Laduree
Filed under: Food in London
Two things concerned me when a friend suggested afternoon tea at the recently opened Laduree in Harrods. Firstly, my inherent scepticism of department store cafes, which usually I’ve found to have the atmosphere of an airport terminal. It’s always disconcerting observing harassed shoppers rummaging through discounted racks whilst I’m trying to eat or conduct a conversation. Secondly, I regarded Laduree as quintessentially Parisian and remained dubious that it could translate well in the confines of Harrods, a store so defined by its Britishness.
I must concede I was wrong on both counts. Laduree occupies a ground floor space in Harrods with its own street level entrance creating the impression of not being part of the store. Furthermore, once inside you enter a magical, ethereal world, so deeply alluring and distinctly Parisian it’s like being miraculously transported across the English channel. Rows of pastel coloured patisserie seductively line the counters whilst waitresses dressed in old fashioned attire glide past, with trays of delectable offerings. It’s the kind of place you fantasise about as a young girl, almost kitsch in its appeal.
There’s a contrasting, darker more formal space reserved for those eating from the lunch menu; we opted to sit here. I ordered the “The Salade Royale”, which turned out to be the most stunningly presented salad I have ever been served; an edible work of art. My friend was as equally enraptured with his omelette stuffed with mixed vegetables.
Despite this highly competent food it is the macaroons that Laduree is renowned for and it was for them themselves that I had made the trip. Brightly coloured, wispily light and utterly moreish. I could have sat there contentedly for the entire afternoon sampling the nine different flavours. I very nearly did but due to time constraints and an unhealthy obsession with my weight I stuck to the following; pistachio, rose-petal, coffee and chocolate, all equally as lovely. Four is not so bad is it?
The restaurant is distinctly feminine, the only men in the entire restaurant being a few waiters. It is a place that I can’t wait to return to. I am already dreaming about the other flavours I’ve yet to try. I’m sure I can do better than four.
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Hi Bea,
You should really try these macaroons, I’m not usually a fan either but these are out of this world.
Comment by GastroChick 01.21.06 @ 2:12 pmHi from Panama! I just came across your blog, …and I LOVE the banner 
Hugs,
M
You and me. Laduree for some macaroons. Let’s make a date.
Comment by Lauren McLaughlin 01.22.06 @ 7:16 pmA french associate just brought us a small box of these as a treat when invited to supper: Pistachio, Caramel, Vanilla. Harrods say they have a shelf life of 3 days. Totally redundant information in my view - they’ll never stay uneaten more than an hour or so. By the way, Toby Young reviewed the restarurant in London Evening Standard 13/4. He was more explicit about the ambience which he felt was definitively gay. Your description is not out of step with such a view. In any case if the other desserts match the macaroons a visit is due soon.
Comment by Jeremy Shotts 04.18.06 @ 10:17 amLeave a comment
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Interesting to remember this address. So you would say the lunch food is salads, soups, tarts, things of the kind? Interesting to see that coloured macaroons are very fashionable everywhere, and to think I have yet not have had one! I am very curious as I am not a bit macaroon fan, and could become one!
Comment by Bea at La Tartine Gourmande 01.20.06 @ 7:01 pmNever say never!