It turns out one can work up up quite the appetite exploring the vast galleries at The Met! Luckily for the weary art enthusiast, this bakery/cafe is conveniently located just a few blocks away from the museum — a short walk, with fortifying #carbsforlife at the end! What I didn’t know at the time is that Le Pain Quotidien is a chain, concentrated in NYC but with a few locations in the greater LA area and other parts of the US. Its general vibe is that of a more upscale, eclectic, and wood-grained Panera Bread. Although there weren’t a ton of vegan options, they do an excellent job of eliminating the guesswork. Each vegan dish is clearly labeled with a ‘V’ (they also indicate with an ‘N’ when something contains nuts.) According to the menu, this wholesome, eat-the-rainbow bowl features “balsamic beets, hummus, lentils, grape tomatoes, mixed greens, vinaigrette, and spicy tahini, served with our artisanal bread.” The servers may ask if you’d like to “add protein” (meaning meat, unfortunately) but there’s already plenty to be had in the genuinely massive scoop of tender black lentils. I rarely feel so energized after lunch — #plantpower! Though $15.50 felt like a bit much for salad, everything did taste really fresh, and I enjoyed the harmonious medley of flavors — a little creamy, tart, spicy, and earthy all at once. I liked the rustic quality of the freshly baked bread, too, although my best friend thought it was dry (more for me!) All in all, a great way to refuel for another round of art appreciation. Bonus: Young Woman with a Water Pitcher, the first Vermeer painting in America! #ditchdairy, drink water?
