As part of, or perhaps leading the revival in the fortunes of the humble macaron, Pierre Herme's stunning and delicious boutique in Knightsbridge is a sight to behold! The sensational macaron boutique has just launched it's Christmas collection: a dazzling range of brightly coloured, gold flecked and mind-blowingly rich seasonal treats.
The macaron is claimed by both the French and the Italians as having it's origin within their respective borders, but either way it has been delighting palates for over 200 years. Pierre Herme also has a long-standing passion for sweets; as a fourth generation Alsatian pastry chef, he began training at the age of 14 with Gaston Lenotre. Vogue dubbed him the ‘Picasso of pastry’, and his creations have been described as ‘a Zen garden where every stone contains emotion.’ He runs Pierre Herme Paris with Charles Znaty, and has boutiques worldwide, including Tokyo, France and, of course, London.
His Knightsbridge shop is glinting with immaculate colours. The macarons are laid out in a majestic, jewel-like sweep. It’s one of those shops you will want to visit as a spectacle in itself as well as for the gems on sale.
The Christmas set includes Truffle Blanche and Noisette a foamy creation of white truffle and roasted piedmont hazelnut slivers – curiously savoury and scented to taste. There is also the rather unusual Chocolat and Foie Gras – that comes as it sounds, an Eglangtine, Figue and Foie Gras that combines wild rose hip and fig, and the Infiniment Marron Glace – a new creation based on candid chestnut. These can all be purchased separately, or as a complete set.
Regular old favourites for autumn and winter are also on sale. Customers can pick up a Caraquillo – blended chocolate, coffee and aniseed, or a Chocolat Syr Del Lago. There is also the Crème Brulee and the Americano – orange, grapefruit and Campari – Coffee, the praline Pietra, and Olive Oil & Mandarin. Also available are the Pierre Herme Paris Chocolate Covered Candy Fruits, and a wide range of Pierre Herme chocolates, truffles, teas, jams, pound cakes, candid fruit paste and scented candles.
£1.85 per macaron.
7 piece assortment gift box: £15
16 piece assortment gift box: £33
20 piece assortment gift box: £52
40 piece assortment gift box: £71
The macarons are also available at Selfridges.