Bonne Bouche! Wait, let me get this phrase correct since I have vague memories of my French classes in high school. Better yet, let me get the correct definition so I don’t mislead you. According to the Webster, bonne bouche is a dessert being supremely delicious or appetizing. The definition goes on to say a choice morsel.
Just so happens, July 14 is Bastille Day, the French National Day commemorating the beginning of the French Revolution. It started with the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of French people on July 14, 1790.
Great coincidence that I received a special delivery from New York City’s MacarOn Café to review their macarons. What a delightful ask of me! It was in Paris in 2012 that I first discovered this French delicacy.
First, let’s make sure there is an understanding there is a difference between macaroons and macaron. The only similarities are both are confections meaning both are made with sweet ingredients. A macaroon is a soft cookie that is light, fluffy consistency typically made from ground almonds or coconut, along with sugar and egg white.
A macaron is a meringue-based confectionary made with egg white, not too much sugar almond meal and food coloring. The treat is characterized by its smooth doomed top, flat base and cute ruffled circumference. The macaron is commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two biscuits (cookies). The name is derived from the Italian word macarons, macaroni, or maccherone, the Italian meringue.
Move over cupcakes! This is a hot not so new but fabulous culinary treat to rediscover. Currently macarons are having its moment. Just ask Cecile Cannone, the French pastry chef raised in Paris that opened MacarOn Café in New York City in 2007. Due to the café’s immense popularity, there are now four locations right in New York City. Don’t live in NYC? MacarOn Café orders can be placed online and can be shipped nationwide in the US and in Canada. Live in Manhattan? Feel free to visit one of the four locations for not just this choice morsel but an expansive offering of delectable breakfast and lunch options:
- 750 Third Avenue (between 46th and 57th Streets (Flagship store)
- 59th Street between Madison and Park Avenues
- 36th Street and 7th Avenue
- 303 Greenwich Street
Mmm mmm good is what I thought when I opened up the cute luxury box filled with sinfully delectable dare I say cookiets. The MacarOn Cafe macarons are not only visually appealing but a savory melt in your mouth goodness. My selection included pistachio, dark chocolate, vanilla, coconut, expresso and my fave, caramel.
No need to wait until National Macaron Day (March 20) to try this yummy treat! Below are a few reasons to try them:
1. Made in the U. S. (right in Manhattan)
2. Gluten-Free
3. Kosher-Certified
4. Trans Fat Free
5. Summer Smoothie Macarons: Strawberry, Blackberry and Apricot
5. If you live in NYC, macarons can be delivered in Manhattan
Sometimes the French just do things better. The MacarOn Café macarons are a refreshing treat. Consider them for a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, tea with the girls, New York Fashion Week chic bites, milestone celebrations and even corporate events. My New York City followers, have you tried MacarOn Café macarons? Do tell!
Thank you MacarOn Café for the delightful treat!
Bon Appetit! Have a fabulous week!
I was just in LA visiting my daughter and we went to Lette Macaroons in Beverly Hills. I ate them waiting to board the plane coming home. Yum. They haven’t made their way to Albuquerque yet!
Great shoes!
Nina,
Hi! So nice to hear from you! I am positive the LA Lette Macaroons were just as delish as NYC MacarOn Café macarons. Glad you were inspired to try them for your plane ride home to New Mexico.