Who among us would admit to liking a chain? Me. I had a spectacular lunch today on New York's Upper West Side, mentioned it to a friend, who in turn told me that it's a chain: Le Pain Quotidien. Great country decor, communal table if that's your wont, and superior food. I had a "Raw Salad," the name of which is a little oxymoronic...but, boy, it was great. Grated carrots, grated cabbage, tomatoes with mint (truly delicious - try it, it's that simple), tofu, cukes, and maybe something else. Doesn't sound like much, does it, but if you're in the mood for something light, order it and think of me. Appears that they have locations in a number of, to my way of thinking, random locations: Australia, Belgium, France, Kuwait, Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, UAE, UK, and US (NY, LA, and Washington, DC). Does anyone know anything about this company or why it has such far-flung operations in such dissimilar places? What's the common thread? They exist in places where people eat bread (le pain)? Wait...it's a franchise operation. New Age Mickey D's?
PS: The company was wonderful too. Thanks, Dr. Yoodie.
