Belgian Hot chocolate and hand warmers
The story aboutMagazine
14 October 2024
When our founder, Alain Coumont, was a young boy in Belgium, he went to his “grandmère’s” house every Wednesday afternoon where she greeted him with a small bowl of steaming hot chocolate. Alain cupped his hands around it, letting the warmth seep into his body and chase away winter’s frigid chill. As a chef, he carried the memory of that warmth to the tables of Le Pain Quotidien. To this day, simple bowls still stir memories of a child’s delight and still carry warmth to our friends. Whether it’s in the form of piping hot chocolate or some organic tea, you’ll receive this same welcome with our wide, round bowls. Hold it in your hands and feel at ease.
Chapter 01
Belgian Hot chocolate and hand warmers
A Tradition of Warmth
Alain's cherished childhood memory of his grandmère’s hot chocolate is more than just a nostalgic remembrance; it is a tradition that he has lovingly infused into the heart of Le Pain Quotidien. When you enter any of our locations, the inviting aroma of hot beverages serves as a comforting reminder of home and the simple pleasures that come with it. Our commitment to this tradition of warmth is evident in every bowl of hot chocolate we serve, each one a homage to that formative experience in Alain's youth.
Chapter 02
Belgian Hot chocolate and hand warmers
The Unique Experience of Le Pain Quotidien's Bowls
The wide, round bowls at Le Pain Quotidien are not just vessels for serving beverages; they are an integral part of the experience. Holding a bowl in your hands, you feel the immediate comfort and pleasure that comes from its gentle heat. This tactile experience connects you to the memory of Alain’s childhood, creating a bond between past and present, and between you and the essence of Le Pain Quotidien. It is a simple yet profound experience that embodies our philosophy of communal warmth and hospitality.
Chapter 03
Belgian Hot chocolate and hand warmers
At Le Pain Quotidien, we believe in the power of creating new memories while honoring old traditions. Each bowl of hot chocolate or tea is an opportunity to forge connections, whether you're sharing stories with friends or simply enjoying a moment of solitude. The warmth of the bowl in your hands is a gentle reminder of the importance of taking time for oneself and embracing the simple joys that life offers.
Creating New Memories
Final Thougts
Belgian Hot chocolate and hand warmers
In conclusion, the tradition of hot chocolate and Belgian hand warmers at Le Pain Quotidien is more than just a nod to the past; it is a celebration of warmth, comfort, and community. We invite you to join us, to experience the joy and nostalgia that comes with each bowl, and to create your own cherished memories in the welcoming embrace of our tables.
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Our tartines
One slice of bread… and countless variations…. The slices of our handmade 2kg bread serve as the canvas for a myriad of seasonal ingredients. They come together to become our tartines, the Belgian take on the sandwich. Other than the closed-faced sandwich, a tartine is an open-faced version popular in Belgium. At once simple and elegant, our tartines bring taste to the table and delight to the palate. Did you know the word tartine etymologically stems from the old French, diminutive of tarte (tart)? The word tartiner in French literally means “to spread”; in our case: to spread butter, cheese, and ingredients on a slice of sourdough bread.
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Relationships forged around a communal table
Our first communal table on Rue Dansaert in Brussels was made out of wood recovered from the floors of Belgian trains that had been taken out of service. Those simple planks became a tradition. Today, this same rough, reclaimed wood continues to bring rustic comfort to our restaurants, and the communal tables have become our centerpieces. We believe that the community is what nurtures, inspires, and feeds the soul. Our tables are long enough for all to fit and narrow enough for all to talk; they are where friends reconnect, and new friendships, relationships, and career paths are forged over the shared appreciation of delicious food and good company. For every new table, the old wood is planed and sanded until it feels completely smooth, and the surface only gets better after years of guests’ hands touching it and hosts cleaning it.
Read articlePlease, Take Your time.
Welcome homeLe Pain Quotidien means "the daily bread". And to us, that means everything. It’s much more than mere sustenance; it’s a way of life.
Simple. Fresh. Honest.
Our dishesOur menu celebrates natural, honest ingredients, prepared freshly every day. And at the heart of it all is the bread that brings everything together.