Polish off your berets, slip into a pair of ballet flats and grab your favorite Chanel bag because it’s time to head off to the first outpost of the famed French bakery (and fashion obsession), Ladurée, set to open on August 22nd on 864 Madison Avenue.Ladurée brings the finest authentic French macarons presented in the outmost beautiful boxes along with its collection of chocolates, candies, teas, ice-cream macaroons, perfumed candles and fragrances. All of which make delightful gifts and perfect self-indulgences.
The Madison Avenue Location of Ladurée is decked out in the style of a private French home, offering customers a warm and welcoming yet glamourous atmosphere where the scent of pure sweetness and the most delectable confections can be purchased as well as enjoyed. 
The boutique is broken up into two distinct areas. One room is for sales and decorated with neoclassical touches such as paintings, Barbedienne lamps and plaster medallions featuring cameos. The second room is decorated in refined furniture including antique chairs upholstered in 19th century fabrics and is reserved for conversation and order taking.
According to David Holder, the chairman of Ladurée who purchased the brand in 1993, Ladurée will open an adjacent tearoom where patrons can indulge in the full range of Ladurée products.
Ladurée opened its doors in 1862, as a little bakery which was named after it's owner on 16 rue Royale. It was Pierre Desfontaines, the cousin of Louis Ernest Lad
urée, who, in the mid 20th century, had the idea to stick macaron pieces together, and inject them with different flavors. "This small and pastry that is crunchy from the outside and melting from the inside, is prepared with extreme delicacy. Almonds, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of a unique know-how are necessary for their cooking, ensuring that every macaron reaches the delicate balance between flavors and textures," says a Ladurée spokesperson.
Every season, Ladurée creates a new flavor, in honor of Defontaines. More than a century later the fabulously French bakery will keep to this heritage and alive for millions of chic customers excited and anxious for the stateside launch.
Ladurée New York/ 864 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Monday to Friday 9 AM – 6 PM /Saturday 9.30 AM – 6 PM / Closed on Sunday
Tentative Opening: August 22 2011
Exciting, and not. I kinda hate when fantastic things from afar become just another common commodity, easily acquired. Really subtracts from the special. I imagine if I lived in New York I'd OD on Ladurée after a while. Which would be sad, because it's so fab and one of the few things from France that couldn't be had here in the States. It was something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I was excited for about 10 seconds until I thought about it. Nevertheless, I suspect the pastries won't taste quite the same. I don't know if its the French butter or the Parisian air. At least Laduree will remain special for those of us on the west coast. For the time being anyway. An even more troubling thought is that oftentimes when restaurants expand, especially internationally, the overall quality worsens.
ReplyDeleteThey are actually shipping the macarons overnight from Paris!
ReplyDeletei dont think you'd be able to OD on Laduree... unless you have an hour to spend waiting in line each time!
ReplyDelete