Sometimes it is possible
to miss something long before you have ever experienced it. That is the way I
have always felt about Paris. I have wanted to go there ever since I can
remember. I have probably wanted to go ever since I heard the name and could
recognize where it was, as well as the incredible history, culture, and food
that is associated with this exotic location. I have longed to be in Paris the
way people long to have a child, the way someone longs to be a musician, the
way you need to do whatever it is to fulfill your soul.
I knew long before I ever
visited Paris, that my relationship with this city would leave us as close as
possible, like a pair of bosom buddies, and we were from the moment I stepped
off the train in the summer of 2009.
On my first glorious trip
to Paris, I had a fully planned itinerary (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2011/05/for-game-plan-part-iii.html) and it was the
On our second to last day there, we were to see the
magnificent Arc de Triomphe and climb our way to the top (ok I would be
cheating and taking the elevator half of the way). Right before we would arrive
we would have an important pit stop to make all thanks to travel guru Samantha
Brown. As you will note from previous blogs, (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-those-who-also-worship-my-travel.html) I learned the best travel tips and locations from watching her hop around the world and I haven’t even
made a dent in passing that information along. But in terms of delicious
essentials, Laduree was as the top of her list; therefore it was at the top of
mine. Since it is perfectly located on the tree lined Champs-Elysees mere feet
from the Arc de Triomphe, it was where we stopped for a break from my
self-guided tour and the pouring rain. It is a moment I shall always treasure.
Laduree on Madison Avenue was opened in August 2011
and there wasn’t a sole in New York City who didn’t know or care about it. For
weeks, maybe even months, there were lines around the block even on weekdays. I
knew I couldn’t get in for a while and I was panicked. Then I just never got a
chance but I never, ever let it out of my mind for one second. It was always on
my to do list (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html).
If for some reason you are feeling generous or need
a gift for someone, this is an ideal gift for anyone, anytime! (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html)
second leg
of a celebratory vacation in honor of my brother’s college graduation. We had
spent the previous five days in London and now it was on to five days in Paris.
Laduree is more than a pastry
shop or a pretty place to sit outside for a nice lunch. From the outside you
can tell from the marble and decorative layout careful thought and planning has
gone into every detail especially in what they serve. On the Samantha Brown
episode, I very clearly remember her starring down at the glass onto the pastel
colored macarons and other precious desserts trying to make the difficult
decisions on which treats will ultimately become hers. What I didn’t realize
until my own journey there was that they serve a full menu of entrees too. At
the time I was not hungry but did opt to stay and enjoy my treats and not take
mine to go like Ms. Brown did. Boy was this much more fun.
Although the wait staff
spoke mostly French they were very friendly and with my minimal half broken
English/French we made do. Our order was simple to look at but is still my
favorite of ALL time. Of course there was French press coffee (yum) but instead
of the traditional macaron they are famous for we ordered éclairs. This is
embarrassing but when I read it the first thought I had was of those filled
with cream with the thick chocolate stripe down the middle that I see in
Entenmann’s boxes. I am not a fan. But here they had so many flavors and I
figured when in Paris……..
So I ordered a pistachio
and my brother ordered a vanilla. You can see from the photo at the very
beginning of this blog that we did not receive anything like I expected. But
that picture like so many I take, fall flat on their face when trying to convey
the brilliance that was before me. This is was the freshest, most delicate
piece of pastry I have ever held. It had some very light powered sugar like
topping and when I took a bite Paris and I became soul mates. It was the taste
of true love. There are no words. The fact that I cannot get any in New York
made me heart sick. But in 2011 a remedy was available and I did a happy dance.
Laduree in New York City
is a tiny shop and is ONLY selling their signature macarons, which are shipped
from Paris three times a week. There are so many flavors believe me you will be
overwhelmed by the choices and the line, because there are still people always
in and out, but it is manageable and everyone is so kind. I love hearing “Bon
jour” in my day again!
To be clear the macarons
here are not the coconut ones many Americans think of right away. These are the
kind that has light, airy sandwiches with creams inside. Depending on the
flavor, the cream inside will match its outer layer. They look like they will
be thick and crunchy but after your first bite, there is a light crumble, and
then heaven. It seems like the simplest of creations and maybe it is. They have
been made since 1900 in Paris. Apparently when “it's not broken, don't fix it”
is a good idea.
I mention these treats now
because when I finally went to see the N.Y.C. shop it was after my spa day (see
previous blog). It made my “me” day all the more perfect. It was an all around
luxurious afternoon and was the final touch on a day
of happiness and relaxation.
This way if you buy your
family and friends some, you won’t have to share yours!!
For a Taste of Paris:
For the New York Times
Review:
Comments
Post a Comment