Ladurée vs. Pierre Hermé for macarons?
Apr 6th, 2011, 07:28 AM
#2
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I haven't tried Pierre Hermé, but the one time I had Ladurée I was underwhelmed. I've had better macarons at some of the little independent bakeries here in Tours (cheaper too).
I'm always meaning to try something exotic, but I always crumble and go for chocolate!
I'm always meaning to try something exotic, but I always crumble and go for chocolate!
Apr 6th, 2011, 08:34 AM
#3
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Both, ideally!
Pierre Hermé flavours are more unusual and original, such as vanilla and olive oil or grapefruit and wasabi. Utterly delicious of course. But the more classic flavours at Ladurée are so tasty too.
So... If you are a traditionalist stick with Ladurée, but if you like to be more experimental with your food go for Pierre H.
But if you can, get some from both and then you can make up your own mind
Pierre Hermé flavours are more unusual and original, such as vanilla and olive oil or grapefruit and wasabi. Utterly delicious of course. But the more classic flavours at Ladurée are so tasty too.
So... If you are a traditionalist stick with Ladurée, but if you like to be more experimental with your food go for Pierre H.
But if you can, get some from both and then you can make up your own mind
Apr 6th, 2011, 03:21 PM
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I prefer Pierre Herme. I tried PH for the first time, during my last trip to Paris. Don't know how seasonal the flavors are but I loved the salted burnt caramel, the black currant, the orange kumquat and the passionfruit chocolate. I not only loved the flavors, but I loved the texture of the cookie better than the ones at Laduree's.
Apr 7th, 2011, 05:14 PM
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While I've always loved Ladurée, I've grown weary of standing in the interminable line to purchase a box. We now buy most of our macarons at Arnaud Delmontel. (Locations in the 9th, 17th and 18th)
http://www.arnaud-delmontel.com/macaron.php
@gwan <<I've had better macarons at some of the little independent bakeries here in Tours (cheaper too).>>
Oh, gwan, I long for the huge macarons I would buy at a tiny bakery the while I was in Tours for a study abroad stay. I still go there when I visit. They were only 1€ each back in 2004. Can't remember the name of the shop, but it is located on rue du Commerce a couple of blocks from rue National where the street changes names from rue Colbert. Chocolate and strawberry are the only two flavors they have or at least on the days I've stopped by. Tours me manque!
http://www.arnaud-delmontel.com/macaron.php
@gwan <<I've had better macarons at some of the little independent bakeries here in Tours (cheaper too).>>
Oh, gwan, I long for the huge macarons I would buy at a tiny bakery the while I was in Tours for a study abroad stay. I still go there when I visit. They were only 1€ each back in 2004. Can't remember the name of the shop, but it is located on rue du Commerce a couple of blocks from rue National where the street changes names from rue Colbert. Chocolate and strawberry are the only two flavors they have or at least on the days I've stopped by. Tours me manque!
Apr 7th, 2011, 07:18 PM
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There are so many places to find great macarons in Paris.
Have you tried Arnaud Larher?
http://www.chocoparis.com/arnaud-larher/
Have you tried Arnaud Larher?
http://www.chocoparis.com/arnaud-larher/
Apr 7th, 2011, 10:10 PM
#10
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@crepes_a_go_go - ooh, thanks for the recommendation! The best ones I know of are the chocolaterie opposite the Musée de Beaux Arts and a bakery about three-quarters of the way up Rue Nationale. But I am going to have to hunt this place down! And if I have to try every bakery on the rue de Commerce... *shrugs* 
Apr 8th, 2011, 04:07 AM
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When PH first opened their shop on rue Bonaparte I had a rose macaron that was wonderful.
However, on our last two visits we found them to not be as good. The Laduree down the street was significantly better.
However, on our last two visits we found them to not be as good. The Laduree down the street was significantly better.
Apr 8th, 2011, 03:58 PM
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@gwan, so what will you give me for this valuable information? 
I Google street-viewed for you! 59 rue du Commerce, next door to Le Casbah, their sign over the door simply says Boulanger-Patissier. She doesn't have the macarons everyday, but you can call and ask her which days she has them and she will gladly hold some for you until you can pick them up. She's a very nice older lady.
I hope you like them. My host mother adores them and she has spent the entirety of her 60 years in Tours so she is a vrai française!
I Google street-viewed for you! 59 rue du Commerce, next door to Le Casbah, their sign over the door simply says Boulanger-Patissier. She doesn't have the macarons everyday, but you can call and ask her which days she has them and she will gladly hold some for you until you can pick them up. She's a very nice older lady.I hope you like them. My host mother adores them and she has spent the entirety of her 60 years in Tours so she is a vrai française!
