Living the macaron life

So this year I have cut back dramatically on the number of Sugar Hits consumed. Perhaps it’s due to a shift in my tastebuds towards more things savoury (I know, what is happening to me?!) or it could possibly have something to do with the steady stream of macarons at my home of late. Those delicate almond biscuits sandwiched with such an array of fillings but which are also very pretty to look at in their various shades and hues. I suspect it’s the colours which make me want to buy every single one on display, as it evokes that childhood fascination of colouring pencils arranged in colour spectrum order. Or perhaps that was just me.

It all started when Ladurée Sydney opened to much excitement and, yes, whilst I know it’s not a good thing that they are flown in all the way from Switzerland, it was my way of reclaiming a little bit of the magic of Paris. Favourite flavours remain as citron, salted caramel and pistachio, with the new discovery of various marshmallow flavours with their slightly bouncy fillings. Unfortunately the macarons don’t taste exactly like those in Paris – or that could be my rose-tinted memories distorting accurate recollection – but the Sydney ones seem a little softer in texture.


With Monsieur Poisson starting a new job several months ago, he is currently geographically well-positioned to pop into Café Cre Asion with ease. Nothing spells romance like bringing home macarons, right? *hint hint* Favourite flavours include yuzu, beurre noisette, green tea and strawberry milk. Love how their flavours aren’t all that sweet but it confuses me that different flavours vary in size.


We were then gifted some MakMak macarons from lovely friends which, apart from all being hand-piped, are some of the smoothest shells I’ve ever seen. The matcha macaron has got to be the standout for me, with its little white loveheart accent and the most in-your-face matcha flavour blast. The gianduja is a must for hazelnut lovers, tasting like a Ferrero Rocher replete with small hazelnut in the centre of the filling!


These were then followed by what can only be described as dodgy macarons. They looked like macarons but tasted like dry cookies with a hardened fudge filling. They smelt milky and the shells were full of air pockets when cut open. We were deeply saddened by these biscuits which didn’t even fall into the accepted definition of macarons, and simply couldn’t bring ourselves to finish them. Booooo...


And to round off our macaron marathon, there was the annual Zumbaron Day but a first experience for us. With the patisserie at The Star being open for a little over a year, the crowds seemed bearable compared with queues seen in photos from years past. And with all flavours being on display on the dessert train, apart from the “special order” $5 macarons, the colours along with their wacky flavour combinations were enough to rope me into this candyland.


I can never go past salted butter popcorn but surprisingly enjoyed all the savoury flavours too. The Japanese mayo macaron tasted like okonomiyaki while the hamburger macaron was pretty self-explanatory. Several savoury macarons cost $5 each and were made to order. The fried chicken was surprisingly crisp and un-greasy, while fried doughnut, duck pancake and pork belly (macaron in a char-siu bao really) had flavours reminiscent of Asian bakery buns – that sweet/savoury flavour amongst a soft pillowy texture.

So Sugar Hits may be almost over for another year, but obviously I won’t have any troubles with keeping up my sugar intake in the interim!

happy eating!

18 comments:

  1. Wow what a macaron extravaganza! I agree about Lauduree, I haven't tried any from the Sydney store and I haven't even been tempted to - it is just not the same as having them in Paris!

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  2. I'm a fan of the Zumbo macarons and tried the salted butter popcorn and coca cola last weekend. I'm yet to try out Laduree, heard of the busy queues and thought to give it time until people subdue before hopping over for a few flavours. MakMak is a new one to me! I like the idea of ordering macarons online.

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  3. Ooooh, this is just too pretty! They are my v fav sweet morsel :)

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  4. Soooooooooooooo many macarons. Are you sick of them yet? Hahaha! I have to acgree with you on the LAduree macarons, they don't taste like the ones in Paris and they are much more on the softer side. But I do think they hit the spot with the flavour.

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  5. So many macs! I think I just succumbed to diabetes. lol

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  6. That burger one is hilarious. You're out of control with this macaron thing!

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  7. the macarons are sooooo addictive! especially the salted caramel one...mmmmm

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  8. Ha ha. I remember my wonder at seeing my first ever Laduree shop in London...and my disappointment when I tasted the macarons. I guess I really need to be in Paris.....lounging at Pierre Herme's cafe/bakery. No?

    What a wonderful selection. Longing to try the gianduja one!

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  9. This looks interesting, I can always count on you finding the best spots

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  10. really great shots! I've heard a lot about makmak but I've yet to try them, honeycomb orange sounds really good!

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  11. I've never actually had a macaron (I may be the only one left in the universe) but these look really yum!

    The dodgy macarons don't sound like a good experience at all, though :P

    I just nominated you for a sunshine award as well! http://southerninlaw.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/sunshine-lollipops-and.html

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  12. wow! love the variety of macarons you have collected. Must have taken a little while, I would of been itching to post it. Can't wait to try the makmak ones!

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  13. Far out that is a huge run of macs, experiencing a sugar rush just thinking about it!! RJ works right around the corner from CreAsion too, I must get him to bring more home....! Humm, wondering what the dodgy ones were... want to make sure I don't succumb ;D

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  14. Macarons!! you have just started my macaron crave running!!!

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  15. wow I've just bought a durian flavour macaroon today and now came across to your blog. I like makmak too i used their macaroon as my wedding cake :)

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  16. omg everything looks amazing.

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  17. I never really got into the macaron following, but I must say when I tried Zumbo's popcorn macaron I was astonished at how good it tasted! (yonks ago... yes I'm a late bloomer hahaha)

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