Paris is always a good idea and if you can't afford the airline ticket, you can still indulge in authentic Parisian macarons and eclairs on Vancouver's Robson Street. Unlike coveted French luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier all of which have stores in Vancouver, Ladurée and L’ Éclair de Génie offer an affordable indulgence.
Photo Courtesy Ladurée Vancouver
Ah nothing says Paris like a macaron. For those who covet luxury, Ladurée macarons are noted as the world's very best.
In 2016, Vancouver's Robson Street was graced with Canada's first Ladurée Boutique and Tea Salon. Laduree macarons are showcased in the front of the salon like beautiful jewels that can be purchased to take home.
At the back, with a strict no reservation policy, is the tiny tea salon which offers afternoon tea for two ($40) as well as an à la carte menu which includes sinful Croque-Monsieur, Pain Perdu (French toast) and finger sandwiches. There is also handcrafted ice-cream. Yes, even Blair Waldorf would approve.
Ladurée Vancouver
1141 Robson Street
Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 11am-9pm
Macarons: $3.00
Photo Courtesy: 'L’Éclair de Génie
Eclairs have become the new French "it dessert". Traditionally, eclairs are made from pâte à choux (dough made from butter, water, milk, sugar and eggs), filled with chocolate or vanilla pastry cream and then topped with a chocolate ganache.
French pastry chef, Christophe Adam is credited with making eclairs the new haute cuisine by introducing his wild creations which showcase exotic fillings, creative flavour combinations and designer toppings. In 2012, he opened 'L’Éclair de Génie in Paris and today has boutiques around the world including France, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy and now excitedly Vancouver, Canada.
Ten different eclairs are offered daily and new flavours are added every month. Choose from eclairs such as the famed caramel beurre salé (salted caramel and mascarapone cream), framboise passion (passionfruit cream, raspberry confit, and fresh raspberries), and specially created for Vancouver sirop d’erable (maple cream). Customers can enjoy their eclairs along with specialty teas, espresso, cappuccinos and hot chocolate.
'L’Éclair de Génie
1210 Robson Street
Mon-Thurs: 9am-11pm
Friday: 9am-Midnight
Sat-Sun: 10am-Midnight
Eclairs: $6.75
