laduree

Dress UpI'll Follow You Anywhere

by

I’ve been to macaron shops all over the world, in fact I seldom travel without finding a way to hunt at least one down wherever I go. Though I’ve had more than enough delicious experiences in my travels, nothing fully compares to the luxury and wonder of Ladurée, especially the classic locations in France itself.

The first time I visited a real life Ladurée it was in New York, and after that I was able to stop by one of the oldest locations in Paris. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I hopped on the train to Cannes (almost exclusively to visit the Ladurée there) a few weeks ago during the #RAOPnicetrip, but as per usual, this amazing French patisserie lived up to its legacy.

I think my favourite part about this location was the quietness- for once there was no insane line of people fighting over macarons and ribbon colours. It was so calm in the shop that I was actually able to admire all the gorgeous details, like the hand painted cloud ceiling and golden chandeliers. And don’t forget the treats of course! With seasonal macaron flavours like cherry blossom, Marie-Antoinette tea, and melon in the case, I didn’t stand a chance!

DSC_0727

DSC_0806

DSC_0756

DSC_0733

DSC_0781

DSC_0729

DSC_0759

DSC_0815

DSC_0728

DSC_0747

Dress by Evernew, vintage hat, Sandals via Cartel, sunnies by Illesteva via. ZANE

Sips, Sweets & Snacks

by

DSC08108

Is there anything sweeter than fresh squeezed lemonade once the Spring sunshine starts up? Well, yes, I think there is actually: there’s floral lemonade!

This may be both the most simple and most delicious thing I have ever made. I’ve been known to covet anything that tastes even remotely like flowers, and this petal-packed lemonade certainly fits the bill. Though some of the ingredients can be hard to find (rose water and violet syrup can be found at The Spice Trader or BYOB if you live in Toronto), the juice is most definitely worth the squeeze (no pun intended!)

I’ve been really anxious for spring flowers and sunshine lately (the urge to move to California grows stronger with each passing day), but sitting by the window with a glass of this petal-packed lemonade was almost enough to ward off my Spring daydreams, at least for a few hours. You can always add a bit of gin or vodka too if you’re craving a slightly stronger pick me up!

DSC08014

DSC08020

DSC08044

DSC08057

DSC08062

Ingredients

– 2 lemons
– 1/2 cup cane sugar
– 1/2 cup filtered water (plus more to fill the juice jug)
– 1 tbsp violet syrup
– 1 tsp rose water
– 1 tsp grenadine
– Candied violets (optional, for garnish)

Method

Melt the cane sugar into the filtered water on the stove until it is all dissolved, then set it aside to cool. Juice the lemons (by hand or with a juicer) into your juice jug, careful to strain out any seeds, and then add the 3 syrups. I like things super sweet, but if you don’t, add the violet syrup, rose water and grenadine to taste. Add the water and sugar mixture once it’s cooled, and then add filtered water (or sparkling water) until the jug is full.

Mix everything up a bit with a wooden spoon or stir stick, and serve! I added a candied violet to each glass I poured and the purple candy melted away to give the drink an incredible ombre effect! I highly recommend this special touch if you can get your hands on candied violets (I got mine in France at Ladurée and I am very careful about when I use them because I’m so scared to run out!)

DSC08070

DSC08071

DSC08078

DSC08105

Photography by Brianne Burnell