While the craze is still all about cupcakes in the US, the spotlight belongs to macarons in Paris. And long lines didn’t deter me from my search for the city’s best. Ladurée, Pierre Hermé,
Gerard Mulot… here I come!
The famous pastel green awning into Ladurée on the Champs Elysées. I love the architecture. It’s so elegant and regal. Makes it feel like you’re entering a place of importance.
The neverending counter of chocolates, pastries and macarons. Heavenly.
One of my favorite things is the window displays of the pastry shops. Butterflies and daisies are the theme for Ladurée’s summer display. I like the cheery colors, especially the Tiffany blue.
I know I won’t have anything to do with it after but I couldn’t resist a designer box. Each year Laduree enlists designers to create boxes. Past designers include Christian Louboutin and Swarovski. Mine is Yazbukey, a Parisian-based brand created by two sisters whom, after some googling, turn out to be Ottoman princesses.
Clockwise from top right:
Cassis et violet– blackcurrant violet. Great flavor but I didn’t love the filling consistency which reminded me of jam rather than the typical smooth buttercream.
Caramel– with salted butter. Of the entire selection, my favorite. Nice caramel flavor and subtle hint of salt.
Mimosa– a seasonal flavor. The citrus flavor was there but I wish it had more tang to represent the champagne.
Les fruits rouge– red fruits. Unfortunately another jam-like filling. I think I’ll steer clear of the fruit-based ones.
Rose– I love to try floral flavors and this was excellent.
Pierre Hermé’s storefront on rue Bonaparte in the 6th arrondisement. Considering this is the main shop, it was a bit underwhelming. It is going under renovation as of August so hopefully into something better. As I exited the shop, a swarm of excited girls entered. I had to get a shot of the two clueless guys waiting outside for them.
Éden– peach, apricot and saffron. Really tasted like a burst of summer in my mouth.
Huile d’olive et vanille- olive oil and vanilla which is fantastic. One of my favorites.
I purchased a box to take home and also really loved these:
Fragola– strawberry and balsamic vinegar. Sweet with slight tang from the balsamic. Love the little glittery red sprinkles on top that give it a speckled look like strawberry seeds.
Jasmin– jasmin flower and tea, by far one of my favorites. A perfect wedding macaron with its pale pink shell and shimmery pearlized dust.
Mogador– passionfruit macaron with milk chocolate filling. I am not a big fan of chocolate and fruit combinations but this is fantastic.
continued… Indulging in Macarons: Part 2, Inside Gerard Mulot’s Kitchen
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