks for the tip, Andreea!
http://www.hemispheres-resto.be