HK Epicurus
我是HK Epicurus。 我最喜愛到日本,西班牙,英格蘭旅遊 。
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最近分享過的旅程
France Paris Desserts Trip
國家/地點: 法國
旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22
英國吃 Gastropub
國家/地點: 英格蘭
旅程日期: 2012-07-11 至 2012-07-13
共找到 22 篇遊記, 正顯示第 1 至 10 篇遊記
France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-02-23
One of the oldest institutions in Paris’s Haute Cuisine fine dining scene,  I locked in this restaurant to visit and after a 2nd try was finally granted my wish.   After consulting friends and foodies who visit Parisfrequently,  it was interesting many of them also mentioned 2 Starred Le Cinq as the place to be at.   I definitely had that on my agenda as it has a sister restaurant in Caprice in Hong Kong,  but after visiting the highly regarded Paris (Le Meurice ***) last trip around,  and on a later trip trying out the controversial Japanese-inspired  (Sur Mesure by Thierry Marx **) plus previous places before my time of taking food pics,  I decided to trust my instinct and give Ledoyen a chance as I had a feeling it is old school yet also silently reinventing the Parisian  dining trend! [IMG http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HkBOcyFydkk/UKyHEpseyPI/AAAAAAAAU3U/z47bKiegKSo/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800]  I have got to say this meal by Chef Christian Le Squer was simply perfect from start to the end,  there was a weighted balance between sensibility,  classiness, execution, taste and meal planning  – having tried out some of the fussiestrestaurants in Europe before here or after,  I really enjoyed this French Classical style dining with a modern mentality.

*************************************
 

Amuse Bouches of Campari and Orange Ginger Bubble,  Comte Cheese Puff with Cepe Mushrooms, Bruleed Foie Gras with Raspberry Sandwich,  Vegetable Roll with Poppyseed..
They look good and they tasted equally great.  I especially liked the spoon of Campari with Orange Ginger bubble as it was so appetizing and I was told to eat from this order.   ~  10/10
 
Au Bon Beurre -
The bread offerings were expectedly great,  you can count on it when eating in France but forget it when you eat in HK except for places like Caprice and Petrus, or Robuchon Macau.  I thought a previous butter encounter at equally 3 Starred Le Meurice was  already the bomb, yet this was less cowy but more sophisticated in finish.  I asked the maître d' who makes their butter here?  He showed a big shock on his face and explained it’s just normal Au Bon Beurre from a local farm associated with the restaurant naturally...  If I could just get such great quality produce butter at my disposal >.<   Crazy good  ~  12/10

Beef Jelly Consomme and Horseradish Granite,  Peas and Beef Mince -
For summer, another lovely starter and quite intense.    

Grosses Langoustines Bretonnes, Emulsion d’agrumes -
Blanched Brittany Langoustine with Citrus of Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit, Coriander & Olive Oil Emulsion.  2nd half of Langoustine  encased in a fried Kataifi pastry.  With Seaweed crisp and Jelly beneath.   I really liked this dish for balance and perfect execution.   

Ris de Veau en Brochette de bois de Citronnelle Rissolee,  Jus d’herbes -
Another signature at Ledoyen,  this is the best Sweetbread I have ever had in my life by far.  It was covered in a Sweetbread Crumb,  brochetted with 2 lemongrass stalks,  and served with a herbs sauce and Broad Fava beans and Peas.  Cooked perfectly just barely under well-done and for once I could actually taste the organ too.  And this was huge!  This was only half portion and it was fist sized already.  Didn’t know Sweetbread organ can be presented so huge lol!

Mignardises - 
I find that in Europe Mignardises are not confused with Petits Fours, which come after the meal with coffee. This was served on an edible Meringue plate.

Campari Dill and Basil Croustillant,  Citrus Sorbet,  Grapefruit marinated in Honey & Lemon Juice,  Confit Pink Grapefruit -
I will be lying if I said this wasn’t once again a foodgasm level dessert.   This was just so right..

