Japan Visit - Pierre Herme Macarons

During my visit, I realized that the Aoyama Pierre Herme wasn't too far from my oldest brother's home, so the first free time we had I persuaded my mom to go with me, haha.  The space was small but packed with beautiful macarons and other desserts.  The white, glossy display cases and interior really made all of the pretty colors of the desserts stand out.  The boutique felt a little intimidating to walk into at first, but the store employees were really nice and helpful, even offering samples of some hazelnut cookies while we were looking around.

 

We got a box of the following macaron flavors:

 - Macaron Infiniment Jasmin

- Macaron Infiniment Rose

- Macaron Celeste

- Macaron Chocolate Amer

- Infiniment Vanille

- Infiniment Caramel

- Macaron Envie

These macarons were clearly beautiful to look at, but they were DELICIOUS as well!  Each one had a strong flavor without tasting artificial or too sweet, and they really nailed each of the different flavors.  I wish I could've made more than one visit and I definitely want to go back, especially with all of the desserts and the cafe there! 

Lunchtime Links for March 14th, 2012

• Blondie and Brownie: Pierre Herme macarons.
• Emily Bites: Buffalo wing hummus. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Flourless peanut butter mug cake.
• Serious Eats: New cupcake shops in NYC.
• Cupcakes and Cashmere: Peanut butter ice cream sandwiches.

Tout de Sweet - Pumpkin and Vanilla Macarons

I've mentioned my love for Tout de Sweet's vanilla macaron before, and yes, it's still as fabulous as ever.  I love places that do seasonal items, like pumpkin EVERYTHING haha.  The pumpkin macaron on the left was really really really tasty.  The perfect 2 bites of pumpkin, crisp, chewy, and all things good about macarons.  Also, I love the color of the pumpkin macaron, a great light shade of orange that was so pretty!  

Every time I go here I think that I need to go more often- hopefully this time I actually will go soon to try out new flavors... along with another vanilla macaron, haha!  

Lunchtime Links for September 15th, 2011

• Eat Drink Pretty: Pumpkin spice latte cupcakes.
• A Passion For Food: Laduree macaron boxes. 
• Jen's Kit Kat Blog: Strawberry hazelnut Kit Kats.
• Cakespy: Matcha gobs with a lemongrass-ginger filling.
• Jersey Shore: Recap from TVGasm.

Lunchtime Links for September 7th, 2011

• The Kitchn: Trader Joe's middle eastern flatbread.
• The Budget Babe: Penny loafer pumps. 
• Kirbie's Cravings: Pancake French toast with Nutella. 
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from TVGasm.
• A Passion For Food: Laduree in NYC.

June Dessert Meetup - PAUL Bakery + Central Restaurant

For our June blogger meetup, we hit up two spots- PAUL Bakery and Central, yummmm.  This was great because I had not yet been to PAUL, and I had not been to Central in a long time!

There was row after row of pastries and other foods in the cases at PAUL - so much to look at!

If sweets aren't your thing, PAUL is also a great place to pick up a quick lunch or dinner on your way home from work.

We split a bunch of items at PAUL, which was a great way to try out a little bit of everything.  Two highlights for me were a lemon tart and a quiche that were both delicious.

Moving onto Central - we ordered a LOT.  And I mean A LOT.  Here's the rundown from what I can recall:

- Celebration Cake
- Banana Split
- Chocolate and Cherry Meringue
- Michel's Chocolate Bar
- Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
- Michel's Napoleon

... I may even be forgetting a dish or two, haha.  The craziest dessert is hands down the Celebration Cake.  It comes out with a giant sparkler on top, and a hard chocolate shell that opens up to cake, ice cream, fruit, cream, you name it.  It's definitely a show-stopper of a dessert!

I took a photograph of the one dessert closest to me when they came out, which is also one of the most fun ones in my opinion - the Banana Split.  I looooooooooooooooooooooove this dessert.  It's whimsical and fun but the flavors are all on point as well.  The ice creams and all of the toppings are delicious.
It's hard to choose just one dessert at Central, as this is where Chef Michel Richard's pastry background really shines through.  I'd highly recommend Central for real food too, but don't skip dessert!!!

I also picked up a loaf of PAUL's signature sourdough bread to take home.  They will slice it for you if you ask, which is a nice plus.  I wrapped these up and froze them and they held up really well.  It was great to be able to take out a slice or two when I wanted them. 

PAUL Bakery

801 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20004

202.525.4500

Central

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

202.626.0015

Lunchtime Links for June 13th, 2011

• Bella Nutella: Nutella s'mores.
• The Budget Babe: Band-Aid friction block stick review. 
• Serious Eats: Sugar cookies stuffed with chocolate chip cookie dough.
• The Kitchn: Guide to French pastries. 
• The Pioneer Woman: Pasta with pesto cream sauce.

Lunchtime Links for September 23rd, 2010

• Pioneer Woman: Chocolate chip cookie sweet rolls recipe.
• French Twist DC: Gossip Girl recap.
• Top Chef: Recap from TVGasm. 
• The Kitchn: Keeping avocados fresh.
• Momofuku for 2: Bananas Foster waffle recipe.

Lunchtime Links for September 22nd, 2010

• Gossip Girl: Recap from NYMag.
• Blondie & Brownie: Bon Appetit Cafe offerings for this year.
• Serious Eats: Cran-apple white chocolate popcorn recipe.
• Bakerella: Update on the engagement cake pops couple.
• The Kitchn: Carne asada fries, yum.

Lunchtime Links for March 4th, 2010

• More Cupcakes: The Chicago shop is now shipping!
• McMacaron: Macarons in McDonalds, Paris.
• Ah, My Barista Days: Properly steaming milk for espresso drinks.
• Avocado Tips: Cutting and pitting an avocado, safely.
• Cupcakes: Sanrio character cupcakes.