Are these meringue based confectionaries all that we dream of? Do they melt in the mouth, send our taste buds into overdrive and knock all thoughts of a serious regime out the window. I would answer this question with a resounding yes. I must qualify this ‘yes’ by saying that it depends upon which patissier has created the macaron and what flavour we are indulging in.
I remember my first bite as if it were yesterday. It was a caramel flavoured macaron from the Laduree tea rooms on the rue Bonaparte in the 6th arrondissement. I thought for a few moments that I had died and gone to heaven…sweet bliss in a bite. I had never tasted such exquisiteness. Crisp on the outside, slightly chewy in the middle and finishing with a creamy centre – my taste buds were in such a state of pleasure, I don’t think they have ever recovered or have been the same since. Many bites later, from many different patissiers and I still prefer Ladurée macarons over any others.
Which one to try? That’s up to you, but when in Paris, try one you must. There is no such thing as a disappointing choice; chocolate, bitter chocolate, rose, pistachio, caramel with salted butter, black current, violet, orange blossom, red fruits, liquorice or lemon – all available, all year. And depending on the season there are also coconut, almond, spice, praline or chestnut macarons.
There are several Ladurée boutiques and tea rooms in Paris but my feet always land outside rue Bonaparte…it’s my favourite. xv