 
.... to be continued 
評分: 味道5   服務5   環境5   衛生5   抵食3
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-02-19
A famous Crepe street on Rue du Montparnasse,  there weren’t so many Asian faces that I had come to anticipate compared to the likes of Laduree or Angelina.    As someone who has a crepe fetish,  I have imprinted this street into my mind as the 1st place to visit if I long for crepes in Paris although I always suspected  it to be also touristy,  hence sometimes I did try out creperies in other areas for cross comparison.   This street is closer to the Edgar Quinet Metro station than the similarly named Montparnasse Bienvenue.    A train ride to Brittany or Normandy for good creperies meanwhile might only be a few hours away,  but it is always exciting to see so many Creperies all occupying the same street!  

Paris locals might know of better Creperies in the more suburban areas, and if you do please do leave me a comment so I can work out where to visit next time around!    In the mean time,  this was another visit to 
Creperie de Josselin after skipping it the last time just like I deliberately skipped La Maison Angelina before a 2nd revisit.   After all quota is limited.   This time I was back with a mission and in fact Josselin was the first creperie I have ever visited in Paris years ago.  Upon this revisit I really want to compare the best creperies I have eaten so far in Hong Kong, France and Australia or elsewhere and settle it once and for all!


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Couple Andouille de Guemene - €9,40
2 separate Layers of buckwheat pancakes are wrapped around this amazing pig tripes sausage!  2 Layered crepes are popular here but so far I have never seen it outside France.  The galette de sarrasin base texture was really great with bites of Buckwheat and aroma, was edge crispy but not tough.  Can’t foresee this getting any better.  Absolutely to die for level.  Amazing.   ~  12/10

Maraichere -  with Spinach, Fried Egg, Lard Bacon, Fromage Cheese, Crème - €9,30
One of the signatures at Josselin.  This was simply sublime once again.  I can’t rave enough about it.  The presentation of the food is not that attractive here,  not exactly neat but this is just so Creperie de Josselin style.   To me,  the taste is more important and the galette crepes here I ate on that night were just simply unbeatable.   Personally I would rate here over >  La Creperie (Hong Kong) >  Breizh Café(Paris).   The latter was the most promising,  but that visit didn’t deliver in taste.  Whereas La Creperie HK is inconsistent but as good as Paris creperies if not better.  Josselin meanwhile looked the most normal and sterile but tasted easily the best!  ~  10/10 
推介菜式: Couple Andouille de Guemene, Maraichere, Cidre
每人消費: 約24歐元
評分: 味道5   服務5   環境5   衛生5   抵食5
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-02-03
It’s not too far from the famous Le Marais area -
It’s not too far from the famous Le Marais area -
Bordier Butter Sardines
Bordier Butter Sardines
Inside. For dinner, Reserve 1-2 days in Advance.
Inside. For dinner, Reserve 1-2 days in Advance.
Loads of Ciders from Northern France.
Loads of Ciders from Northern France.
Fougeraise Galette,  "La Coglaise" Andouille
Fougeraise Galette, "La Coglaise" Andouille
Carrement Sarrasin - €7,50
Carrement Sarrasin - €7,50
Bordier Salted Caramel -
Bordier Salted Caramel -
Salted Caramel Butter by Bordier
Salted Caramel Butter by Bordier
Breizh Café seems to be the hottest Creperie in Paris nowadays,  and many foodies have been carrying this on their lips.  The brand also has outlets in Cancale in Brittany,  and also in Japan.    The menu planning is sensational indeed,  carrying anything from the freshest of Brittany or Normandy oysters,  to the most exotic of ingredients to put on their galettes and crepes.   You should make reservations at least 2-3 days beforehand,  don’t count on walking in.  Unfortunately however,  on the day of my visit the base buckwheat base for the Galettes de Sarrasin was too hard and had too little buckwheat taste,  I have had slightly better.  (Then again, the finer grades of the Buckwheat Soba noodles in Japan also have less buckwheat taste when they only eat the core bits,  so it doesn’t mean I am right in my own preference.)



