Consuming Passions

I have to admit to an extremely serious ‘addiction’ - nothing mind altering, just a passion for Ladurée macaroons. I first became aware of these heavenly temptations in delicate colours - subtle flavours on a visit to Paris six years ago. For some unknown reason I had never been to Paris, my partner and I decided to rent an apartment for two weeks in January - not the warmest time but good for walking. It proved to be a truly magical holiday. The city is architecturally breathtaking, after two weeks I wanted to live there. To fully appreciate this beautiful city it is better to walk the different arrondissements, or as the French say a ‘flaneur’ & explore the different lifestyles/culture. One snowy bitterly cold day we chanced upon Ladurée on Rue Bonaparte. Originally the shop & home of ‘Madeline Castaing’ the influential French decorator. The property was revamped by ‘Jacques Garcia’ the arbitrator of ‘belle epoch style’ who is behind the design of ‘Hotel Costes’. If you appreciate this style of decoration you will be in heaven! As you enter the shop your eyes will be drawn to the tempting array of delicious patisserie in beautifully lit cabinets. The macaroons are the ‘jewels’ in an array of colours & flavours which will be packed in the prettiest boxes. From that first visit I am totally hooked, our kitchen is a shrine to Ladurée boxes I can’t bear to throw out. Though they are now empty I can still taste the addictive macaroons they once contained! Ladurée have four branches in Paris and concessions over the world, lucky for me I can buy them in Burlington arcade or Harrods, so I don’t have to travel too far for my fix. Believe me, once you have tasted one you will be hooked. There are comparisons available but none live up to Ladurée. Visit their website for the whole story http://www.laduree.fr/ , or visit Paris Breakfast blogspot http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/ who is another addict!