Bonne Bouche! Wait, let me get this phrase correct since I have vague memories of my French classes in high school. Let me get the proper definition so I don’t mislead you. According to Webster, bonne bouche is a dessert that is supremely delicious or appetizing. The definition goes on to say a choice morsel.
It just so happens that 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, and the Fête de la Fédération, which celebrated the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790.
It was a remarkable 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 ensure we understand the difference between macaroons and macarons. The only similarities are that both are confections, meaning both are made with sweet ingredients. A macaroon is a soft cookie with a light, fluffy consistency typically made from ground almonds, coconut, sugar, and egg whites.
A macaron is a meringue-based confection made with egg white, not too much sugar, almond meal, and food coloring. The treat is characterized by its smooth domed 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 their moment. Just ask Cecile Cannone, the French pastry chef in Paris who opened Macaron Café in New York City in 2007. Due to the café’s immense popularity, there are now four locations in New York City. Don’t live in NYC? Macaron Café orders can be placed online and shipped nationwide in the US and 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
Good is what I thought when I opened the cute luxury box filled with sinfully delectable, dare I say, cookies. The MacarOn Cafe macarons are visually appealing and savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. My selection included pistachio, dark chocolate, vanilla, coconut, expresso, and 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.