Macarons in Pittsburgh
10/11/14: Pri, Gulnarnarnar, and I were all craving some sweetness for an afternoon study snack, so we started a spontaneous quest for macarons! Upon our search, we came across Gaby et Jules patisserie, located in the lovely neighborhood of Squirrel HIll.
From Left to Right: La Pittsburgh, Caramel, Passion Fruit Chocolate, White Chocolate Basil, Pumpkin, Chocolate
The La Pittsburgh macaron stole the show in terms of creativity and taste. This was an original creation by the chef, with a filling made from his favorite candy growing up in France. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but it tastes like a rich, not-too-sweet, gooey caramel with an extra oomph of spice/something. Sandwiched between one vanilla wafer and one chocolate wafer, this La Pittsburgh truly had a complex mix of flavors, sort of like the city of Pittsburgh itself. I could taste the chef’s nostalgia for his past home as well as his love for his current home. And I definitely need to get my hands on some French candy when I go to Paris someday!
Caramel and Chocolate flavors were not memorable, as La Maison du Chocolat still makes the best chocolate macarons known to man.
However, I was very much impressed by the Pumpkin macaron because I could actually enjoy the aromatic taste of pumpkin very subtly spiced with autumn. Most pumpkin-themed treats are overwhelmed by a heavy blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, but not this pumpkin macaron! The filling was gooey and the wafers were light, very delicious.
The Passion Fruit Chocolate and White Chocolate Basil macarons were also somewhat memorable, given the interesting blend of flavors. I enjoyed the contrast of dark chocolate ganache filling and tart passion fruit wafers in the former. I was surprised at how the aromatic basil balanced out the sweetness of white chocolate in the latter. Both were pretty decently crafted macarons, with munchimonster’s stamp of approval.
Tons of other adorable, delicious-looking treats at Gaby~ Unfortunately I had neither the stomach nor money for them. But if I get another chance to visit Pittsburgh, that Le Royal Chocolat has my name on it!!
