Tasting at La Patisserie

I have macarons on my mind.  Pistachio macarons, white macadamia macarons, rose macarons.  All of the macarons. Also chocolate croissants, lemon tarts and various other French pastries. Who is to blame for my fixation, you might ask? La Patisserie is the culprit. Two weeks ago I had a tasting at this French pastry shop and it’s roughly 75% of what I’ve been thinking about for the past fourteen days.  Obsessive? Maybe. Croissant crazed? Perhaps. Delicious? AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

The rose flavored macaron, which was light and airy as a cloud, surprised me. I’m not usually big on floral flavors, but the delicately delicious taste changed all of that for me. It was immediately a favorite, though the white macadamia was also in the running. Rich but smooth, this is a flavor that the masses will enjoy. The Funfetti flavor boasts sprinkles and sweetness – I took this one home to my three-year-old (Okay, I took a bite out of it first. For the blog, of course.) and she devoured it and commented, “Mmmm! It’s good.” Food critic in the making, y’all.

I can’t not mention the lemon meringue tart. Both tiny and regal, this little guy packs a big and beautiful tart punch. This paired with the buttery flakiness that nearly melted in my mouth have me swooning while typing. And the Millefeuille? Bliss. Chocolate and butter loaded bliss. Need I say more?

Actually, I do need to say a little more. Soraiya, the owner of La Patisserie, is such a joy.  It was immediately evident to me both the love and care she puts into everything from her sweet treats to her equally sweet staff. She is an attentive, warm and genuinely kindhearted individual. Speaking with her warmed my soul as much as the delicious Green Tea/ Coffee hybrid I was drinking. In the time I spent at La Patisserie, we talked everything from our kids to travel to the importance of women banding together. All of this while I’m nibbling on the most heavenly of macarons. It was truly a lovely experience.

I’d love to tell you how the idea for all of the loveliness began. After a childhood trip to France, Soraiya told her parents she would open a French pastry shop one day. La Patisserie now boasts both a downtown and a north Austin location on Burnet Road. They are both reminiscent of the quaintest of European cafes. She is truly living her dream, and that is pretty inspiring stuff.

Soraiya’s favorite thing about owning a pastry shop? Seeing people’s faces light up when they try macarons for the first time. This was not my first macaron, but I know my face lit up just the same.

Advertisement