Paulette Macarons in Beverly Hills

Fact: I am officially crazy about french macarons. I haven't given up my love for cupcakes, but these little elegant almond cookies have taken my heart (and sweet taste-buds) by storm. I can't have enough of them and am now a determined french macaron chaser.

On our trip to Los Angeles I could not miss the chance to try Paulette Macarons in Beverly Hills. My first visit there on Wednesday turned out to be a big disappointment as they were sold out for the day (at 4pm!), I felt like throwing a fit right there in the middle of posh Beverly Hills, but gathered myself promising to come back the day after Thanksgiving. And that is what I did, this time with sister-in-law Carolyn, who endured a sugar overdose on my account (I took her to Sprinkles Cupcakes on the same day).

So far, these are the best macarons I have ever had. The cookie is just right (crunch to the bite and chewy inside) but it is the filling that is absolutely superb. I tried the Sicilian Pistachio, Coconut, Caribbean Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Sweet Wedding Almond and Madagascar Vanilla. Pistachio and Coconut were my favorites and I seriously wonder if I ever will taste something as good... well, maybe in Paris. We took some home to share with family. Mark's favorite was Passion Fruit, sweet and tart, a bit like me, he said.



Left Column (from top):
 Sweet Wedding Almond, Sicilian Pistachio and Passion Fruit
Right Column (from top):
Coconut, Caribbean Chocolate and Madagascar Vanilla



Sprinkles Cupcakes



Red Velvet and Milk Chocolate. YUM!



sweet 'me' time

I took the day off today for some light shopping in Vegas. It is always a treat for me to leave the raw desert and see real civilization along with its pretty things.
I had been wanting to try the Bouchon Bakery at the Venetian for quite sometime now and today seemed the right day to visit it since I was just across the street at the Fashion Show Mall and also craving some good sweets. Was I impressed? Yes and No. The bakery does not have a seating area and the pastries selections are limited. BUT, Bouchon is famous for its french macarons and rightfully so, they are perfection!!! Crusty, chewy, creamy, they were worth the price, the time and the walk. Deliciousness!!!

 

The Bouchon Bakery is located near the Phantom of the Opera Theater  at the Venetian Casino.



These Artisan Beignets are filled with raspberry. I bought a pair, one for me, one for Mark... but then changed my mind and ate them both... too delicious! They actually remind me of Brazilian "Sonhos", the difference is that the Brazilian ones are filled with trés leches cream.

  


I brought the french macarons home to share with Mark

(I am a good wife, after all!). 

 


Pretty Fall Decorations at the Pallazzo