I usually pick up treats when I am in the area and never been disappointed. They also serve scrumptious authentic French bread.

Sugar lovers, rejoice! Here you can feast your eyes on all the sweet goodness. There are more treats there (hope you can blow up the image to see it all!).

A quick look around this small but cozy ‘sugar sanctuary’ should reassure you that you are in the right place.

Hold on… is that a book collection in the corner? I was eager to check out the titles! …a few of Pierre Herme books in there, that’s where they get some of their inspiration from.

After carefully selecting my treats I sat down waiting for the order to grace my little table. Those clocks on the wall certainly look great. What time is it in Paris?

Another look around the shop and a quick glimpse up the ceiling… uhh, I love those chandeliers.

Finally my order has arrived. Macarons are all about presentation and these macs certainly look fine. Except the bit of cream on the shell that usually happens when you mishandle a macaron – easy on those shells! I am not sure what flavour they are as they are just called plainly ‘macarons’ here and they only had two types when I was there.

…hmmm, I will let you figure which one tastes a bit like caramel but it’s hard to tell the exact flavour. I can taste butter through the filling. The blue macaron filling is much smoother … the shells look like French shells. A few more bites and…

Now, onto my other treats!! What, did you think I only came here for the macarons?!?

Overall, this place is a must visit, so if you are in Melbourne (Australia) then keep the following place in mind:

19 Keilor Rd  Essendon VIC 3040

(03) 9379 3815

Be sure to get here early in the morning!

Mother’s Day macaron gift!

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. If you’re looking for a last minute Mother’s Day gift then consider giving your mum The Macaron Master.

Why is it a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift? Simply because it teaches how your mum can master the world’s most luxurious cookie – the macaron.

Macarons are famous the world over. They were served to Hollywood’s A-Listers at the 2013 Oscars… A Celebrity-Branded Line of Macarons Emerged (With Matching Purses) … and HuffPost Press published an article Making Macarons: A Trend That Keeps on Trending.

Everyone raves about those luxurious bites of heaven! And now The Macaron Master will help your mum master this highly celebrated cookie.

If your mum loves family gatherings–and all mums do–then the expert baking skills she learns from this guide will make her the star of family get-togethers. She will love that… you will love the sugar rush! Something you will keep tweeting about for a while.

The Macaron Master is a perfect last minute Mother’s Day gift that your mum will cherish and appreciate.

The Macaron Master is a beautifully designed and professionally created eBook filled with luscious photographs – it’s an instant download so you will have it ready for your mum in MINUTES from now.

Yes, we did say, it’s a perfect last minute Mother’s Day gift!

Ladurée macarons in Singapore | © senatus.net

Singaporeans aren’t you lucky! If you love macarons and are heading to / living in Singapore then life is about to get well, a whole lot sweeter for you!

Ladurée (the French macaron artisans) opened doors to the first Ladurée boutique in South East Asia, at Ngee Ann City in Singapore’s famed Orchard Road. I guess that’s just another reason for me to love that great city/country even more!

Recently, I wrote a post Ladurée Brings French Macarons To Westfield Sydney, Australia! about Ladurée opening a macaron shop in Sydney Australia. Naturally, there are many macaron bakeries in Sydney but there is something magical about Ladurée macarons … and people were lining up for up to 90 minutes to experience the magical bites of heaven.

So, knowing the Singaporeans and their taste for good (sweet) food (confections) I wouldn’t expect anything less…

I have read the announcement here, where they also include a brief Ladurée macaron story which I thought you might enjoy:

The Ladurée macaron story

Louis-Ernest Ladurée, a French artist of versatile interests ranging from writing to pastry-crafting, invented the original macaron but unfortunately had his original shop burnt down during the Paris Commune of 1871. In the 1930′s, his second grandson Pierre Desfontaines rose to fame by sticking two macaron pastries together with a flavored ganâche and creating the modern double-decker macaron as we know it!

His gastronomical success was complemented by the genius idea of turning part of his shop into a tearoom. At a time when women were not allowed into cafés and had to keep to the seclusion of their homes, the Laduree tearooms became the bourgeois ladies’ new gourmand social venue.

