Looks like Keith and I will have a place for a snack when we are in Zurich this August. Will also try Sprungli.

Thin

Not clear whether Laduree stores will be participating in this Macaron Day event or not. Does anyone know?

bette33, the website lists Pierre Hermé, Jean-Paul Hévin, Sadaharu Aoki, Laurent Duchêne, Arnaud Larher as participating shops in Paris.

I have had these cookies at Bouchon, in the Time Warner bulding, and find them an excellent substitute for the Laduree ones. Everyone in my family has different favorites, from chocolate, to pistashio, almond, and we were excited when we 'found' them in Columbus Circle. I've seen the Laduree ones in the airport in Brussels, and several places in London. They are not at all like what we call macaroons, but are a light, sandwich cookie. Enjoy!

François Chocolate Bar (François Payard) at Mauboussin Jewelry - 714 Madison Ave. 4th floor New York, is also listed as a participant in the U.S.

Thin,

Sadly, the Laduree is not a sit down cafe like in Paris - just a shop...This was a big disappointment to my girls and I as we eagerly waited for the grand opening:( But do walk down the nearby Augustinergasse. One of my favorite little streets in Zurich - at Christmas it is total charm - sure it is lovely in summer too.

Spruengli is a real institution. Worth a self guided tour of the chocolate shop downstairs and then the pastries upstairs (warning Swiss pastries always look better than they taste). Filled with old Swiss couples... very busy. You want the one on Paradeplatz not one of the small shops around town...I have heard the little bar downstairs is a place for rich older women to get picked up. Isn't that a hoot? In summer you can sit outside for coffee or an ice and watch the crowds go by...

If you want the best Latte Macchiatto (sp?) however, head down the road two blocks away from BHstrasse to the Nespresso.... And for the best Bellini even inside of Italy go to the Baur Au Lac (Rive Gauche restaurant/bar in bad weather - the terrace in good).


gruezi

Guezi, we are staying at the Baur au Lac, so it is great to know that I must order a Bellini whilst sitting outside and eyeballing the shoe choices of the other guests.

Thank you for you help. You are very nice.

Thin

The Washington Post had a few macaron recipes today in its Food Section. This could save us thousands of dollars in airfare.

There's an official website for the NYC version of Macaron Day (Saturday, March 20) with a list of all the participating pastry shops:

http://macarondaynyc.com/participants.html