One of my favorite sweet treats is the delicate French macaron, and I’ve drooled extensively over macarons in Paris. There is no doubt that if you want the best macarons in Paris, one name comes to mind more than any other. That name is Ladurée.
If I had my druthers, I’d rather be devouring the best French macarons in Paris, but if the girl can’t get to Paris, then Paris has to come to the girl, right? Well, closer to the girl anyway.
So, just imagine my giddy excitement when I found out that Ladurée had opened up its first boutique in the United States, and it just happened to be in New York City.
My visit to Ladurée New York started out by strolling up Madison Avenue, near Central Park in a very chic part of town, the Upper East Side. Thought it certainly isn’t Paris, the architecture and ornate detailing gracing the facades in the neighborhood definitely sets a similar tone. Ladurée New York chose their address well.
I was greeted by the same window displays and storefront, which showcase their sophisticated, signature packaging.
Both inside and out are painted with that perfectly blended combination of French-green and Robin-egg-blue that seems oh so hard to replicate.
On offer are about 15 of the same French macaron flavors available in Paris, like pistachio, cassis, orange blossoms, coffee, chocolate, and my personal favorite – caramel-beurre- salé , salted butter caramel. Chocolates, confections, teas and candles from their home fragrance collection line the shelves, all of which make perfect gifts.
I indulged in two macarons – a pistachio and a salted-butter caramel – and am delighted to report that the flavor, consistency and quality is the same as I remember from Paris. At $2.70 a pop, they aren’t cheap – but totally worth every penny!
So, if you can’t get to Paris, but New York City is a option, you can savor all of the same delicious flavors of French macarons, with the same elegant packaging, and the same lovely atmosphere and decor found in the Paris boutiques, sans the salon experience.
Ladurée
864 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Subway : Hunter College
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