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Fougeraise Galette, 
"La Coglaise" Andouille Chitterling sausage, 
with Bordier Farmhouse Creme Fraiche mixed Mustard Sauce - €11,80

The chitterling sausage in this cross-section guise seemed packed together than rounded in appearance.  The taste is NOT strong.  It will suit those who dislike pig organs smell and uric acid.   I am somewhere in between however so I found this too weak.   The buckwheat crepe likewise,  was too hard and eating this made my jaws fell sore after a few bites just like eating too many stale nachos.   The buckwheat flavour was also very weak.  A little disappointed overall ~  6.9/10

Carrement Sarrasin - €7,50
Buckwheat Crepe (sweet),  Buckwheat Honey,  with Buckwheat Ice Cream.  
The trifecta combo of buckwheats,  and the first time I have eaten a buckwheat crepe as a dessert dish.   Unfortunately once again,  the crepe was too hard and also missing buckwheat flavour.  The Buckwheat honey fared better,  and also the ice-cream.   In the end I thought this sounded more promising than it delivered in the flavours.    ~  7/10

Bordier Salted Caramel -
Wish I could carry these back to my friends,  but don’t think they will last before they melt away.  Actually quite good indeed.  But I think I have had better at say Caprice or Jacques Genin or somewhere else...    ~  7/10

Salted Caramel Butter by Bordier -
It is quite good indeed,  actually I liked this better than the above Salted Caramel candy itself.  I can so buy a plain crepe and spread this on top.  Or put it into a toasted sandwich !

Francois Sehedic Apple Cider from Fouesnant, Brittany -  €12,50
This is of the drier,  almost farm house like style.   Very utterly good and more concentrated than the Gold Medal winning bottle Cidre Fermier du Pays de Broceliande I drank at Creperie Suzette,   real artisanal stuff and worth the price tag.   ~   9/10  


*********************************
Overall was very slightly disappointed with the execution of the Sarrasin buckwheat crepes here as they were quite hard but not having much buckwheat taste either, unlike my favourite Josselin.   3 out of 5
每人消費: 約32歐元 (晚餐)
評分: 味道3   服務4   環境4   衛生4   抵食3
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-02-02
Reminds me of Da Vinci Code - Or that Chinese Architect…
Reminds me of Da Vinci Code - Or that Chinese Architect…
Impressive Tea Display -
Impressive Tea Display -
Matcha Salt and Sesame version -
Matcha Salt and Sesame version -
Rose d’Himalaya
Rose d’Himalaya
Nolstagie de Pondichery – Euro 33,00
Nolstagie de Pondichery – Euro 33,00
Dessert Cart
Dessert Cart
Raspberry Cr�me Brulee Tarte -
Raspberry Cr�me Brulee Tarte -
 Mariage Freres doesn’t need much introduction.  It is one of the best known global teas in the world and if that isn’t convincing enough,  they were given a prime spot inside The Louvre to represent the best of the best of French Teas.

Rose d’Himalaya -
Was recommended this tea by the staff.  This was so intense in rose flavour with a black tea base.  Absolutely amazing.  The take-away tea bags won’t impress you as much as these!  ~  10/10

Nolstagie de Pondichery – Euro 33,00
A lunch box consisting of Salmon with Salmon Roes,  Foie Gras & Raspberry,  Prawn on toast and some Cold Turkey.   This was typical French but not overly impressive either.  Guest savouries aren’t where they really excel.  ~  6.9/10

Desserts Trolley -
These looked good and you can see some sort of Japanese influence too.

