Laduree Macarons & a morning in 'Paris'

Okay, the title is misleading. Technically speaking - I didnt exactly spend a morning in Paris, but the Laduree Macaron pop up shop was close enough for this francophile. I was over the moon when I found out that during our trip to Hong Kong, there would be a Laduree pop up shop in town - with Macarons flown in from the motherland. Seeing as a European holiday was not on the cards, my inner Blair Waldorf (for non gossip girl viewing readers, think prissy little socialite) was let loose on our second day in Hong Kong.

I was immediately weak at the knees when Demos and I arrived to the Joyce Department Store in Queens Road, Central. As we walked into the store I couldn't help but think - have we walked into a giant pistachio? The area by the entrance to the store was transformed into a little parisian escape - from the light green walls, the very chic macaron cart in the same shade. Although there were pastel coloured displays all around and a shoe department ahead in the corridor - my eyes were drawn to one area only - the macaron counter.

     

A box of 8 Macarons cost $240 HKD ($30 AUD) and it was a good sampler - mind you, this was my breakfast. I did very kindly ask Demos to accompany me here - it clearly was on the top of my "must do" in Hong Kong list. Once again, embracing the inner Blair Waldorf - my first decision of the morning was to decide which 8 flavours would be attacked first. (Hey, I was on holidays - I was allowed to be shallow!)

Looking around and getting distracted by all the pretty colours, I wanted to take home every Cedric Rivrain illustrated packaging box, macaron scented candle, chocolate gift box, tote bag - the macaron merchandise was overwhelming. After much restraint on the retail side of things it was back to deciding on flavours. Retail therapy comes later in the post - since we were playing "lets pretend we're in Paris."

So the flavours we tried were the : (L-R, Top to bottom) Pistache, Vanilla, Citron, Praline, Cafe, Framboise (first to go), Bitter Chocolate and Rose. Unlucky that the Caramel with salted butter and the Chocolate flavour were all gone.

So how did they fair? Each piece was absolute perfection. The shell and filling just chewy and crunchy - actually tasting like the flavour it says it is. There was nothing artificial about them, they were made with amour and lots of it.

Energised with the sugar rush of 8 macarons for breakfast (and of course a box for later..) we did some damage that any member of the Gossip Girl cast would be proud of. Joyce itself was a retail mecca - we were lost in a maze of McQueen, Balenciaga, Martin Margiella and many more shiny designer displays. Although the clothes will forever be sold here - the Laduree stand was unfortunately temporary, and eventually had to travel back to Paree.. and one day I will follow! 

Hong Kong has been described as the Paris of Asia, and since we were there on Boxing day - the sales made it an absolute shoppers paradise. Queens Road in Central was a treasure trove of shops, across the road from Joyce was The Landmark mall - home of Gucci, Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga. Harvey Nichols is also nearby, and there is also an Hermes store - Our Hermes photo did not end up on display in this side of the world though! Bummer. Now for tourist snaps: 

Mind you this was still early in the morning, and to yes, damage was done. We headed back to our hotel room before breaking for lunch and I wanted to share with you the AMAZING view from our hotel...

Yup - who knew "mountain view" meant a lovely view of a cemetary?? We couldn't help but laugh this one off  - and check out the size of our boutique room? I was literally standing against the door, with the ensuite to my left.. ahh good times! Not very Parisian or very glamourous at all, but at least we had Domo with us and a stash of Laduree Macarons.

And of course there is plenty more of our travel posts to share . If you are a Facebook user, you can now 'like' The Empty Fridge - which means you can get updates and new posts on your newsfeed. We'll probably put more photos on there also from our travels! Click here to 'like' us and be our friend:

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Joyce Department Store - New World Tower, Queens Road Central, Hong Kong

The Laduree pop up store was part of the Joyce 40th Anniversary Celebrations.

More Hong Kong Posts :

- Tim Ho Wan, Michelin Starred Dimsum restaurant