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First time I made macarons. @ Le Cordon Bleu Paris 2011

The Whimsical World of Macarons

Forget chocolate (okay not really), but forget little sweets, cookies and other sugary ‘bad’ stuff. You should be eating macarons! These come in many shapes and sizes, but more importantly in many many colors! A feast for your eyes AND tongue!

A few years ago you could only find them in France, but now they're spread all over the world! You can even find them at Mc Donald's in the US, which I am not very happy about. But no worries, as Pierre Hermé told a New York Times reporter: “A great macaron is like a great suit: there’s Chanel and then there’s, there’s Zara. There will always be a market for the luxury macaron.”

Here I introduce you to my favorites:

1. Pierre Hermé

The first thing that shocks when you pass by the tiny shop in Saint Sulpice, (Paris 6eme) is the long line outside of it. Sometimes it is a block long! You make the line intrigued about such popularity. When you cross the curtains on the entrance door you find a pastry shop that looks more like a jewelry shop.

The combination of flavors and textures will amaze you no matter the flavor of macaron you choose. They offer a journey through "Jardins", special edition flavors they change each season. You find exotic macarons like Smoked Tea, Saffron, Iris, Carrot & Violet. Flavors you would have never imagined to mix together but as you eat them you fall in love with them!

Personally, my favorite is the classic Jasmin macaron. I find it simply perfect.

2. Chantal Guillon

If Pierre Hermé looks like a jewelry shop, Chantal Guillon is an art gallery. Macarons here are so delicately painted with different colors you almost don't want to eat them and, instead, keep them as decoration for your place.

Chantal Guillon is a french macaron expert who started her business in L.A and now is the macaron queen of the West Coast!

Chantal is tres chic! Not only is her shop super clean and classy with marble counter tops, but her light and chewy macarons are absolutely delicious!

Note: Some favorites include Lavender, Pistachio, and Salted Caramel.

https://www.chantalguillon.com/

3. LaDurée

Most people think of LaDurée when they hear the word "macaron". This is the most successful macaron shop in the world, with presence in 30 countries in all continents!

Instead of talking about their macarons, which are defenitely perfect, I would like to highlight the Ispahan dessert.

Between two layers pink macaron, you´ll find a rich rose flavored cream surrounded by raspberries and lychees. This dessert is heaven on a dish and LaDurée, on my opinion, makes the best in the world!

You can order it in personal size or family size. If you want it for a special occasion, they´ll write whatever you want in chocolate. Just ask for it in advance.

http://www.laduree.com/

4. Bosie Tea Parlor

This West Village french bakery combines a newyorker bakery ambience with perfectly made french pastries.

What really called my attention here was the beautiful tree shaped stands where they serve you the macarons. (It reminded me of the scene of Disney's Sleeping Beauty where the witch is fighting prince charming and huge roots with spines come out of earth. No doubt im a huge Disney fan!)

I also loved the so-called Champagne Tea Service, where you have different sorts of sandwiches, mini desserts, and macarons. Off course, ieven better with a glass of Champagne. Perfect for an afternoon date with your hubby :)

http://bosienyc.com/

5. Bouchon Bakery

This pastry shop is one of Thomas Keller´s creations found both in the East Coast (NYC) and West Coast (California and Vegas). In case you don't know him, Keller is an american chef who has several restaurants in both coasts. He and his landmark Napa Valley and The French Laundry have won several prizes and recognitions. In 2005 he received 3 Michelin stars for his restaurant PerSe in New York and, almost simultaneously, The French Laundry in California received 3 stars. He is the only American Chef with two 3 starred restaurants at the same time. My respects.

He is a very young Chef for all the success he's had (not even 60 years old); in the culinary industry is one of the most admired chefs. Here's a picture of him, so you can agree with me that not only is he a great chef but also pretty cute.

So, after this introduction where I expressed my love for Mr. Keller, back to Bouchon Bakery. I like macarons here because they're an american version of the french cookie, still maintaining its quality and texture. You can find huge macarons that off course you wouldn't find in France. I think it is great that Bouchon adapted to the needs of the american market. Not that i'm saying americans are fat, just that they definitely eat more than french people do. Not only the size is adapted to the american life, but also the flavors. You find chocolate dipped blueberry, peanut butter, and cookies and cream macarons. They're all very good!

bouchonbakery.com/

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