Raspberry Crème Brulee Tarte - 
Yes.  TWG from Singapore has a similar version,  because they copied straight from here and this one is much better.  The bottom pastry layer was crunchy,  the raspberries were tart enough.  Combined with the custard like crème with a burnt sugary crust.  This was simply amazing.  ~  12/10



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Mariage Freres in Paris  Is quite impressive with both the teas and pastries.  Although the same cannot be said about the savoury Lunch Box,  overall I was still impressed enough to return.  The teas were amazing,  so was the dessert.
評分: 味道4   服務5   環境5   衛生5   抵食3
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-01-28
Chess Cakes and More
Chess Cakes and More
Macaron Selections.
Macaron Selections.
Canele
Canele
Dalloyau Opera Cake
Dalloyau Opera Cake
Pamplemousse French Grapefruit Juice
Pamplemousse French Grapefruit Juice
Canele Autopsy
Canele Autopsy
Front Entrance
Front Entrance
Salted Caramel & Cognac Champagne Remy Martin
Salted Caramel & Cognac Champagne Remy Martin
Dalloyau is one of the most oldest and traditional style French food shops dating back to 1682,  but seems to have dropped off the radar or lost its lustre during recent years.  They’re not making much noise lately.  Yet, they continue to garner a big following in it’s Japan outlets but I was more keen to revisit the Paris stores instead – once again I chose the bigger one of their shops in Bastille which carried the best range.    This store runs as both as deli as well as a Tea Salon,  which definitely suited my purpose.   There are to be No Photos allowed,  but somehow I took a lot of them before I got told off again,  just like my experience at Pierre Herme.


- Dalloyau Opera Cake -
This is their famous Dalloyau Opera Cake,  which everyone else in the world copied from!
  Although not my 1st time trying it,  it’s always good to revisit it a few years down the track.   Invented as the Opera cake in 1955 by Cyriaque Gavillon from Dalloyau,  this cake borrowed ideas from similar sliced cakes and created to show visible layers of various ingredients, to be eaten in a single bite to release the various layers in taste.   Joconde biscuit is soaked in coffee liqueur,  then layered with coffee buttercream and then there are 2 layers of chocolate ganache in between.  

- Canele - 
Trying a traditional Canele de Bordeaux here makes sense.  The exterior crust on this was spot on, slightly caramelised but not hard crispy.  The inside was slightly hollow in the middle,  but at least not wet like the one in Laduree Paris.   This didn’t have as much rum and vanilla taste though but was still detectable,  but had a good egginess instead.   It’s not perfect – but it is better than most that I could grab on a regular basis!   ~   8/10

- Salted Caramel & Cognac Champagne Remy Martin Macarons
 I liked the Cognac Champagne version more,  with just a hint of Cognac spiking the macaron sandwich.   It was decent.  You can find prettier macarons out there,  but this passed the taste test.  The Salted Macaron one was also good but a little too sticky and chewy. ~  7/10
評分: 味道4   服務3   環境4   衛生4   抵食4
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-01-21
I must first admit that for some reason,  my mind never associated this shop with the prestigious pastry school and Michelin restaurants headed by Gaston Lenotre,  who passed away in recent years.   May be my French is so poor I assumed many shops might end up with similar names and 2ndly much of the food here look slightly pedestrian commercialized.   Upon further reconfirmation,  in fact the chain of Lenotre catering shops you see in different suburbs are really part of the bigger Lenotre Pastry and Restaurant group.   They are also the official supplier to many politicians and noble families.

The Whole Concept of these Lenotre outlets reminds me of Fauchon.  There’s a large variety of pre-made savoury and sweet items for a quick bite.  The Peach Tart was amazing,  the Fish Tart was also decent.   The macarons on the other hand were so average that day and disappointed.  Just go for the other stuff I suppose..


Viennoiseries and Pastries Section - 
It was kind of like a Deli, with both savoury and sweet items -
The way they present their ready-made food indicates they are more of a take-out shop. 

