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You guys, I am so tired. If allowed, I would sleep 15 hours a night. I’m working long and busy days, arriving home between 7 and 8, at which point I tear off my clothes (adding them to the growing heap spilling from an open Gilt box in the corner of our bedroom) and climb into a robe and Uggs. I’m sleeping through my alarm in the morning and hunting for the cleanest pair of undies in the dirty laundry. I am eagerly awaiting the fabled second trimester energy surge.
This past weekend we met my good friend Hana and her boyfriend Jonathan for dinner in Yountville. We skipped Ad Hoc (didn’t like the menu) and ended up at Bouchon. We were seated late and the host brought us glasses of champagne as an apology. I inhaled it, a la Patsy from Ab Fab, before begrudgingly placing it on a credenza.
Never, ever go to the Napa Valley or surrounding areas if you cannot drink.
In any case, I nearly fell asleep at the table. We thought the restaurant was…just okay (Todd and I landed on 3.5/5). The interior was reminiscent of Balthazar so I felt like I was in NYC. The food was a bit heavy for my tastes, but, it’s French.
The next day we met with a college friend of Todd’s for brunch back in Yountville. He and his wife live in nearby St. Helena with their two young boys. Afterward we walked across the street to wait in line at Bouchon Bakery (I really wanted an epi baguette). Once inside I couldn’t resist, I bought croissants, little brownies, financiers and macarons. Can you believe that before a few days ago I had never had a traditional macaron?
They’re glorious!
So, naturally I decided that I must attempt to make them. I did a ton of research online, discovering that they are quite tempermental and difficult to make.
My experience confirmed this.
I won’t get into details, let’s just say it was a sad, wasted Sunday afternoon. And I was pissed the only project I mustered the energy for resulted in a mass of too flat/too fluffy cookies in the trash. I will try again, but at the moment I think macarons are totally lame.
In any case, as I said, I am exhausted, overworked and–cherry on the sundae–getting sick. I will likely be quiet this week. But, I hope you are all enjoying the more mild weather and Olympic festivities :-)
xo
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Sending peaceful thoughts and restful wishes your way!
Oh, Penny! I’m so sorry your macaroons didn’t turn out. That, for lack of a better word, blows. And I’ve totally done the “wear the cleanest of my dirty underwear” thing. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that despite never having been pregnant I definitely know the kind of place that this post came from and I hope that you get out of it soon.
Those Laduree macaroons are on my list of things that I must sample before I die, and I have never tried to make them since I, too, have heard of their temperamental nature. Plus, I’ve lived in crappy rentals with crappy kitchens for the past decade, and I feel like these macaroons deserve to be displayed on marble or granite countertops, or at least a laminate that isn’t stained/chipped.
I hope you get the chance to snuggle up on the sofa with a blanket, fuzzy socks, and a cup of tea in the near future. Hurry up and get here, Springtime!
penny! So odd that you posted this today — I just went to Paris for the first time ever this weekend and I am currently staring down a box of Laduree macarons that I trekked back.
….and I HATE them. Go figure. Gimme a giant baguette and a chunk of fromage any day.
SEND THEM HERE!
:-)
That said, I would definitely choose the baguette.
Hi Penny,
It’s me, Es! I finally revisited your blog after how long. Your post reminds me of that movie, “Julie & Julia.” I’m sure you’ve seen it..it’s pretty inspiring. Anyway, I hope you’re feeling better. Take care!
I have never had a macaron, but they are all over the internet these days! Macarons are the new cupcakes. They are so pretty, though, and I must find somewhere in Philly to get my hands on some!
There’s a darling French patisserie/deli/restaurant about a block from my office that sells the macaroons above, as well as the more commonly-known in the U.S. style. They are divine, but not as divine as the savory lobster crepes on their dinner menu…and the place is called Madeleine’s–a great girl name.
I tried to make macaroons once. disaster.
The Joy of Cooking has the easiest macaroon recipe ever and it is amazing. I suggest you try it out before giving up on macaroons!
OMG I love The Joy of Cooking and I feel like I looked in it for a recipe but maybe I dreamed that up. Thanks!
If you still want to make them, everyone raves about how reliable/easy this woman’s macaroon recipe is -
http://www.mytartelette.com/