Wow – what a great story! Hope you have enjoyed it.

I guess the macaron is only increasing in popularity, which is why The Macaron Master is so ‘in fashion’ right now! Speaking of fashion, make sure you visit Orchard Road in Singapore – it’s the fashion capital – and, when (ok, IF) you get tired of all your shopping you can always make a quick stop for a refreshing break at Ladurée Singapore!

Not that long ago,  McDonald’s, leader in cost and convenience decided to jump on the macaron bandwagon and start producing their own version of the famous French confection. But are they any good or really awful?

Celebrity pastry chef Adriano Zumbo who became famous for his macaron tower creations describes the McDonald’s macaron imitation as “fatty and artificial”.

Source says McDonald’s macarons are baked at a central location and delivered weekly to McCafe outlets. WEEKLY? Perhaps you might think that’s not that bad… especially since Laduree makes theirs in Switzerland blast freezes them before shipping to Australia.

But, back on track… speaking of McDonald’s macarons macaron extraordinaire Adriano Zumbo says: “They’re not terrible. They’re not very pleasant, either. The taste is bland, it’s very fatty and artificial, and you can tell it’s mass-produced.”

Mass produced? Fatty? Artificial?

Can you see a macaron business opportunity here?

McCafe brand manager Tim Kenward says “The beauty of McDonald’s is in the convenience. We’ve got so many stores across the country, making us the most cost-competitive macarons around.”

So, while McDonald’s are creating the most cost-competitive macarons around you could be known for the most delicious macarons around! Are we giving you some business ideas here?

One year from today there will be more macron shops and bakeries than ever. Zumbo is growing so successful that he’s now planning to open his first Melbourne store this year.

If you have always wanted to start your own macaron baking business then now is the chance. If you don’t fully know how to go about it, then check out The Macaron Master.

MakMak opened a pop-up shop within its existing venue in Newtown. According to Heng (the owner), the shop was a huge success. Following the success of the Christmas-themed pop-up shop they decided to open their first permanent retail outlet in Sydney.

“MakMak’s mission is to produce the best macarons (macaroons if you insist) in Australia.
Our macarons are handmade in Sydney using the finest quality ingredients in a range of innovative flavours, colours and textures and are 100% gluten free.”

Great story indeed! They have a great looking website and a fantastic looking logo…

© MakMak Macarons Logo

”I didn’t really have a masterplan,” he says. ”I just created a Facebook page and posted a message announcing I was taking orders for Christmas. I thought if I sold 100 I’d be pretty proud, but business boomed and I ended up making more than 1000 macarons,” Among the more unusual flavours requested were popping candy, bubblegum and cola, as well as raspberry and coconut.

The story continues… apparently he also sells through the Farmer’s Daughter cafe in Yarralumla, and would like to set up at the markets. Here at The Macaron Master we wish him all the best with his new business.

So, there you go! If you’re thinking ‘if a plumber can then I can too…’ well, stop dreaming and invest in The Macaron Master – it’s a COMPLETE MASTERPLAN that shows you how to create bakery-quality macarons for fun and profit!

This amazing guide not only shows you how to make delicious macarons (using ALL the methods = French, Swiss + Italian) but it also shows you how to turn this sweet hobby into a lucrative career. You can start from your own home kitchen… YES!

It’s really that simple with the aid of The Macaron Master!

Box of macarons signed by Pierre Hermé

Speaking Of Pierre… On 20 March, Pierre Hermé Paris celebrates the 8th annual Jour du Macaron (Macaron Day). From 12 to 20 March, in honour of this special event, e-Gourmandises exclusively offer a special box of 24 macarons and donate a percentage of sales to the charity “Vaincre la Mucoviscidose”. You can learn more here: Pierre Herme Boutique.

