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Since 2007, the macaron—the elegant, diminutive, and quintessentially French dessert cookie—has been sold at Paris McCafés, the mini-McDonald's where you can also find free wireless internet and coffee served in porcelain cups. But a recent marketing campaign from the fast-food giant has brought new attention (and disdain) from macaron aficionados, who argue that these "little macs" bear little resemblance to the delicate treat they adore. That's because an authentic macaron, made of whipped egg whites, ground almonds and sugar, has a shorter shelf life than is demanded by an industrial food franchise, so the classic ingredients have been tinkered with.
[+] Enlarge photo
Since that visit, Flick has returned again to Pierre Hermé,one of the local pilgrimage sites for true macaron fans. Her experience there put the McDonald's macaron in stark and unflattering relief.
She explained by telephone today that,
"the Pierre Hermé macarons are subtle, delicate, and meant to be savored. You have to eat them slowly so as not to miss the many intricate flavors. I worried that some of them, like the (green tea) matcha and sesame or the strawberry and balsamic, might be overpowering, but in fact they were delicate, light and airy, and absolutely delicious. By contrast, the McDonald's macaron tasted like sugar. It was chewy and heavy, almost the opposite, unfortunately."
It's true that the McDonald's macaron is cheaper than you'll find at Pierre Hermé. A single industrial cookie costs $1.22, while the handcrafted treat from Hermé costs $2.15. For true macaron nuts, however, two dollars isn't too much to pay for a bite of authentic artisanal tradition. A real macaron, as Flick points out, is "one of the few luxuries that everyone can afford."
To try a McMacaron, visit:
McDonald's McCafé 140 avenue des Champs-Elysées in the 8th arrondissement, 5 avenue du Général Leclerc in the 14th arrondissement. There's also the one inside the Louvre.
For some of the best macarons in Paris, visit:
Pierre Hermé – 72 rue Bonaparte in the 6th arrondissement, 4 rue Cambon in the 1st arrondissement, and185 rue de Vaugirard in the 15th arrondissement.
Ladurée – 21 rue Bonaparte in the 6th arrondissement, 16 rue Royale in the 8th arrondissement, and 75 avenue des Champs Elysées in the 8th arrondissement.
So, where are you headed? Would you try a macaron from McDonald's?
FOR FURTHER READING:
The Wall Street Journal – Mon Dieu! Will Newfound Popularity Spoil the Dainty Macaron?
Serious Eats – Interview With Macaron Specialist Dorie Greenspan
Slate – How McDonald's Conquered France
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The McCafé stuff is produced by Holder , the same company that manufactures the Ladurée ones...
Posted By adrian on March 8, 2010, 1:56 PM
When the weather is nice in Paris, go to the McDonald's on Boulevard St. Germain, across the street from the Cluny Museum in the Latin Quarter. Get yourself a Big Mac or whatever you like, and enjoy it in the beautiful gardens of the Cluny Museum. Trust me, you'll like it.
Posted By Steve From TravelingProfessor.com on March 8, 2010, 11:07 PM
Yes and no: they're produced by Château Blanc, a subsidiary of the parent company Holder who supplies Ladurée. Recipe is different, of course.
Posted By Meg Zimbeck on March 9, 2010, 2:57 AM
No sure about the little macarons--but would try one. I must admit I used the MacDonalds on the Champs-Elysees as a bathroom stop late one evening. Comfortable for an American alone in Paris.
Posted By Debi on March 11, 2010, 10:56 AM
I wouldn't go to a McDonald's in the United States - I sure as hell won't visit one in Paris.
Posted By Bill Earls on March 11, 2010, 11:44 AM
I loved the cookies when I found them recently in the Champs-Elysées McDonalds. Many of the cookies and desserts in France aren't as sweet as those we're used to in the US.
Posted By Patti Gibson on March 11, 2010, 12:05 PM
McDonald's in Paris attracted many clients when they were the first to offer free WiFi.
Whether or not purists approve, France has 857 McDo's. France is #6 when it comes to country saturation. The debate is whether or not the macarons make a difference as the chain is here to stay.
