Laduree

1988

The first time my Mother came to visit me in France her impressions were:

1) The beauty of the fruits and vegetable stands.

2) That surely she had died, tripping over her tongue due to the antiques she was lapping up.

3) That a macaron is not very impressive looking.

I was excited to show my Mother Paris, (she wrote postcards that would later say, "...I have walked my feet off and still gained a hundred pounds!") The Eiffel tower, the open markets, Notre Dame, the brocantes...but more than anything I was excited to show her Laduree! To sit under the painted ceiling of the 18th century, ultra-romantic tea room, to sip tea and savor a macaron together.

                        

My Mother nudged me and rolled her eyes when we walked in, whispering on the side of her mouth, "Fancy!" Her eyes widen at the beautiful display of desserts. Shyly she tapped on the glass counter to show me what she liked, but before she could say want she wanted, I told the server we would have two macarons. My Mother looked at the price, and gasped, "Never in my life have I ever paid such a ridiculous price for one little plain Jane cookie!" I reassured her that with one bite she would swear differently! (I must add that my Mother is, amongst many things, a master cookie maker, that she is known for her delicious darlings, her eye appealing chocolate marshmallow cookies!)

When we left Laduree my Mother purchased a dozen more macarons to take home. She told me that never before had she tasted gold.

photo: In a pastry shop window a macaron cozying up to a teacup. To send a postcard click here from Laduree's!

Comments

[nel]

They look like they would just melt in the mouth. I have never been lucky enough to indulge in the experience that is eating a macaroon...I think I am missing out:-(

[Shannon]

The only macaroon I've eaten are the coconut kind here in the States, which from I've heard is nothing like a "real" macaroon.

One more thing on my list of things to do in France...eat a Ladurée macaroon!

[Jeanne]

Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookies of life.
You are one smart cookie.
Long live your beloved Mother.
Love you
Jeanne ^j^

[Pauline Clarke]

The French half of me just woke up! What a luscious post!

[Annabelle]

They sound delicious.So nice to have shared those happy moments with your mom.

Annabelle ~^..^~ xo

[susan]

what a lovely experience for you and your mother! the teacup is splendid too... that color is so inviting!

[cruststation]

What a lovely story and such an exciting experience to have shared it all with your mother. Her love of antiques (ah, I see where you get it from)...and oh the lovely food, I am sure if I ever go to Paris/France I'd definitely gain weight :)

[a.]

I loved reading this story!
a.

[Anna]

Lovely and luscious in every way. Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks!......anna

[Josephine]

You've got me wanting one of those macaroons!

And wow, the Laduree...how beautiful. That's it, Corey, I'm heading to France the absolute first chance I get!!

Wishing you a beautiful day ~ Jos

[ParisBreakfasts]

Such a pretty cup...
Such a pretty mac...
I'd like to paint those two...

[diana]

yup... this is going on my list too... beautiful beautiful picture

[ARS]

Today this blog entry itself was the macaroon falling into my waiting happy hands.

[pinar]

I love macarons.. the best
they do here in Istanbul are from Marquise..
a pastry and tea shop.. dating back to 19. century..
and as pricey..as in France..
enjoy..

[MB]

Laduree would make instants gourmands of us all! Corey, your posts are always small feasts for the eyes.

[Mrs.Staggs]

This story made me smile. I think I would like your mother, her garden, her beautiful and welcoming kitchen and her down to earth, yet poetic attitude very much Corey.
What a lovely memory you've both shared.

[tut-tut]

I clicked to see what they were; are they unique to this shop, or can you get them elsewhere in France?

Thanks again for a wonderful vignette.

[Ulla]

Oh the colour of that teacup! Like moonlight on a fairy pond... my mouth is watering, my head dreaming...

[Sheila]

Afternoon tea, macaroons...how civilized!
and in such surroundings..bliss!
I looked at their site, so many flavours...I may have to try one of each....

[ally bean]

I've never seen a macaroon that didn't have coconut in it. I love the idea of different flavored fillings inside. Yummy.

[Star]

Mmmmm...macaroons....

