I think I knew I would like macarons before I even tasted one – and when I eventually got around to trying some it was love at first bite. They are the perfect little indulgence, light and creamy, soft and chewy, and come in any flavour possible! Seriously, all my friends and family know exactly what to get me for any birthday or holiday. Every year I look forward to March 20th because it is National Macaron Day and Vancouver bakeries give us all reason to celebrate! Listed here are the
Top places for Macarons in Vancouver
I have to say I think Thierry’s macarons are my all-time favourite in the city. They are always fresh, large, and the flavours are always rotating; they always have a mixture of fruity or chocolaty to suite any mood. On March 20th, Chef Thierry will be offering a limited edition macaron, the spring-inspired “Mango Tango”. Join the party and pair your macarons with a selection of their liquid chocolate – it is simply amazing! 10% of all sales will be donated to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
2. Soirette Macarons and Tea, Pender Street
This little café in Coal Harbour is the perfect little place for an afternoon tea and treat with the girls. Their display of macarons is so beautiful, colorful, and elaborate it will be hard to pick just a couple to try. Soirette offers unique flavours such as Matcha, Earl Grey, Passionfruit, and Lavender. I suggest brining some home in their beautiful take out boxes.
3. Kitchening and Co. by Carly Wintschel, various locations
The easiest way to bring macarons home for the family so you can all have a treat after dinner is the macarons by Kitchening and Co. These macarons are made locally with all natural ingredients. You can find these little gems at Edible Canada, Urban Fare, and Whole Foods. Popular flavours include salted caramel (yummy!), toasted coconut, espresso with dark chocolate, and pistachio. Bring these home for the kids, just try not to fight over the last one!
4. Faubourg, Park Royal, Kerrisdale, Hornby
With two new bakeries in less than a year, the folks at Faubourg have had quite the year! Each bakery so beautiful and elegant, you will feel like you’re eating a croissant and sipping on a café au lait on a Paris street. There macarons are perfect! Soft, chewy, and with just enough cream in the center, it is hard to walk into a Faubourg and not want a little treat! With unique flavours such as raspberry rose, and strawberry black pepper, this is the place for macaron lovers!
The genius that is David Hawksworth has a created the perfect little breakfast and lunch spot right in the Georgia Hotel. Open at the crack of dawn, this place in the perfect place to start a rough Monday or any day of the week. Before I go on a tangent and about this place and forget the theme of this article let me say this: PLEASE CHECK THIS PLACE OUT FOR BREAKAST AND LUNCH! And now back to macarons! Hawksworth boasts such flavours as peanut butter and jam (yes!), carrot cake, and key lime pie! You know you MUST check out Bel Café!
6. French Made Baking, Kingsway
Finally, the mother of all macarons, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you French Made Baking! On March 20th, visit their shop and mention it is National Macaron Day and you will receive the special treat. They are accepting donations for the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and proceeds will help this great cause. Act fast Vancouverites, these macarons don’t last long and are known to sell out by lunch! Don’t worry though – if that happens it is fate telling you sign up for a macaron-making class! You get to make 18 macarons with a French pastry Chef and the classes are super hands on! I have experienced a class and it is something I will never forget!
And there you have it Vancouver! Save the date because March 20th is National Macaron Day! This year I am thinking of trying one from every place on list! Wish me luck!
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Written by: Micaela Monk