Classic flavor lovers, check out these unforgettable påtisseries beyond Ladurée:
1. Lenotré – Simple flavors done simply good. The macs you find here are perfected and traditional: mint, coffee, raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, almond, vanilla, banana. Unique to Lenotré is their estate like garden on a pavilion lawn. In a scene where ambience is essential, you’ll find a similar fairy-tale Grand Maison charm to Ladurée. Lenotré offers high-end, non-professional pastry classes starting at €115 that can often be booked the day of. If you mean serious business when it comes to learning the French secrets, this may be the best money you can spend. Absolutely indulge in Macarondes… two raspberry macarons sandwiching a ring of fresh raspberries and lemon curd. This delicacy, originally invented by Pierre Hermé, was coined Ispahan. The slightly smaller spin off done by Lenotré is a divine reinvention, employing lemon curd twisted with almond meringue, instead of the lychee-rose ganache in Hermé’s Ispahan.
2. Maison Georges Larnicol – In three words… you must go. Macarons sit in a windowsill bay alongside a server awaiting your order. This chocolaterie-påtisserie has a very old world vibe to it, screaming classicism from every corner. Like the macarons, you can buy everything å la carte; single fig filled caramels, giant meringues, or white chocolate squares. It’s the perfect place for a mid day treat, which was evident by the number of suited men popping in. Absolutely indulge in Lemon and Chocolate, two flavors where GL’s almond cream filling is at its best. While you’re there, it would be pretty unintelligent not to buy Kouignettes Orange Cointreau and a jar of their salted caramel sauce, true gems.
Unique to Maison Georges Larnicol is their untraditionally sweet atmosphere. It was the only påtisserie I visited for macarons that did not immediately yell at me the second I took off my lens cap. Rather, the staff almost welcomed my camera, posing for few less than conspicuous shots. Welcoming air could be attractive for families wanting to experience a treasure box of French sweets, while allowing their children to be children with hands that don’t need to be tied behind their backs to enter…(cough cough Hugo et Victor.)
3. Dalloyau – There’s something about Dalloyau that makes me feel like I’m in a royal palace of India with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Maybe it was the jewel-toned décor, or the luxurious gold trimmed windows and pastry boxes. This experienced påtisserie makes traditional flavors with a timeless twist. It’s perfect for a classic lover who seeks a bit of adventure. Unique to Dalloyau is the small size of their macarons. A dainty size is matched by a price slightly cheaper than most at €1 each, but don’t be fooled; you’ll want twice as many. Absolutely indulge in Champagne. It could not be more spot on with its targeted flavor; let your mouth celebrate. Make sure to peek at their giant Macaron de Réve, if they have one in. It’s basically a giant strawberry mac cake with white crème nougat and fresh berries…absolutely the most beautiful pastry €600 can buy.
4. La Maison du Chocolat – As the name suggest, this is a chocolate lovers dream. Unique to La Maison du Chocolat is the core flavor being chocolate in almost every macaron… from chocolate strawberry, to chocolate filled vanilla, to dark mocha. Flavor is unharmed, but the chocolate overdose seems to compromise perfection in appearance. Flawlessness is a textbook fundamental of French pastries, which are often wrapped in exquisite boxes owning costs triple that of the sweets they hold. That being said, absolutely indulge in any macaron with a dark chocolate ganache filling. While others rated average in my book, those with this filling were divine. Let chocolatiers do what they do best! No trip to Paris planned in the near future? Plan one. If not, good news: Along with Ladurée, La Maison du Chocolat’s macarons are available stateside in NYC.
Image Credit: Sergio Calleja (Life is a trip)
5. Fauchon – Well known as a top-notch luxury food retailer and tea salon in Paris, Fauchon cannot be overlooked for its quality macarons. Uncomplicated coffee, praline and chocolate are offered, as well as their oh-so slight variations, like Chocolat à la violette [chocolate with violet herbal notes.] Fillings come in cream, fruit or a combination of the two. Absolutely indulge in Chocolate-orange. No explanation needed. If you really want to feel like a kid in a candy store, they also have a bubblegum macaron. Unique to Fauchon is the Macaron Safran from their Oriental Collection.
6. Jean- Paul Hévin – The décor or presentation of this no-frills chocolaterie are not noteworthy, but don’t let that fool you. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for in…chocolate. In 2005, JPH’s chocolate macaron was awarded “Paris’ Best Macaron” in the classic category. So, absolutely indulge in chocolate, obviously! Classic flavors remain the majority, but JPH has begun to dabble with the shy side of bold flavors. Worth trying are the Fig and Mangue- Coriander [mango- cilantro.] Unique to Jean- Paul Hévin is the use of rich cocoa as an ingredient in almost every one of their macs, even some without a chocolate name or flavor.
