It's National Macaro(o)n Day: Where to get some
Whether you spell the dainty French buttercream-, jam- or ganache-filled colorful sandwich cookies with one ‘o’ or two, today is National Macaro(o)n Day. And you don’t have to drop everything and hop across the pond to enjoy these treats at famous Parisian maisons like Ladurée or Pierre Hermé. Angelenos are in luck as there are plenty of macaron masters scattered throughout this city, offering a delectable collection of confections from the color –- and flavor -– spectrum, on its dedicated holiday … or whenever:
Jin Patisserie: Tahitian vanilla, yuzu and chocolate mint are a sampling of the distinct macaron flavors created by Kristy Choo at her Abbot Kinney storefront. 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 399-8801, jinpatisserie.com.
Lette Macarons: Macaron enthusiast Paulette Koumetz and pastry chef Christophe Michalak offer what they describe as a kaleidoscopic selection of macarons at their Beverly Hills shop: Earl Grey tea, Sicilian pistachio, Colombian coffee. 9466 Charleville Blvd. at Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 275-0023, lettemacarons.com.
Hotcakes Bakes: A Parisian native, owner Elfie Weiss studied cuisson at prominent bakeries Gerard Mulot and Ladurée. Try the coconut, strawberry or S'more. 4119 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, (310) 397-2324, hotcakesbakes.com.
XT Patisserie: Pastry chef Xuan Ngo was born in Vietnam but grew up in France, baking his way to Los Angeles, where he perfected the macaron at Boule in Beverly Hills. Flavors like hazelnut, orange blossom and passion fruit are available online and at the South Pasadena and Larchmont farmers markets through Sugarbird Sweets. Xtpatisserie.com.
Bottega Louie: The long glass dessert case at the entrance of the establishment boasts an array of elegantly decorated pastries including beautiful, brightly colored macarons like the mandarin, cassis and salted caramel. 700 S. Grand Ave. L.A., (213) 802-1470; bottegalouie.com.
Little Next Door: The artisan marketplace features a boulangerie, and the Parisian-like ambiance is perfect for enjoying a macaron, or two. Cookie creations include dulce de leche, chocolate and raspberry. 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., (323) 951-0487, thelittledoor.com.
La Provence: With locations in Brentwood and Beverly Hills, the café produces more than 10 flavors such as lavender, rose and pumpkin spice, to name a few. 8950 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 888-8833, laprovencecafe.com.
--Caitlin Keller
Photo: Macarons. Credit: Bernhard Winkelmann
You should also check out buttersweetminis for some unusual flavors like taro coconut , peanut butter, black sesame and passion fruit. They are to die for !! Too bad it's only online order.... :( Hope she will have a store front soon so I can satisfy my cravings anytime i want !!
Posted by: Irene Roselani | May 31, 2011 at 11:21 PM
I LOVE macarons! I've tied so many kinds over the past 2 years!! But the love at first bite definitely goes to...ButterSweetMinis! The pistachio and coffee are highly recommended!!!
http://buttersweetminis.com/
Posted by: Maureen | May 31, 2011 at 10:21 PM
I was just about to say that this article did not include Paulette Macarons in Beverly Hills, but then I noticed that they shortened the name of their business to " 'Lette Macarons ". That place is by far, the absolute best place in So Cal to buy macarons!
Posted by: Chris Erion | May 31, 2011 at 01:36 PM
I love macaroons! Thanks for the Info!
Posted by: Tyler Morrisette | May 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Don't forget EuroPane in Pasadena. Lovely, lovely macarons, including (sometimes) lavender. Service is...odd, but that makes it all the more French.
http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2009/05/springs_scarborough_fair_lemon.php
Posted by: khh1138 | May 31, 2011 at 08:37 AM
This is a great list, many of them I did not know about. Will try to carry some of these macarons on our gourmet website.
Posted by: Savorique Gourmet | May 31, 2011 at 06:32 AM