Stepping out of Baroque Bistro Pâtisserie after a memorable dinner with my prized possessions in a transparent box, I count nine macarons. One of each flavour, or parfums, as the French like call them. I ponder at the odd number. Have they left one out?
Back at home I check the little flyer in the box that details each macarons. There are only nine flavours. I admire the the palette of colour before me, and after the delicate rounds have posed seductively for the camera, it is time to indulge the senses. Mr G and I equally share the tasting and give each macaron a rating out of 9.
Passionfruit – I am wooed by the contrasting colours of the shells and the filling. With the tartness of the passionfruit and the velvety Valrhona Jivara milk chocolate centre, this macaron screams of summer nights. Rated 8 out of 9
Strawberry and Vanilla – The rich, deep colour reminds me of a refreshing sorbet. I am a big fan of red fruits yet I fiund this macaron a little average on taste. The white chocolate ganache filling is a little too sweet and while the strawberry centre gives it some balance, the flavour from the shell is lost on me. Rated 5 out of 9
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I didn’t know what to expect from a macaron made olive oil. Will the oil give it a savoury flavour or will the white chocolate ganache win on sweetness? One bite into the creamy centre and it oozed with the extra virgin taste of olive oil. By far, an unusual and creative flavour for a macaron. Rated 7 out of 9
Jasmine Tea – With a more subtle flavour than other macarons in the range, the taste of the jasmine tea is evident in the white chocolate ganache. A light and delicate macaron that complements a cup of tea in the afternoon . Rated 7 out of 9
Dark Chocolate – One tiny bite of the chocolate macaron with dark Valrhona ganache (guaranja 70%) and I hand it over it to Mr G. As the resident chocoholic of this duo, I watch him nod his approval in silence and savour the crunchy chocolate bits. Rated 8 out of 9 by Mr G.
Top row (L to R): Rosewater, Pistachio and Cherry, Salted Caramel. Middle row (L to R): Blackcurrant, Passionfruit, Jasmine Tea. Bottom row (L to R): Strawberry and Vanilla, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dark Chocolate
Salted Caramel – Or the macaron that made me swoon. Made with caramel and fleur de sel which is a pure sea salt from the coast of Brittany in France, this is by far the best flavour and the one that will make me return for more. Rated 9 out of 9
Blackcurrant – The steel colour evokes my curiosity. I discover that it is made of blackcurrant, cassis, which always sounds better in French. The macaron doesn’t disappoint with the fruity paste in the ganache, but like the strawberry macaron, the wow factor is missing. Rated 6 out of 9
Pistachio and Cherry – I am easily seduced by this combination of pistachio, cinnamon and cherry. I take one bite into the white chocolate ganache with a sour cherry centre and I wish I had another. Rated 8 out of 9
Rosewater – Pink is not my favourite colour but anything made with rosewater intrigues my tastebuds. I nibble most of it before giving Mr G a tiny morsel to taste. After all, the Dark Chocolate was almost his alone. This macaron can be described as delicate, feminine with a touch of class. Rated 9 out of 9
Overall rating: Magnifique
Baroque Bistro Pâtisserie has more temptations in the form of gateaux. Something for next time, bien sûr!
Baroque Bistro Pâtisserie
88 George Street
The Rocks
Sydney 2000
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im sad to say that i never really caught onto the macaron thing, i dont like them at all! i also did try a bit from baroque, was disappointed.. but i am loving all the different colours and flavours
Betty: Not even Zumbo’s macarons? I’m only a recent macaron addict, thanks to my last trip to Paris. It spoilt me! 🙂
I was just about to eat a very healthy yogurt for breakfast this morning – but after reading the macaron post, I headed straight for the nearest boulangerie! I love, love, love macarons.
My favorite in Paris are Pierre Herme – who do some interesting flavors and flavor combinations. I also really love Laduree – I posted awhile back about a cocktail visit there. Their Champs Elysees shop has a cocktail bar in the back and they make special macaron garnished cocktails. Too fun!
Sorry about that! 🙂
I made it to Laduree during my last trip, both at the Champs-Elysees and Bonaparte and got a sneak peek at the bar. Sadly, I didn’t get to Pierre Herme. But there’s always next time. I must look up your archives as soon as I get the chance!
Oh, I love this macaron tasting of yours! Fantastic! We’ve been doing some tastings of our own over at Grantourismo – so far, Sherry in Jerez, cava and 99c Spanish wines in Barcelona, and baguettes in Paris. We’ve just left Paris for Montenegro, where we thought we might try Balkan vodkas. What do you think? Keep it up! I think they’re as much fun to read as they are to write.
(P.S. Terry did a macaron-making course in Paris last week, so we’ll let you know when that post is up.)
Lara: Thank you 🙂 Balkan Vodka tasting sounds like my kind of thing. I’ve been to a Vodka tasting in Sydney and developed quite a liking to the nuances in it.
I look forward to Terry’s macaron post. I’m sure it’ll make me envious!
Hey did you ever think of say, breaking the Jasmine Tea in half, and breaking the Pistaccio and Cherry in half, and taking a bite of each so you get Pistaccio Cherry Jasmine Tea flavour? There’s a taste sensation waiting to happen! 😉
Dave: Considering I was sharing each macaron with Mr G, it would have left me with a tiny mouthful! But I think you’re onto something… Now get baking! 🙂
Thank you – I am sending this post to my mum for the next time she’s over that side of the bridge!
Mardi, you’re welcome 🙂 I’m sure she’ll enjoy their range of macarons.
The Bistro side of their business has some excellent dishes. I’ll be writing a review on it shortly.
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