About 4 years ago, hubby and I took a spring vacation to Paris. Ah, l’amour! One day we were strolling along the Champs-Elysees taking in the tree lined avenue and all its offerings tripping over the Louis Vuitton store enroute to the famous Laduree Tea Salon.
Laduree is the mecca of the macaron to fans worldwide. If we were to splurge on anything on this trip we knew it would be to experience this salon and bringing home some delectable macarons. On a perfect Saturday, we were seated upstairs next to a perfectly groomed French family consisting of mom, dad and three young children…all well dressed and sitting quietly waiting for their food and having a civilized conversation. Not one of them had a video game or a phone device in hand; no one screaming; and no chicken nuggets in sight. Anyway, it was a beautiful brunch and we bought our coveted macarons.
So, what exactly is a MACARON? France lays territorial claims to the macaron that was originally created by monks. In the 1930s, Laduree offered it to the fine society madams in their Tea Salon. The macaron is notoriously famous for being very complicated to make and is considered an art form. It is made of two round airy meringue-like shells and held together with a sweet filling. It’s usually a little bigger than a Toonie in size. Definitely not something you inhale but meant to be savoured and enjoyed.
But please do NOT call it a “cookie” or a “macarooooon”! A “macaroon” is a coconut based clump that is nothing like a macaron (yes…use your best French accent) !
There is quite a cult following around the world and websites dedicated to this treat. The pastry chefs are equally as passionate as the followers. Pastry Chef Tina Su, of Butter Avenue was trained at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa and graduated with Diplome de Patisserie where she perfected her macarons. She’s been selling hers online for a year to fans before opening up her first shop in Toronto. My hubby and I have become regulars at her shop picking up boxes of the macarons for special occasions, hostess gifts and well… treats for us!
It just so happens to be MACARON DAY on March 20th. Toronto has joined Paris, New York and other international cities to celebrate this day in support of local charities. Toronto patisseries include La Bamboche, Butter Avenue, MoRoCo Chocolat, Petit Thuet, Patisserie La Cignogne, Rahier Patisserie, Patachou, and others. You can see the complete list of patisseries that will be participating here at The Official Macaron Day Toronto Website
Participating patisseries across Toronto will offer complimentary macarons to customers and 25% of all additional macarons purchased on this day will be donated to the RED DOOR FAMILY SHELTER.
So, while I can totally picture Marie Antoinette (played by Kristen Dunst, of course) draped over a chaise enjoying her macarons, I don’t have to dream about heading off to Paris to get my fix. There are several excellent patisseries in the city that will more than satisfy this craving! And with Macaron Day, we say “let them eat cake macarons and be charitable”.
Where’s your favourite patisserie that sells Macarons?
I didn’t know about macarons before! But I went out to a shop that’ve was mentioned in this post. I think I need a trip to Paris now. 😉 So yummy!