Every time you link to the post with your mother's cookies it makes me want to go to her kitchen immediatley, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

[AnnieElf]

Corey, I have been so enjoying these little memory stories you have been sharing with us. I look forward to many more. Warm hugs, Annie

[Paris Parfait]

Ah, yes the joys of Laduree! Recently a friend gave me a whole box of macaroons, which didn't last long! Lovely post about your mom's impressions.

[gracie]

If I am ever fortunate enough to return to France, then visiting Laduree and tasting those macaroons will be top of my list of things to do (along with perhaps visiting you!!)

[Jill]

I was never sure how to name my favorite shade of green - it wasn't quite apple green, definitely not lime green, and light green didn't do the color justice... you've enlightened me, Corey - now I know it's Laduree green!

[Teresa Sheeley]

I am a cookie monster for real! I see pictures of your mom's chocolate cookies and my mouth just waters. Tea and macaroons sound heavenly. :)

[patpaulk]

A memory that will be cherished more than the cookie and tea!!

[skeeter]

it made me smile. the picture and the post. :)

[miss*R]

Corey - I love this - but that is not what I really want to say - I want to say that this post, the previous one and many others - really touch my soul and I don't know why. They make me emotional, wishing I were there - wanting what you describe. thankyou xo

[constance]

Beautiful memory. Does your Mom read your blog? She would like this one.
Macaroons are luscious.

Like your Mother, I adore cookies in general. They are definitely a cherished 'Earthly delight'!

[helen Sattel]

Yum! What a delight. It makes me want to catch a flight and come over for a cup of tea and a macaroon

[Toni Mason]

And I am baking Biscotti today!! I need a factory!!

[naturegirl]

That's it I'm coming to Paris! I'm drooling!

[Pat Spiller]

Hello Corey,
I am often moved by your stories. The Laduree. . . your walk down the lane about to undergo so many changes; so poignant and well-told tales.

Just today I visited artstream gallery and had the pleasure of seeing your photography, poetry & collage. Very beautiful. The gallery's window is "Corey" -- I think you would be pleased. Of course, I came away with a purchase in my bag. Perhaps, you could send a macaron to savor with my vintage papers? Pat

[Rich]

Ladurée. I would love to to there too. Someday I will make the longed for visit to France.

[susanna]

Oh, what a lovely memory of a moment spent with your mother! One day I'll have to check out Laduree in Paris. My mother is an excellent baker, too, and I had a similar experience with her gasping over the price of a roll of shortbread cookies. We bought some to compare and well, mom won hands down!

[Tara Larsen Chang]

That would be the ideal way to visit Paris (or anywhere, for that matter) - by having a beloved native show you the best places for your own particular tastes... How lucky your mother is.

That gold-trimmed, blue lusterware teacup is amazing as well.

[carolyn]

Macaroons - you either love them or hate them.

[mary]

I read this earlier and could not comment!! My compute gives me fits at times. I love this story and it reminds me of me and my daughter. I wish my Mom and I could have such a nice intimate date. When I go home the next time...after the holidays, I'm going to instigate a lunch out for just the two of us!

[liannallama]

Wow! I've never thought of a macaroon as anything special, but all I've ever had are the boxed American kind that taste kind of dry and crumbly. I certainly never would have chosen them in a tea room, but now if I ever get to France, I will definitely have to try one!
:)

[Jenny]

Corey, I have learned so many beautiful and spiritual things from you about French life and now the macaroon. You make it sound like all of could get on a plane and fly to Paris and meet you and your wonderful mother at this shop and eat all the macaroons there... A macaroon fest! What a party we would have! :)

[Julie]

Must be a mother thing. My Mom is also crazy about macaroons.

[Kristen R]

A moment of pure bliss I am sure!

Not too mention I am still droling over the photos you posted this summer of her lovely cookies that would surely bring to joy to anyone who had the pleasure of experiencing them.

xo-
Kristen

[Linda]

I really want this teacup--and I'm really not into collecting teacups. It is really beautiful.

[Colorsonmymind]

This was beauty in a small package.

[mary ann]

how scrumptious & divine all at once!

[Lind]

Corey.....Have you read Sandy's account of the 63.00 cookies at ARTTEALIFE! You need to read it you will get a good laugh. Your story made me think of it!

[Melli]

Ooooo! You have given me a new thing to add to my list of things I want to do when I travel abroad! Definately go to Laduree for tea!