Macaron Day will even be celebrated in Hungary! With the following exhibitors/bakeries:

Patisseries:

Villa Bagatelle

La Praline

Centrál Kávéház

Four Seasons

Party Macaron

Desszert Neked

Sarki Fűszeres

Gerbeaud

Gundel Cukrászda

à table! boulangerie-pâtisserie

SUGAR! shop & confectionary

Paris Budapest Restaurant & Bar

Rosinante Hotel

Cinnamon Roll

You can learn more here: http://macaronnap.hu/program-of-the-macaron-day-and-its-exhibitors/

In Japan it’s called the white-day and it will be celebrated on the 21st. You can learn more here: http://pierreherme.co.jp/

Chef Thierry from Vancouver will celebrate the joy of the macaron with their second

Chef Thierry Macarons -
http://thierrychocolates.com/

annual Jour du Macaron. On March 20th, he will be offering a limited edition spring-inspired “Cherry Blossom” macaron featuring a honey bush tea shell, honey butter cream and Chef Thierry’s signature cherry jam in the centre. Also in Vancouver, Kitchening & Co will be giving away up to $10,000 worth of macarons to raise money for charities doing work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Macaron Day NYC coincides annually with the Jour du Macaron in Paris, created by la Maison Pierre Hermé Paris in association with the Relais Desserts. They invite to join them on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 to discover macarons in New York as bakeries across the city once again come together to provide free macarons to customers.

The following bakeries are scheduled to participate in this grand event in NYC:

2013 PARTICIPANTS

Bisous, Ciao. Macarons 101 Stanton Street (212) 260-3463 235 Bleecker St (212)-675-6366 www.bisousciao.com Bosie Tea Parlor 10 Morton Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 352-9900 www.bosienyc.com Bouchon Bakery Bouchon Bakery at Time Warner Center Ten Columbus Circle, Third Floor New York, NY 10019 (212) 823-9366 Bouchon Bakery at Rockefeller Center One Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020 (212) 782-3890 www.bouchonbakery.com Butterfield Market 1114 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10075 (212) 288-7800 www.butterfieldmarket.com  Cannelle Patisserie 75-59 31st Avenue Queens, NY 11370 (718) 565-6200 www.cannellepatisserie.com
	Chantilly Patisserie 135 Parkway Road Bronxville, NY 10708 (914) 771-9400 www.chantillybronxville.com
	Epicerie Boulud 1900 Broadway New York, NY 10023 (212) 595-9606 www.danielnyc.com
	FP Patisserie 1 W 58th St at the Plaza Hotel New York, NY 10019 (212)986-9241 1293 Third Ave at 74th St New York, NY 10021 (212)757-5252  www.payard.com
	Francois Payard Bakery 210 Murray Street New York, NY 10282 (212) 566-8300 116 West Houston Street New York, 10012 (212)995-0888 1775 Broadway at 58th St New York, 10019 (212)995-0888 www.fpbnyc.com
	Macaron Café 161 West 36th Street New York, NY 10018 (212) 566-8300 44 East 59th Street New York, 10022 (212)995-0888 750 Third Avenue New York, 10017 (212)995-0888 www.macaroncafe.com
	Macaron Parlour 111 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave & Ave A New York, NY 10009 (347) 979-6023 www.macaronparlour.com
	Mad-Mac “The Authentic French Macarons”At  Bernardaud 499 Park Avenue at 59th Street New York, NY 10022 (973) 225-0930 www.madmacnyc.com
	Michael Allen International ConfectionerAt Fresh Fanatic Organic Market 275 Park Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 230-3360 www.MichaelAllendesserts.com
	Mille Feuille Bakery and Café 552 Laguardia Pl New York, NY 10012 (646) 626-6472 www.millefeuille-nyc.com
	The Todd English Food Hall 1 W 58th St at the Plaza Hotel New York, NY 10019 (212)986-9241

Macaron Day in Toronto celebrates these delicate confections in support of a local charity. They invite to join them on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 when participating patisseries across Toronto will come together to offer complimentary macarons to customers.  To receive your macaron, visit a participating patisserie and simply mention you are celebrating Macaron Day TO. Participating locations will provide one macaron per customer at no cost, with quantities limited by location.