Remember the franchises are owned by French citizens and employ many thousands of people who might not qualify for work elsewhere.
Please understand, I don't frequent them - but plenty of people do and eat French beef, fries and the fixings.
Posted By Karen Fawcett on March 11, 2010, 12:27 PM
I have tried these and they are good for the price. Wish they would sell them in the US. Dalloyau's are better than Laduree's anyway.
Posted By Seakat on March 11, 2010, 12:31 PM
Macarons are sold at Trader Joe's in the frozen section in a box of 12, 6 vanilla and 6 chocolate. for $4.99 The vanilla is quite good, but the chocolate is a bit chewy. Nonetheless, short of flying to France, it's still a lovely remembrance of my visit to Paris last year.
Posted By Andrea H on March 11, 2010, 2:29 PM
French Mac's are better than here. Where in the US can a I get a bacon/swiss burgere medium rare on a banguet and a beer brought to my table? The French spens a lot more than in the US...close to $14 as opposed to less than 1/2 of that in the US.
Posted By lawthomas on March 11, 2010, 3:25 PM
Would I eat a McDonalds' macaroon?
No!
But then again, I wouldn't eat at a McDonalds for any other reason.
If they can't keep a hygenic 'appearance' for a bathroom (that only touches the outside of my body), I'm unwilling to gamble their kitchen is any cleaner.
Posted By Ron on March 11, 2010, 3:44 PM
No, I wouldn't try these. I went to Paris last summer and we mainly ate macarons from Gerard Mulot, Pierre Hermé, and Ladurée. We also tried some from other places, and these were hit or miss.
After all of the expense involved in getting to Paris, what is an extra $20-30 to get the good stuff?
Posted By Eileen on March 11, 2010, 8:28 PM
I love trying out the McDonalds in foreign countries. It's interesting to have beer in a German McDonalds, etc. Sometimes it's good, other times not so good, but it's always a treat. It's like a fun combination of foreign food w/ a little bit of back-home arches.
Posted By Kevin on March 11, 2010, 9:10 PM
you should try spell check. the correct spelling is "macaroon". I love McDonalds and would try it anywhere.
Posted By anne escapes on March 17, 2010, 3:31 PM
To anne escapes,
Macaroons are called 'macarons' in France. As this article was about macarons in France, I believe Budget Travel used the appropriate spelling. If you insist on dwelling on the details, perhaps you should capitalize the first letter of the first word in your sentences. Lighten up!
Bises,
Robert
Posted By robert in atlanta on March 18, 2010, 10:54 AM
When in Paris, I get the macaron from Dalloyeau. In my humble opinion they are the best. Would I get one from McDonald's in Paris? No--and only because I don't go to McDonalds here in the States. However, there are a lot of American tourists who would rather eat a McBurger and McFries and McMacaron and that is their choice.
Personally, the macarons I love the best are the ones that I make at home!
Posted By Catherine on March 18, 2010, 2:15 PM
Where can I find a real macaron in the Boston area ?
Posted By Nancy on March 25, 2010, 9:41 AM
The best macarons in Paris are at Pierre Hermes. My friend was interested in what they were- I started her at a chain bakery then Laduree all of which she said were interesting. But when she bit into a chocolate macaron at P. Hermes, her eyes widened and all she could say was 'Whoa!'. Emough said- they won.
Posted By Denise on March 25, 2010, 9:51 PM
Yeah Nancy, my thoughts exactly, i would really like to know where you can find some good macarons in Boston
Posted By Cristian on July 1, 2010, 6:31 PM
Formaggio Kitchen on Huron Avenue in Cambridge has macarons fourrés or Flour Bakery too if I remember correctly. My friend said she got some at LA Burdick's.
Oh and I join the peeps who say Pierre Herme macarons are MUCH better than Laduree. ^^
Posted By cille on August 30, 2010, 12:31 AM
Ich lese Blogs. Es ist sogar besser als Lesen von Zeitschriften oder Bücher.
Posted By wypadek podczas pracy on March 5, 2012, 11:03 AM