Mother's Day Gift Obsession: Macarons

Getting Mom flowers for Mother's Day--average. A framed photograph of you--a bit vain. But a colorful box of Cécile Cannon's freshly-made French Macarons, PERFECT. I tasted a free sample of the espresso Macaron today and had a little flavor fête in my mouth.

Espresso is just one of the 30 different flavors that Macaron Cafe produces, all of which are gluten-free and made fresh each day. Gift boxes come in three sizes and are translucent to show the adorable candy-colored cookies inside. Since you are buying for Mom, I'd splurge for the 25-count box ($43.00), and that way you don't have to feel guilty about stealing one, or three. More information about the lovely little Macaroon Cafe after the jump:
Midtown, New York City - the mecca of salad bar chains, theme restaurants and Starbucks.

But on an ugly 36th street block (between 6th Ave. and 7th Ave.), under some even uglier but temporary scaffolding has risen an uuber-popular Parisian cafe whipping up delightful sandwiches, salads, coffee, and the most beautiful Macarons I've seen in New York City!

The line out the door is an indication that the 18-month-old spot has secured a legion of lunching regulars. But more importantly, it's an indication that everything at Macaron Cafe is prepared F R E S H. No sandwich assembly line, or salad choppers on speed. Casually taking orders on a diner scratch pad is the part-owner who told me his name but his nice French accent distracted me and I didn't catch it. The three petite French maids who prepare the food and work the cash machine have great crowed-appeal; I think their frilly white head-pieces have something to do with it.

Today I stopped in for an iced coffee, which was made from scratch with espresso brewed on the spot, poured over ice, and topped with Evian spring water (I asked for it without milk). I was wowed by the care that went into it and gladly paid the $2.75, even tossing a couple quarters into the tip jar (something I rarely do at coffee houses).

While I usually rely on the Italians to prepare my espresso, I have yet to find Illy, Segafredo, or even Lavazza within a 10 block radius of my new midtown office. So, as of today, Macaron Cafe has a new regular customer...moi!

Macaron Cafe
161 West 36th Street (between 6th & 7th)
New York, NY 10018
212.564-3525
Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 7 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm