I don't typically gush up over a few pink petals like this, but I've been pretty swept up in the citywide cherry blossoms celebration this year. I blame my eagerness to switch from red wine to rosé at the end of a long winter ;-) Usually, I find the whole festival annoying: local restaurants and bars stretch their menus to add cherries to everything (need I mention the cherry trees in DC don't actually produce cherries?), tourists take over the streets with their selfie sticks and, worst of all, my sinuses go nuts from the pollen influx. But this year, I'm got really into it and I just can't get enough pink. I too have caught cherry blossoms fever! Here is some of what I enjoyed this ...
macarons
Laduree Soho to Open February 5th
Laduree's anticipated Soho Salon de The finally has an opening date! What's really exciting about the location, other the fact that it's opening just in time for my upcoming work trip to New York City, is that it will sell more than macarons. Laduree Soho will be a retail bakery, of course, but also tea room, and full-service restaurant, overseen by chef Johann Giraud. I can't wait to check it out next week! Laduree Soho opens February 5th, 2014 at 396 West Broadway. ...
Macaron Christmas Tree at the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
I've been a fan of the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, NC since they unveiled their Bar Macarons last June, just in time for the Democratic National Convention. I, sadly, was not staying at the Ritz-Carlton during the DNC. Instead, I stayed at the Drake Hotel and then at another rather sketchy hotel just outside of the city. But I spent a lot of time at the Ritz-Carlton because it was right downtown (well, uptown... ) where all the convention activity was and I wanted to spend as little time as possible at my sketchy hotel. Also, the Ritz-Carlton has a fabulous bar, a Bar Cocoa AND a BLT Steak. And yes, macarons! Well, the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte officially won Christmas in my books with their ...
A French Twist on Halloween
There's nothing French about Halloween. Unless you want there to be ;-) Since Ladurée no longer offers this beautifully stunning box of Halloween macarons (le sigh), you could head to Olivia Macaron since the Georgetown shop offers an adorable pumpkin jack themed macaron. Or you could also bake the quintessential parisian treat at home... And while I'm still traumatized by my attempts to make candy corn infused vodka, maybe the Halloween Candy would work better in a macaron: If making or eating macarons isn't your thing, you might want to a) stop reading my blog b) dress up like one instead... Speaking of dressing up like a french pastry, I'm also a big fan of this croquembouche ...
5 New (Delicious) Reasons to Visit Union Market This Weekend
It's been a few months now since I published my "10 Delicious Reasons to Visit Union Market This Weekend" post. Some of the reasons I listed are still relevant. It's still great to support local food artisans, Gina Chersevani still makes a mean egg cream and Rappahannock Oysters still has the best crab cake in the city (the lamb and clams is pretty standout as well!). But I'd like to add in a few more reasons, delicious or otherwise, why you should visit Union Market before the end of the summer. 1) Gin and Tonic on Tap at Red Apron Butchery - Cocktails on tap are popping up all over the city (Sangrias at Hogo, Margaritas at Bandolero, Rickeys and Americanos at Teddy & the Bully Bar ...