Small Croissant -
It looked neat.  The inside also looked alright and it had a mild buttery taste,  but seemed slightly too soft and bready inside when non-reheated in the oven.  In Paris context,  this won’t go into my Top 5 list and was a little too sweet for me.   But if I have to choose, I would eat this over the HK Robuchon L’Atelier version,  which is becoming a little too inconsistent and puffy..  ~  7.5/10

Tarte Sablee de Sole et Petits Legumes – 9,90€
A pretty looking Sole fish, eggs and beans pie,  eaten cold.  
This was something I don’t find often so instantly attracted my attention.   Really liked it and no point describing the taste anymore.  That bit was predictable but execution was good.   ~  9/10

Tarte aux Pêches -
One of the signatures here is the Strawberries tart,  but I saw this and instantly knew I had to have it.   Actually so far the experience has been mixed.  Some items were great like this one,  with very fresh tasting Peach slices on a decent enough pastry tart base.  ~  9/10

Lenotre Raspberry and Salted Caramel Macarons -
The tant pour tant mixture was balanced,  but the texture of these were just so averagely cake like…  not helped by the fact the fillings taste were also muted.  Very disappointed actually.   Out of so many Macarons I’ve eaten and which some shops I have revisited a few times, Laduree Paris definitely remained the one to beat in terms of balance.  Fillings wise,  the gong firstly goes to Gerard Mulot (who worked for Lenotre before) but the shell remained too sickly sweet & sticky.  Hugo & Victor is like Laduree & well balanced overall, especially that to-die-for Salted Caramel one.  All the rest like Sadaharu Aoki,  Pierre Herme (who also worked under Lenotre),  Dallayou,  Fauchon, etc were still decent enough.  The ones I ate here were at a level below these somewhat,  you just wouldn’t really rate them.   ~  5/10 
評分: 味道4   服務5   環境5   衛生5   抵食4
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-01-21
 I have wanted to check out this place since it opened just from a few years back but felt sick and stayed mostly in the hotel.  Please be warned 1stly,  the Opening Hours googled online don’t really reflect the true opening hours, sigh.  I found out the hard way but luckily this was at my 2nd attempt and I already ate my 1st round.   I probably didn’t divulged this information before as it might confuse people -  I actually re-entered Paris twice during mid 2012 and the 1st time I came to eat at Jacques Genin,  the massive size of the desserts made me realize I should put on hold ordering the extra Paris Brest and famed Lemon Tart to eat it all by myself.   I knew I have planned in mind to come back anyway to finish it all.   Well I did come past a 2nd time eventually,  since I had plans for dinner around the block anyway,  but despite the opening times saying it closes at 7pm,  when I came by around 6pm it was already shut, talk about misleading.  So please do plan carefully & arrive well ahead of schedule as a warning.  After 11am is going to be your safest bet. 

Very Neat Products from a Modern yet Traditional Style Chocolatier -
These looked all shiny and perfect.   I kind of felt Jacques Genin is my style type of guy. Creative,  but within reasonable restraints.  Perfectionism and execution is valued over re-inventing the wheel,  the rule of the game is to be just ahead of it’s times but not overly trying hard otherwise?    I hope I guessed right…
 
Salted Caramels –
These are actually a Signature here,  it’s one of the 1st things the locals and staff recommends.  
I have got to say these were perfect in terms of balance of taste and texture.   At least they weren’t too wet and sticking to the wrapping.  ~  9/10 

Salted Caramels –
These are actually a Signature here,  it’s one of the 1st things the locals and staff recommends.  
I have got to say these were perfect in terms of balance of taste and texture.   At least they weren’t too wet and sticking to the wrapping.  ~  9/10

Chocolate Éclair - 
This is just text book perfect,  
and being a Chocolaterie as well,  obviously the chocolate ganache glazing & the chocolate crème patisserie were also sophisticated in taste, minus the sometimes associated bitter note.  The choux pastry was fresh and most importantly,  you can actually taste that well baked aroma, also eggs and butter!  This was just really great than amazing,  but tell me an equal quality replacement? Yawn. ~  10/10

