Maison Ladurée, New York

Upper East Siders have one more reason to see ‘la vie en rose‘ these days with the arrival of famed Parisian macarons shop Maison Ladurée on Madison Avenue. It’s the first US outpost of this iconic French patisserie and is sure to awaken a sweet tooth in everyone!

Over the past few years, macarons have gone from unknown sweets to fashionable treats found in every fancy bakeries in the US. While I’ve tasted many delicious ones across the city, nothing beats a visit to Ladurée. Walking around the shop is a luxurious and refined experience steeped in history and tradition. Walls painted with the legendary light French green wrap the scene where pastel-colored jewel boxes showcase chocolates, confections, teas and candles from their home fragrance collection, all perfect gifts for that special someone in your life.

Of course, none of this can turn your attention away for too long from the real beauties: round-shaped multicolored macarons, some of the best in the world! You’ll find the same 15 flavors than in Paris (they’re flown in) with the exception of a ‘made for New York only’ flavor of cinnamon and raisin. I got a sample of 6: Caramel With Salted Butter (the best one!), Cinnamon and Raisin (fantastic), Blackcurrant Violet (too sweet, a bit of a downer), Coconut (another favorite), Raspberry (deliciously tarty), and Coffee (pretty good).

These are definitely the best two-bite delights worth queuing in line for…

Maison Ladurée

864 Madison Avenue (between 70th and 71st streets)

New York, NY

T: 646-558-3157

map