macaron day

Yes, that's what I said.  Macaron Day NYC 2011.  For those of you already giddy with excitement, knowing what this means, please read on and mark your calendar for this fun event! 

What is Macaron Day NYC 2011 you ask?

In 2010, Francois Payard, chef and owner of Francois Chocolate Bar and Francois Payard Bakery in New York, organized the first annual Macaron Day in NYC.  Macaron Day NYC is inspired by and coincides annually with the Jour du Macaron in Paris, created by la Maison Pierre Hermé in association with the Relais Desserts.
Join macaron lovers on Sunday, March 20, 2011 to discover macarons in New York as bakeries across the city once again come together to provide free macarons to customers. To receive a free macaron tell the shop you are there for Macaron Day NYC.
Want more macarons? Please bring some home! At many participating locations, a portion of the day’s macaron sales will be donated to City-Harvest. Indulge in macarons while contributing to the efforts of City Harvest. City-Harvest, which has been serving New York City for more than 25 years, is the world's first food rescue organization, dedicated to feeding the city's hungry men, women, and children. 
For those of you who need to know exactly what this thing called a macaron is and why it is hailed as the new cupcake.  The famous French macaron is a delicate round pastry with a crunchy outside and soft inside, made with ground almonds, sugar and egg whites. Found in a wide variety of colors and flavors, from the traditional to the exotic, the crunchy outside is sandwiched together with a soft creamy center.  It is heaven to the senses.  Once you've tasted a freshly made macaron with only the best of ingredients, nothing else will ever compare. Hope to see you around town on March 20th! Below are some of the fine bakeries that are participating.  See the Macaron Day NYC 2011 website for more participating bakeries and maps.  Enjoy!

images via http://www.payard.com/

all images via http://www.macarondaynyc.com/index.html

payard rises again in nyc!

As many of you know, I was very disheartened when Payard Patisserie closed its doors last year due to the loss of its lease.  How very sad it was that I could no longer bring those pastries, which I considered works of art, home to my friends and family from my day trips to the great city.  Well,  good news!  François Payard has not only opened a chocolate bar, but is also due to open a bakery this Summer!  He has been very busy! François Chocolate Bar is located at 714 Madison Avenue on the 4th floor of Mauboussin. You must enter through Mauboussin and take the elevator to the 4th floor.  And, by the looks of what Chef Payard has created, it is well worth the trip!  Described as “a chocolate jewelry shop,” the store is devoted to Chef Payard’s chocolate creations.  And, of course, can I say I love the interiors?  Simple, elegant, and the hues of browns are lucious enough to match Chef Payard's creations.  Chef Payard's bakery is due to open on West Houston Street this Summer and I hope they keep to their schedule so that I have yet another reason to go downtown.  Enjoy!

All Images Courtesy of http://www.fcchocolatebar.com/gallery.htm.