Mango Fruit Pate, Tea Toi, Tonka Teck Chocolates, etc -
I bought an extra few pieces of the chocolates on top and they were just amazingly impressive in balance and looks.  These looked and tasted as they should and weren’t overly sweetened or dry like many famous shops,  but equally don’t expect your chocolates to perform 3D performances like monkey dances.  Expectations often impinge our chances to enjoy in tranquility.  But seriously, what more can we ask for really,  from a few pieces of chocolates?  They won’t give you foodgasm at will,  unless ur that sensitive  ~ 10/10 
評分: 味道5   服務5   環境5   衛生5   抵食5
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-01-21
  Fauchon is kind of like an upscale épicerie fine-traiteur,  café,  boulangerie and pastry shop all thrown into one equation.   It is colorful,  modern and there is certainly a lot of flair in the design of the products.   It sort of reminds me of being a mix between both Hediard and Maxims, but also offering a vast range of ready made food resembling that of the more down to earth but equally regarded Lenotreof the highly regarded pastry school fame.  In comparison, the latter doesn’t really offer as much coffret cadeau gift products as here.  The selections here are pretty for the eye  and no wonder the tourists love it as well.

The Traiteur Deli offerings -
Apparently,  the savoury options are very good and I don’t have doubts about them,  as they looked even more interesting than the link: Lenotre offerings. 

Le Deauville éclair -
Éclair with strawberry cream with red and white stripes.  
The choux pastry seemed a bit tired plus it didn’t have much taste,  unlike the one at Le Patisserie des Reves,  and was definitely not up to the high standards set by Jacques Genin.  ~  7/10

Malaga Wild Strawberries Tart - 
The fact that this was compiled ‘fresh’ on the spot in front of customers and it carried the exotic wild Spanish strawberries,  I simply couldn’t resist ordering this other strawberries dessert.   Whilst the berries were no doubt great,  the tart case itself had a very hard-to-break shell.  Kind of surprised at this bit. Overall it was barely a pass.  ~  6/10

Macaron Gerbets of Citron Menthe, Praline -
I already ate some Fauchon macarons from Hong Kong airport side.  Their shells are the chewier type and slightly bordering on cloying,  but their fillings are fairly decent.  The Mint Lemon intrigued me as they are a well tested combo. Unfortunately the sweetness killed the fruitiness.  The Praline version also interested me,  as I secretly hoped that it’s of the more crunchier caramelised nuts filling,  but in fact it is the smoother praline cream type only which was more ho hum..  Oh well.   ~  7/10 
評分: 味道3   服務4   環境5   衛生5   抵食3
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
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發表日期: 2013-01-20
This was very luckily for me,  a write up of a culmination of my last 3 visits to Laduree Paris.   I also visited their London store but the taste of the macarons is not exactly the same,  which is slightly surprising.   They will be opening a new store in Hong Kong soon and I hope it will maintain the Paris standards!   This review is on top of my earlier visit to Laduree (I) which was equally impressive.   As a side note,  I noticed a lot of Pastry Chefs don’t really rate Laduree highly and think it is beaten to death commercialized,  but after cross-checking a few times,  I have got to say their kitchen really makes the most consistently good macarons,  even counting in the fact they use the more sugary Italian Meringue formula these days..  Personally the final taste is always what I concentrate on!

Pastries and Cakes -
There were some new items on display.  
*Excuse about the lower quality mobile phone photos,  most pastry shops don’t allow photos.

