Let's talk about the ideal macaron.
For me a perfect macaron is one that is
not too chewy/wet or chalky/stale, but just right.
And it just dissolves in your mouth.
With a lovely intense overall flavor,
the filling complementing the shell.
I do love Pierre Herme's macarons the best
for the flavor combinations and intensity.
(The ones we got from Pierre Herme in Paris
this past February were magnifique!
We've only been to his shops in Paris and Tokyo.
He's not opening one in NYC anytime soon.)
Laduree next.
(They're a bit firmer than Pierre Herme--just not as magical.
They also have very basic flavors usually.
There's one shop in NYC, and it takes an hour to get a macaron
because it's run kind of inefficiently.)
And for a local/won't have to wait for an hour favorite:
(They have a huge selection of flavors and
I think are similar quality to Laduree,
but I'd need to taste them side by side.)
What are your favorite macaron shops?
love the macarons from bouchon bakery; granted I haven't had PH but someday...
ReplyDeleteHopefully someday soon! Dani and I are going hunting for macarons and tasting them side by side. Next time you're in NYC, we should have a good assessment of a wider survey of places so you won't have to waste time with the crappier ones. :)
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