Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien, Bryant Park Location, 40th St. between 5th and 6th Aves.

OK, I was in a pinch, I had been running around a bit, found myself in one of the armpits of Manhattan culinary options - the midtown fashion district area - so I stepped in from out of the rain for a midday snack, alone.

So Le Pain Quotidien is a chain of these french places that focus on espresso drinks and "artisinal" foods. Like "rustic" chicken salad, and "farmhouse" eggs. They play very soft classical music and as I walked in I was instantly an adult. I felt an air of importance (not really), and my back straightened and I pretended I had a real job like the others seated around me - with laptops and in business attire.

There were various servers in olive green t-shirts busying themselves with the lunchtime rush, but I was soon seated at the communal table - a long table made of untreated wood with stale loaves of bread serving as holders for various menus and cards.

Three different people came up to me over the course of the meal but no one asked the same questions - so they must just be in sync. I ordered the roast beef sandwich with a caper mayo, garnished with mixed greens and cornichons. One of the servers said it's tasty and "more filling" than the avocado sandwich I also had my eye on.

The sandwich came out, and it was very small. Four thin slices of roast beef on four thin triangles of their special bread. I wondered how small the avocado sandwich must've been. It was tasty, I gave them that, and I mused over whether French people smirk and twist their moustaches whenever Americans see a "normal" portion of food and look forlorn. But, to be real, being 6'2" I need more nourishment than most. I decided to not order an entire other meal, which I honestly was capable of. I finished my English Breakfast tea, and asked for the bill.

$15.07 for everything, the tip brought it to $18.00

I'm not sure what to make of this place. I've been a couple of times, the experience always okay. No reason to go there specifically, no reason to not go. I think it's fine for a cappuccino on a rainy day.

An adequate meal enjoyed alone.