French macarons in SF
The Parisian macarons... in SF. The addresses you should know!
The "Parisian macaron" served in every pastries, bakeries and grocery stores in France made a timid appearance in San Francisco a few years ago.
Less popular than his American cousin the Cup Cake, it seems that the French macaron is more and more appreciated. Although totally different from the Cup Cake, it shares with it a sweet and colorful world hard to resist.
Essential sweetness of sweet palate, this little biscuit made of almond powder, egg white and sugar has its origins in Italy in the Middle Ages. Launched in France during the Renaissance, it went through several royal courts, before being presented in pairs on a bed of cream or jam.
Ladurée is the one that popularized it by giving it different flavors and bright colors, always with a classic spirit. More recently, the pastry chef Pierre Hermé gave it a facelift, with bold flavors and associating it with a more modern world.
It became known in the U.S., when it appeared in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, in which Kirsten Dunst savor some with great pleasure. Be aware, here in SF, the French macaron is sometimes the innocent victim of a linguistic confusion, because it could be misnamed "macaroon", which is a tiny cake with coconut that's much less beautiful!
So where do you find them in SF?
Chantal Guillon, who replaced Paulette on Hayes Street, makes and sells exclusively macarons in a wide selection of flavors from classic ones to original subtle ones. They are excellent and very refined with a perfect holding. Sold in a beautiful box, they will make a perfect gift for your host. You can also find a very large selection of Mariage Frères tea. Macarons + Tea... the equation is so perfectly parisian!
437 Hayes St., SF and 444 University Avenue, Palo Alto
At Gourmet And More, among cheeses, pâtés and great "Made in France" products, you will find the 100% natural macarons from L'Artisan Macaron. Flavors are delicate and neat and they look very sophisticated. You can also order them online on the website Artisan macaron. (photo Blurred Line Photography)
141 Gough St., SF
With twelve flavors from chocolate to blueberry-lavender, the delicious macarons from Les Macarons Duverger are sold at Chez Berlue. The founders Claire and Bernard brought their secret recipe directly from Paris and use only natural and organic ingredients.
1749 Union St., SF
Tout Sweet, the new tea room on the 3rd floor of Macy's, offers among other fine pastries French macarons with bright colors and exotic flavors. They are pretty good.
Union Square & Geary St. SF
Fillmore Bakeshop makes some very good ones as well. A little thicker than the other ones, and in very strong flavors.
Fillmore Bakeshop
1690 Fillmore St. SF
Miette, the darling pink candy store where everything is nice and well presented, offers a selection of "brown" macarons (chocolate, coffee, hazelnut ...) which are very good.
449 Octavia St. & Ferry Building, SF
At Bonjour Patisserie, formerly Pâtisserie Philippe, but Philippe is gone ... you will find excellent macarons. If their look is classic, the taste and texture are perfect. If you are really an addict treat yourself with the macaron cake decorated with raspberries and filled with a rose flavor cream, for 6 to 8 people.
Bonjour Patisserie
655 Townsend , SF
Quite logically, you will find macarons at La Boulange. They are very classic and good, and sold in a cute box that will make a perfect gift.
Adresses of La Boulange bakeries
The delicious bakery Thourough Bread in Castro Valley sells many French patisseries, and of course macarons. While you are overthere, try their delicious baguette and enjoy the patio for a lunch break.
248 Church street, SF
Maybe we should not, but oh well, we tell you anyway, the frozen macarons from Trader Joe's are also very good! Vanilla and chocolate flavors, and peppermint for the Holidays. Store them in your freezer and eat them one by one when ever you want!
After all this, if you have an overdose of French macarons, we advise you to go for a detox to XOX Truffles, where your will find excellent tasteful small artisanal chocolate truffles.... mmm... is that really a detox ?
Or you can opt for whipped cream at Pacific Puffs, specialist in cream puff. Difficult to eat gracefully, we always end up having some on our shoes, or at least on the chin ... but what a treat!
754 Columbus Avenue, SF
2201 Union Street, SF
Contribution: Cécile Hurigen
