My favourite ever breakfast/lunch place when I was living in NY, Brussels and London was the chain ‘Le Pain Quotidien’.

I can’t tell you how many Tuesday afternoons in the last year before I moved to Amsterdam, that Courtney and I spent in one of the venues in London (occasionally joined by Michela visiting us from Milan), enjoying the bread baskets (my favourite are the hazelnut flutes), a salad or a tartine (open sandwich), with an XL cappuccino and – best of all – the chocolate spread to top it all off.

Le Pain Quotidien originated in Belgium, where they know the meaning of good food as no other – even if we’re only talking about plain bread!
Upon entering the shop, there is a counter where the most wonderful, hand-shaped loaves of bread are sold, alongside croissants, brioches, crusty baguettes, and last but certainly not least, the tarts and pastries (oh, their chocolate bombe is just to die for)! Everything is absolutely delicious, both for the eyes and for the mouth.

But you can also eat in (breakfast and lunch) – the atmosphere is really cosy (sort of French country style with long communal wooden tables and wicker baskets) and there are always high-chairs available. It’s a families’ favourite; also great to bring newborn babies – mine used to sleep next to me on the wooden bench!
Traditional jams and a variety of spreads can be found on the tables (including the world-famous Belgian chocolate praline spread)!! If you can’t find what you’re craving on your table – just ask your neighbour. That’s how it works!

Unfortunately, in Amsterdam there is no such thing as Le Pain Quotidien (yet – I hope). Snif. 🙁
But there is a concept that comes pretty close to it: ‘De Bakkerswinkel’ (The Baker’s Shop). Different breadbaskets come with a variety of bread, muffins, croissants, jams, cold- cuts and cheese. Salads and sandwiches are also on the menu.
It might not be as good as the ‘real’ thing, but it’s still a great place to take your children for brunch on the weekend!

xxx Esther