les macarons

These macarons are too mouth-watering for words.

People go crazy for French macarons, the kind that are made with almond paste, sugar and egg whites (pictured above), and not to be confused with coconut macaroons which are another pastry entirely. I first visited (yes only visited) the French variety of macaron at Fauchon three years ago. I saw a piece on Fauchon's New York store on Martha, but when I got there, I could not go through with purchasing for some reason. I think I had pastry sticker shock.

I finally tried a French macaron at Payard (a great place to do it) this past January. The macarons were indescribably light, crispy, chewy and delicate. I had to grip them lightly or they would crumble. They are mysterious and delicious. They are $1.75 per piece in store, and they are totally worth it. Last week, at my local Greenpoint bakery, Cafe Riviera, I noticed they sell the French style macarons. I brought home four for my husband and me to sample. They were delicious. Mocha flavored. And the four only cost $2.80 ($13 a pound, or approximately 70 cents per piece). I still can't believe the price. There are so many hidden gems in Greenpoint. Now I want a macaron.


Fauchon
Once at 442 Park Ave, now closed.
Their products are available
at select Food Emporiums

Payard Patisserie
1032 Lexington Ave (73rd & 74th)
Upper East Side
212.717.5252

Riviera Cafe
830 Manhattan Ave
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
718.383.8450