"le Macaron" of Paris in Vancouver

Today is Macaron Day in Vancouver! Thanks to a tweet by Vancouver Picks, I stopped off at Thierry Chocolaterie Pâtisserie Café on Alberni Street in Vancouver for a taste of the brightly shaped discs also known as macarons. We picked up 3 flavours: lime, lemon and vanilla. The colors of the lime and lemon macarons were vibrant and enticing filling me with memories of Paris.

3 Thierry macarons: vanilla, lime and lemon

Pyramid Laduree macarons on Champs-Elysee in Paris

In Paris, we were lucky enough to experience a national treasure “le Macaron” at Ladurée. Ladurée began in 1862 and creatively survived and expanded to such famous locations such as the one we dined at on the Champs-Elysées.  The ornate building flagged with hints of modernism demonstrated the prestigious macaron. At the entrance, display cases lined the walkway with pyramids of stacked macarons with the decorative gift boxes. Immediately, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of this place and the smell of freshly baked pastries. I was more excited about trying these famous macarons then eating the main meal. 

4 Laduree macarons: pistachio, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate

We ordered 4 flavours, strawberry, pistachio, chocolate and vanilla. These macarons are the best in the world, there has been none I know have or have tried that can beat the uncompromising flavors, textures and pure perfection of the Ladurée macaron. The two round cakes are smooth on the outside, with a light crispy texture and when they entered my mouth, they melted as if evaporating into thin air. The creamy filling, was smooth, not grainy nor too sweet, just the right amount of flavour to match the cake. When the creamery middle is combined with the light airy cake, it creates a unique experience, hard to put into words. It’s almost a chewiness but not in a bad way, it leaves you wanting more, almost like an addictive filling that can only happen when those ingredients all culminate together as one, in each bite!

Gastonomical Adventurer enjoying the lime macaron from Thierry

It seems today, I was able to experience a little bit of Paris in Vancouver. The macarons today are the closest I’ve had since Paris. They were light, airy and creamy. Each macaron was the right size, shape and texture. The citrus flavours of lemon and lime were not overpowering, they had just enough to resemble the fruits they mimic. The vanilla macaron contained real vanilla bean in the two round cakes providing a sincerity behind the product. 

If you miss Paris, you’ve never been to Paris or you’re on your way there, stop by Thierry Chocolaterie Pâtisserie Café. Relive a memory as I did, keep a dream alive or just indulge in this magnificent treat. You definitely will not be disappointed!