One of my longtime super favorite blogs to read is Chuvaness, run by Cecile Zamora van Straten. I’ve been reading it since its LiveJournal days and as much as I possibly can, I try to visit the restaurants or shops that she recommends. One of her recent entries was about the opening of the Manila branch of Laduree, that famous French luxury bakery that opened in 1862 and that’s best known for its delicious macarons.
Let’s get this out of the way first – a macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white. Commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies (or crisp shells), the name “macaron” is derived from the Italian word macarone, maccarone or maccherone, the Italian meringue. (Source: Wikipedia) Yes, it’s different from macaroons. Don’t get confused 🙂
Anyway, Laduree opened a branch in the Philippines at 8 Rockwell Building, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell, Makati. For probinsiyanas like me – yes, it’s where Powerplant Mall is. And yes, it’s an upscale area.
Welcome to Laduree Manila! From the outside, you already know you’re in pretty pastel heaven!
The macarons are all shipped fresh from France, straight from the commissary.
Pretty, pretty store!
Incidentally, Mr. Jappy Gonzalez, the managing director of H&F Retail Concepts, the company that brought Laduree to the Philippines, was also there. I recognized him because of Cecil’s photo 😀
The Laduree macarons are sold at Php 150.00 (roughly US $3.25) apiece. You can buy the macarons individually or you can also order them in boxes.
I bought 5 macarons. Php 750.00 total. Expensive but still way cheaper than flying off to Paris 🙂
Aside from macarons, Laduree Manila also sold room scents, scented candles, jams, tote bags etc. Lots of great gift ideas here! I hope one of these days someone would give me a lovely Laduree scented candle <3
Go visit Laduree Makati when you can. Even probinsiyanas like us also deserve little treats once in a while.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
