My love of macarons all began when I discovered the classic macaron shop Ladurée. Founded in 1862 and know as one of the best know macaron specialists in the world, Ladurée is the essence of french pastry and enchantment. When I first heard about it, it captured my heart and imagination with their ornate desserts, perfected macarons and beautiful detail in everything they do. Because there was no Ladurée in the US at the time I first discovered it, I began trying out local macaron shops, taking classes so I could learn to make my own macarons and even got the Ladurée cookbook to try my hand at their own classic recipes.
Essentially, I become obsessed with everything and anything macaron! So when I heard that a Ladurée was going in at The Grove in LA I was ecstatic! I drove up with my mom for a little afternoon coffee and dessert and it was honestly such a wonderful time. The cafe itself could not have been more beautiful. The downstairs dessert counter was lined with elegantly crafted pastries and behind them, a wall of pastel ribbon and Ladurée boxes ready to be packed with macarons. The upstairs seating makes you feel as if you are sitting in Paris in the 1800s when Ladurée was first founded.
I would have tried every sweet treat they offered if I could, from their delectable macarons to their exquisite religieuse, but for my first visit I went with the St. Honore a la Rose Framboise which is a choux pastry dessert consisting of a choux base, raspberry compote and crème chantilly filling, topped with rose crème patissiere, adorable creme puffs and finished off with a rose petal. I must say I’m not usually a big fan of rose in any sort of dessert, but this was flavored just perfectly, tying the rose and raspberry together into a perfect harmony. I highly recommend this dessert if you’re visiting Ladurée.
You can find US Ladurée locations here.
I only wish I could have spent more time in this lovely Parisian escape. I also have to mention how wonderful it was to get away from the crazy Christmas shopping crowds at The Grove and step into this serene cafe for a cup of coffee and dessert. If you’re ever in Los Angeles, there are now multiple Ladurée locations you can enjoy a little treat at and I couldn’t recommend doing so more!
