03/07/08

healthy, wholesome, yummy

by reasonablefoodie

i came across this place while traveling on business, desperate for something healthy after a few days of travel-food. le pain quotidien was just the thing - oatmeal, fresh fruit, excellent coffee; also, great service and a lovely morning atmosphere. it's my new morning-stop staple when working out of the pasadena office, for certain.

01/21/07

Very good food. Uncomfortable seating.

by mixymanx

I went to Le Pain in Old Town Pasadena for the first time today and it was very good. I ordered their Chicken Cobb Salad and my girlfriend ordered a chicken (or turkey, I forget) mozzarella sandwich with pesto. My salad was excellent. Instead of the usual romaine, it had mixed greens and dill. Their creamy vinaigrette was very good. They only put it on the top though and I had to ask for more. I guess skinny people don't use that much dressing. My girl's sandwich was better than my salad but the plate was so small. The plate was literally the size of the sandwich so one slight nudge, and you're lamenting the loss of chicken to the table (that is if you're a germaphobe like me). Anyway, the taste was outstanding! I also tried their hot green tea and it was very good. Then I topped it off with the mixed berry tart dessert. The fruits were fresh and sweet. I guess the only thing I was weirded out by was the communal table which we sat at. It's a long table where you can sit across from and next to strangers. That's exactly what we ended up doing and it was a little awkward. This little kid kept kicking me because he was so excited that he got his parfait. Then directly in front of me was an attractive young woman who when it seemed like everytime I looked in her direction, an entire yocto-second, she would catch me. She probably thought I was gawking at her. You get the picture. Next time, I'm asking for the tiny table by the restrooms.....yes, there will be a next time

• Pros: Good food that's good for you
• Cons: Sitting at the communal table wasn't for me. You might like it though.

Belgian-based chain offers homemade cafe fare served in a European setting.

by Contributor

In Short
Light and airy as a country farmhouse, the simple decor and pine furnishings radiate rustic ambience. Locals gather at a long communal table, while couples sneak away to private seats in the back. The menu features salads, soups and house-specialty tartines (open-face sandwiches) with fillings like imported French ham, duck pâté, Gruyere cheese and Scottish smoked salmon. For a snack, a colorful fruit tart pairs well with a two-fisted mug of aromatic coffee.