Fraise Coquelicot (Strawberry with Poppy Seed),
Salted Caramel,  Fleur d’Oranger (Orange Blossom) - 
I have been eating macaron gerbets for a long time,  but after so many visits to here and other shops, I have got to say Laduree is consistently the one to beat.  Call me biased.  Call me uneducated.  I know there are shops which does better fillings than here and I appreciate them.  But the texture is always textbook perfect here despite adopting the Italian Meringue method nowadays.   The weakness lies in the slightly non-natural tasting fillings.  I am happy to compromise though ~  9/10

Plaisir Sucre -
A little dense and nutty chocolate.  
It was good but it wasn’t exceptional either.  ~  7/10 

Ispahan Ice Cream - 
The famous Laduree meringue dessert has been plagiarised all over the world,  but guess what,  they still make the best version here.  I find that surprising because usually people copy and improve on the formula.  Well the Ice Cream version of the Lychee, Rose Petal and Raspberry combo is equally as impressive and absolutely adorable and you can taste each individual flavour!! ~  10/10 

Jardin Bleu Royal Tea - 
Made with non-smoked Chinese and Indian Tea,  with additional Rhubarb and Wild Strawberries flavours,  scattered with Corn Flower and Helianthus Petals.   Suggested by the staff as I have exhausted my list here,  this was very enjoyable actually as it is exuberating that fruitiness fragrance with elegance.  It is not easy to find good teas outside of France,  it’s all about the tea culture. (UK teas I think are more up front in style in comparison but also great, but less blending.)  

Lemon & Lime Guimauve,  Liquorice, Strawberry Candy Guimauve -
Very impossibly good!  Some people find Laduree macarons a little confectionary.  So might as well order their more candy like flavours.  All pretty decent and yes, candy like

Haha.  Rose Petal and Strawberry Jam -
Anyone want to share with me?  I only bought 2 jars and already gave out 1 to a friend ! 
評分: 味道4   服務4   環境5   衛生5   抵食3
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France Paris Desserts Trip (法國)
(旅程日期: 2012-06-13 至 2013-01-22 ,  旅程性質: 商務公幹, 消閒度假)
 整個旅程  (共17篇遊記)
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發表日期: 2013-01-20
Mr Sadaharu Aoki from Japan first opened his first patisserie in France.  For a Japanese Pastry Chef he didn’t seem at all putting up a direct challenge with the local Frenchies.  He is doing very well actually,  on an earlier visit to his Paris store,   I swore he made the best macarons in Paris during that trip beating even Laduree.   But on yet another visit it was still good and may be still making into the Top 3,  but just.   The determining factor was going to be the other offerings.

Matcha Green Tea Éclair -
Even in Paris, many know this is meant to be one of the best eclairs.   The choux pastry texture wasn’t as decent as Jacques Genins,   but wasn’t far off and the Green Tea flavour was accurate!   Choux-wise it was better than my Fauchon experience, which were also colorfully presented.  And it was fresher also than my Patisserie des Reves experience in Paris.   ~  9/10

Mini Croissant -
Ever since my last visit and looking back at the pics, I lament the fact that I didn’t order these,  even if I have tried the Tokyo stores but can’t remember much.   This was very very buttery,  something u take for granted.  The texture is crispy on the outside but still too soft inside,  it wasn’t the best croisant I ate in France or even Europe.  But compared to Hong Kong context,  this would come out on top easily bar Robuchon Macau.  ~  8/10

Macarons - 
Matcha Green Tea, Pistachio and Raspberry.
The texture this day was a little too dense.  A lot of other shops have different problems of being either too hard or too sugary-syrupy.  The filling flavours here are still good enough.  ~  7/10

Ispahan Inspired Macaron Dessert -
It was definitely an interpretation of the Pierre Herme and Laduree version.   The shell was good if not a bit chewy this time.  It also didn’t seem to have lychee in it.  Absolutely no need to order this.  ~  7/10

Cassis Chocolat -
With an almonds chocolate biscuit, cassis blackcurrant and white chocolate cream,  and feuilletine praline.  This was enjoyable because the amount of cassis fruity flavour was good.  I think this wasn’t so interesting as a tray cake but it tasted alright enough!  ~  7/10

Apple Tea -
This is a signature tea by Sadaharu Aoki.  It has a pretty strong dried Apples flavour over 2 tries and balanced with the tea leaves.  I miss this tea so much!  ~  10/10 
評分: 味道4   服務5   環境5   衛生5   抵食4
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