The following bakeries are scheduled to participate in this grand event in Toronto:

Participants

	La Bamboche 4 Manor Road East 416-481-6735 1712 Avenue Road 416-224-5595 www.labamboche.ca
	Petite Thuet 1162 Yonge Street 416-924-2777 1 King Street West 416-867-7977 www.petitethuet.com
	Patisserie La Cigogne 1626 Bayview Avenue 416-487-1234 1419 Danforth Avenue 416-466-2345 www.patisserielacigogne.com
	Moroco Chocolat 99 Yorkville Avenue 416-961-2202 www.morocochocolat.com
	The Wedding Cake Shop 859 College Street 416-916-2253 www.theweddingcakeshoppe.com
	J’adore Cakes Co. 3308 Danforth Avenue 416-691-4554 www.jadorecakesco.com
	Ma Maison 4243 Dundas Street West 416-236-2234 www.ur2busy2cook.com
	Patachou 1120 Yonge Street 416-927-1105 835 St. Clair Avenue West 416-782-0122
	Butter Avenue 3467 Yonge Street 647-341-8686 www.butteravenue.com
	Frangipane Patisserie 215 Madison Avenue 416-926-0303 www.frangipane.ca
	Rahier Patisserie 1586 Bayview Avenue 416-482-0917 www.rahierpatisserie.com
	Patisserie 27 401 Jane Street 416-762-2103 www.patisserie27.com
	Daniel et Daniel 248 Carlton Street 416-968-9275 www.danieletdaniel.ca
	The Sweet Escape 55 Mill Street Building 47, Suite 102 416-214-2253 www.thesweetescapedistillery.com
	Le Dolci 1006 Dundas Street West 416-262-3400 www.ledolci.com
	Bobbette & Belle 1121 Queen Street East 416-466-8800 www.bobbetteandbelle.com
	Ruelo Patisserie 550 Highway 7 East 905-762-1500 4-6 Erskine Avenue 416-486-1800 www.ruelo.com
	Yorkville Espresso Bar 3 Yorkville Ave 416-515-7366 facebook Special Macaron Day macaron-making class Wed March 20th 2013 6pm

Celebrate the Macaron Day with The Macaron Master!

The Macaron Master is a step-by-step illustrated guide to creating your own bakery-quality macarons – for pleasure & profit. It covers ALL techniques – French, Italian & Swiss! Click here to learn more!

Wolfgang Puck Oscar macarons!

How does one feed Hollywood A-listers? I’m sure that was not an easy order to fill! Hollywood … the red carpet … the Oscars. Gosh! How do you stay calm and collected let alone composed while making all the food preparations? Not easy, I guess!

The chef, Wolfgang Puck and his culinary team of 350 cooking specialists were up to the challenge…

One report tells that the chef’s grocery list included 20 pounds of black and white truffles,  600 Maine lobsters, 1,200 stone crab claws, 1,000 pounds of chocolate and 1,600 pounds of butter. Speaking of luxury… Well, I wish I was invited!

Apparently, the menu included 6,500 wood fire Oscar-shaped flatbreads, chestnut tortellini with black truffles, potatoes with caviar and 1,500 bottles of bubbly!

Of course, the menu wouldn’t be complete without a side of macarons – those luxurious bites of heaven that even Hollywood’s high-rollers can’t resist!

Well, the concord grape macarons look … sensational! I love the vibrant colors. Not sure if I would eat them though…it takes a substantial amount of food coloring to achieve those hues. They do look great – luxuriously great!

No wonder some stars were falling up stairs!

This is a bit too creative…:)

What would you do with all those smooth and delicious macarons? You could eat them all! Ok, maybe not all of them. You could share them with friends and family – people love macarons! Or you could SELL them. Yes, if you can create smooth, bakery-quality macarons then you can turn that into a little career. Imagine that! It’s all possible with The Macaron Master! It shows you how to produce bakery-quality macarons using detailed STEP-BY-STEP illustrations.

PLUS…it explains how to start your own macaron business from home.

This amazing guide also shares the coveted tips and techniques celebrity chefs use to create delightful macarons for glossy magazine photo shoots. If you can see yourself as a successful macaron master then we can show you how to get there – all step by step. Simply visit this page to master the macaron in 2013! What a fantastic New Year’s Resolution!