The second you step into one of Ladurée’s boutiques or tea rooms, you instantly feel as if you were transported into Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette.” Decorated in dreamy pastels, ornate French Baroque furnishings and sprinkled with the most decadent and delicious pastries, Ladurée is how I picture heaven. With Rebecca Yale behind the lens and Mrs. Ladurée, Elisabeth Holder, on hand, we captured the French maison‘s magic—read about the brand below and take a peek in THE VAULT!
From Ladurée… The story of the Ladurée macaron began in the mid-20th century with Pierre Desfontaines, second cousin of Louis Ernest Ladurée, who had the delicious idea of creating a double macaron, two simple macaron shells joined in the middle by a luscious filling.
This small delicacy, crunchy on the outside and meltingly creamy on the inside, is meticulously prepared. Almond powder, eggs, sugar and a pinch of unequalled savoir-faire are essential to the successful realization of this recipe, ensuring that every macaron has this delicate balance of flavor and texture.
Every new variation meets the standards of previous creations, with an effort to diversify flavors and colors, since color is an important element in the macaron’s power of seduction.
The Soho Tearoom, the first in the United States, offers several salons of exceptional character, each with its own decorative ambiance, in the Ladurée style. All the rooms are decorated with custom-made furniture and unique pieces, collected from the finest Parisian antique shops. The mood is decidedly feminine, combining the history of decorative arts and French art de vivre.
The boutique’s main sales counter is made entirely of pristine white marble, the center stage for all of Ladurée’s sweet temptations. From macarons to freshly made pastries, the comptoir features all of Ladurée’s irresistibly unique creations A large, elegant bookcase, like a “cabinet of curiosities,” showcases the exquisite boxes sought after by gourmets all over the world. And nearby, of course, are the spools of ribbon, delicately unwinding silky lengths of rustling satin, the final touch on a precious Ladurée gift.
Inside the Madeleine Castaing Salon, named for the French interior designer and muse of the Napoleon III style, The furnishings of the salon are a combination of Napoléon III and neoclassical styles. Two magnificent ceiling chandeliers draped in blue silk diffuse a soft light over small guéridon tables in black wood, and cozy little Napoléon III armchairs upholstered in midnight blue velvet. All are accented by silk passementerie trimmings and textiles chosen in honor of the famous Parisian shop at 21 rue Bonaparte, now occupied by Ladurée.
The next salon, The Pompadour Salon, the décor resembles a formal salon where one can imagine Madame de Pompadour inviting poets to read at her court, with all her ladies in waiting, discussing the latest roman. Guests settle comfortably into small banquettes or large old-fashioned armchairs, covered with striped and floral textiles in tones of blue, green and dusty rose. Gourmet moments naturally harmonize with the décor: a pistachio Réligieuse, or a rose-flavored Saint Honoré blend perfectly with the room. All the decorative elements evoke the charm, gentility and romanticism of a private home, giving this salon all the elegance of the 18th-century style.
Finally, the garden. In clement weather, guests are welcome to our very special cherry blossom tree-shaded garden, lulled by the chirping of birds and the gentle rippling of the fountain. In this calm haven, far from the noise of the city, one can taste all of the specialties of Ladurée’s menu.
Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Location: Ladurée Soho | Macarons, Pastries + Tea: Ladurée
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