If you’re in Newport Beach, you need to check out the newly opened Pandor Boulangerie. The bakery has an artisan French baker at the helm and everything, from the breads to the desserts are made in-house.
When you first walk in, you might be overwhelmed by the cafe’s glass display case with a ton of sweet treats just waiting to tempt you.
I want to point out that the photos are not reflective of how the dishes are served. The photos are from a tasting so they are a lot smaller than what you would be getting when you order them.
Let’s start with the Gourmet Plates. There are five different ones to choose from including the Assorted Italian Cold Cuts ($16.95) which included prosciutto San Daniele Red Label, Salami Nostrano, Speck & Mortadella.
Burrata E Crudo S. Daniele ($16.95) is just a refreshing plate no matter how you look at it. Cantaloupe, heirloom tomatoes, basil aged balsamic & extra virgin olive oil with the creamy burrata is just fantastic.
I love smoked salmon and the Wester Ross Scottish Smoked Salmon ($14.95) with fingerling potatoes salad, creme fraiche and chive was my favorite. I couldn’t get enough of the lightly salted salmon and while I didn’t care for the potato salad underneath, the creme fraiche and chive was awesome.
We also got a sampling of three different salads from the cold display window. Red Quinoa Salad with roasted squash, roasted zucchini, cauliflowers, roasted shiitake, parsley, mint, lemon and extra virgin olive oil was tasty even if the quinoa was a little overcooked so it didn’t have that familiar crunch I love.
Red Beets Salad with sunflower seeds, grilled fennel, Manouri cheese & shallots dressing makes use of the wonderful beets in season, but my favorite was the Beluga Lentil Salad with carrots, parsnips & shallot dressing.
Moving on to sandwiches, I would totally suggest getting one of the pressed paninis on offer. They are all $7.95 and I was surprised at how lovely the Tuna panini was. It consisted of capers, Maui onions & Vermont Cheddar cheese and together, it was just delicious.
If you are vegetarian or just wanting something lighter, try Grilled Vegetables panini. Packed with zucchini, Italian eggplant, roasted bell peppers, local goat cheese and pesto dressing, this comes together beautifully in every mouthful.
In terms of sandwiches, try the Habano ($12.95), this is Pandor’s version of the Cuban sandwich. Roast pork, cured ham, pickled jalapenos instead of pickles, Swiss cheese and deli mustard is served on a Chef’s baguette.
All sandwiches are served with pickled heirloom carrots and cornichons.
For those with a sweet tooth, Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast ($7.95) is sinfully delightful and served with mixed berries, you can even say it is healthy!
Here’s an added incentive for you to visit. Pandor has generously donated two $25 gift certificates for my readers to win this week. Just leave me a comment telling me what your favorite artisan bread is. Like Pandor’s Facebook page for an additional chance to enter. Good Luck. Winners will be announced on Monday July 2nd.
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Cafe
1126 Irvine Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-209-5099
I’m a simple girl. I love a french bagette. this blog about pandor boulangerie is making me so hungry. looks amazing. oh! and i liked them on facebook too!
I love any artisan bread with whole roasted garlic cloves and herbs…that slathered with a nice cheese and I’m good to go!
–Hayley Hansen
Oh my gosh… I’m such a bread lover I don’t know if it’s a bagel, ciabatta or a baguette!! All are so yummy!!
My favorite artisan bread is Whole Wheat Brioche because it is easy to cook, and it is a very healthy bread to eat. The taste is amazing, and I love how it smells too.
I love a good Jewish rye bread lightly toasted with butter. Runner up is garlic studded French bread. Perfection.
Robin Wachner
My favorite bread? That’s like making me choose between my kids! I LOVE BREAD! I’d really really like to try Pandor…Liked on FB too! Thanks for sharing the photos too.
I love a good crusty baguette! This places looks awesome
I like a good bread with herbs in it, such as rosemary.
I love baguette and sourdough bread! The panini looks delicious
I love any bread with seeds baked in them!
I liked Pandor’s Facebook page.
Well, I’ll have to wait until my next January visit to decide my favorite artisan bread from Pandor (which I’m guessing is some play on Pain d’or). But in general, anything with garlic and Asiago cheese wins my vote! Now, if we can move to pastries, I’ll choose a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) every time! 🙂
congratulations you are the winner — please email me your mailing address, thanks Heidi
I love all artisan bread! How am I supposed to pick a favorite?
I also like them on Facebook…
I also like them on Facebook!
so happy we have a new bakery in the county. thanks.
congratulations, you are the winner, please email me with your mailing address. thanks
and now i’ve liked them on facebook…
The basics and build from there. Baguette