Think of Paris, think of macarons! And of course, Ladurée and Pierre Hermé come to mind since they are Paris’s finest makers of these sugary treats.
My test taste started with Ladurée, the old guard on famous Champs-Elysées.
Ladurée has been a venerable institution since 1862, well-known for its beautiful macarons and cakes of different varieties. The flagship on Champs-Elysées is such an elegant and chi-chi patisserie-cum-tearoom, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and even the washroom has ornate gold details adorning the walls! A strict “no photography” policy applies here so I only managed to take a shot of the counter laden with trays of delicious looking pastries.
Due to time constraint, I didn’t have the luxury of dining in so I picked 8 macarons to go. For take-out, the macarons come packaged in pastel and gold boxes which are works of art themselves. I’m still keeping the box as a souvenir for myself!
There’s a basic range which is available all year round, and some seasonal flavours. I had bitter chocolate, pistachio, orange blossom, blackcurrant violet, caramel with salted butter, and lemon, all of which are permanently available. The other two, lilies of the valley and mimosa, are seasonal flavours created specially to celebrate spring’s return.
8 macarons gone in a flash. Frankly speaking, I wasn’t overwhelmed. My first thought was “huh, that’s all there is to macarons?” True, they were texturally flawless but it was obvious that the ratio of ganache to meringue was inconsistent. None of them made any impact—I felt that I was just eating overly sweet atas confections. A pretty disappointing experience, I’ll say.
With no less excitement though, I moved on to Pierre Hermé, Laduree’s esteemed, if much younger, rival. This is the man responsible for the “renaissance of macarons” where he made a splash in Paris by using Japanese aesthetic in creating a dizzying range of colours and flavors.
The take-out only outlet on rue Bonaparte reminds me of a jewelry shop—simple and classy. This is no ordinary shop but a rabbit hole! A real feast for the eyes even before one takes a bite of anything. Again, “no photography” policy applies here.
I wanted white truffle macaron very badly but was told that it’s a seasonal flavour. Aww, I could feel my heart sinking =(
Anyway, these are what I had: Magnifique (strawberry & wasabi), Mosaic (pistachio & griottine), Infiniment Caramel (salted butter caramel cream), Huile D’Olive & Vanilla (olive & vanilla), Mogador (chocolate & passionfruit), Eden (peach, apricot & saffron), and Chocolat (pure dark chocolate).
And WOW, I finally understand what’s with all the hype with Pierre Hermé’s macarons. They are really, really, REALLY heavenly! I particularly like how meaty they are, with thin crust and a very soft (not chewy) interior. And those seemingly odd pairing of flavours? Brilliant, I tell you, just brilliant~!
I didn’t leave with just macarons in my hands. Pierre Hermé is renowned for his Ispahan—a heavenly mélange of flavours: rose, raspberry, and lychee. It looked too pretty to be eaten but hey, someone has got to do the dirty job of destroying it =)
2 meringue-like biscuits (I don’t say macarons cuz this is more like a pastry in the shape of macarons) flavoured with rose water and tinted a gorgeous shade of pink, sandwiched between smooth delicate rose petal white buttercream filling, and layered onto the cream are fresh whole raspberries and sweet tropical lychee. Omg, this was incredible, so sooo lovely and ethereal. I want it again!
With this box came the end of my quest for macarons. As you can probably tell by now, the macarons from Ladurée are remarkably from Pierre Hermé in many ways: Ladureé is traditional in terms of macaron flavours, colours, packaging; Pierre Hermé is daring, modern and adventurous. Laduree’s macarons are less buttery, slightly smaller with less filling; Pierre Hermé’s flavours are deeper, more intense and explosive with a smoother texture.
In the world of macarons, there are Ladureé people and Pierre Hermé people. I’m with the latter, for sure, cuz the man is a total genius! The macarons do not come cheap but you’ve got to try both before you decide which camp you are in =)
I love the looks of the last macaron! Too pretty to be eaten 🙂
those pierre herme macarons look lovely lovely lovely!
i think of my lv when i think of paris, not macarons haha!
Wow, whatever the case is, you are one lucky girl to have tried both… Nice sugar rush I presume… =)
It is a pity they imposed a “no photo policy”, Pierre Herme looks so good on their bronchure. The entire place looks like heaven for sweet tooths.
Considering I am quite happy with Laduree 3-day old macarons, wonder what will happen when I lay my hands on Pierre Herme’s macarons…
I’m definitely a Pierre Herme person but love the sit-down atmosphere at Laduree!
foodoshoot: Do you mean Ispahan? It’s more of a pastry than macaron but you are right, it’s so pretty! A girly dessert =)
stargirl: I know! They look so colourful, don’t they.
Harris: Haha, I guess it’s a girls’ thing.
Fen: I think you will have a field day there! It’s like the ultimate dessert place to go for a dessert lover like you. From what I understand, macarons are best eaten on the day they are bought so I’m quite surprised that Laduree’s macarons still keep well after 3 days.
TheBrogueTrader: Hear, hear! I loitered around a bit to soak in the atmosphere though I didn’t have lunch/tea there.. Pity that there’s nowhere even remotely close to Laduree’s tearoom here in Singapore.
i much prefer PH to Laduree’s too!
I dined in at laduree and their food isn’t very good x.x
Had their ispahan and ispahan ice cream too and they were both really good. Pity I didn’t get pierre herme’s ispahan ;_;
And I see many new flavours! didn’t get to try magnifique, mosiac and eden 😦
I need to go paris or at least london! apparently pierre herme is opening a new boutique there but temporarily has a counter in selfridges.
I visited Paris a few months back and did a macaron run as well! after having had both pierre herme and laduree, I have to agree with you that Pierre Herme comes up tops for me as it is unique in its flavouring offerings, full bodied in taste and not as sweet. Love the fact that it is dainty in appearance and yet offers a satisfying bite with complex texture and flavour
omg i managed to get my hands on pierre herme macarons in london! bought a box of $20 for 30.40 pounds, my friend thought i was mad. but they were absolutely incredible 😀
Awesome!! I take it that you didn’t buy any back to Singapore?? Haha, they are really good huh. I loveeee his macarons. Omg, you make me miss PH again.
i wanted to bring some back but they looked like they wouldn’t be able to survive the ride back! especially since i had so much luggage. i’m glad i managed to stuff everything in, including all the fudge and the seven 200g boxes of biscuits i bought :O
My first encounter with macarons was from Luxemburgerli – confiserie Sprungli 1836. Quite the lovely petite little pastries that melt in the mouth.
I am very fortunate to try all three… Luxemburgerli, Pierre Herme and Laudree,,
Luxemburgeli are little clouds, that melt in your mouth! Pierre Herme flavours are to die for and Laudree is just a name now!!
Haha I love your “Laudree is just a name now”! Totally agree!! 🙂 Luxemburgeli are nice but I Would take PH over that anytime!
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