A PIECE OF PARIS IN MANILA
MAISON LADUREE
I love macarons, and for some reason I always associate it with Audrey Hepburn, Paris, poodles, and extra calories needed to be burned at the gym after. Laduree has been under my radar and I have to admit, it was mostly cos of it’s beautiful french interiors, which btw guys did not disappoint at all. Just look at how dreamy these chandeliers, sky painted ceiling, and dainty boxes are :)
I had major plans to get eight macarons in a limited edition Kerrie Hess (my fave LV / Cartier painter) box, but it was too small to really appreciate her artwork so I got the pink silver box instead. It cost PHP1200 (26USD) — yep, it’s really expensive you’d think these are miracle macarons that will not let you gain weight — well actually these are gluten free so thats a plus!
MACARONS, CHOCOLATES, TRINKETS…
AND EVERYTHING NICE?
It’s PHP150 per macaron (I got 6) plus an extra PHP300 for the box, which is now sitting pretty on my vanity table. The macarons are in great quality although the flavors are softer compared to my other favorite macarons from Bizu and Santis — this could be a good thing for you depending on your preference. My top three flavors are (#1) Salted Caramel (#2) Chocolate (#3) Chestnut — I feel most chocolate lovers would enjoy these. The other three I got are Marie Antoinette, Pistachio, and Coffee.
They had other products I planned to try on my next visits — chocolates, ice cream, tea. And some more things you can take home as souvenirs to remind you of their fairy-tale-like store — books, candles, room perfumes, insulated bags (I really wanted to get one but it was sold out), and their famous macaron keychains. All of which as overly priced as their macarons.
One important note; they don’t have tables where you could dine in. Every order is a take out and the macarons can withstand not being refrigerated for more or less and hour.
IS IT WORTH IT?
When it comes to luxury brands like Laduree where the prices are very expensive, you’re not just paying for the product — you’re paying for the entire dining experience. This includes how the brand image, ambiance, packaging etc… make you feel — Laduree was pretty spot on with these. Their macarons were good, although if you’re not really into the whole image / experience thing you could get a macaron that tastes as good from other less expensive stores.
The main thing that put me off was the service. The Laduree sales lady never smiled, greeted (I was the only customer), nor showed any friendly accommodation as she answered my questions. She appeared like she just woke up from her afternoon nap and was pissed that i touched the keychain display I wanted to purchase. As soon as i took a step back from it, she frowned and immediately fixed the keychain box (that wasn’t really messed up to begin with).
I love splurging on luxurious things but my first Laduree visit didn’t live up to my expectation. However, the place is absolutely stunning, every girl is going to enjoy it. Is it worth going to? — yup, try a macaron or two, then decide if you’d like to dig in more. Is it worth the money? — from this experience not so much. Although I wouldn’t cross Laduree off my list forever, who knows their chocolates could be surprisingly amazing, and maybe on my next visit they’d improve on their service.
19 Comments
Stunning place to get macaroons yum
yas the venue is very pretty! ^^
The place looks so nice! I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience. I always take service into account when deciding if I like a place.
ahintofbeauty.blogspot.com
yea :( its such a shame, youd think they’d invest more on making sure their staff are well trained since they sell mega expensive products. service is also a big factor for me in deciding if i like a store or not
Such a pretty place! Such a shame about the service :(
– Ambar x
http://www.herlittleloves.co.uk
true true, thanks ambar! <3
Paris looks so dreamy, I need to go there one day <3 Also, those macaroons are so pretty and look delicious!
http://laurenslittleblogs.blogspot.co.uk/
thanks lauren!
God, this is sooo pretty!!! *-*
Here we don’t Laduree…there are other houses that do sell Macaroons, but nothing like this. Everything is so cuteee!!
Now, I really hate when brands like this have such a bad costumer service…MAC sometimes gets this type of reputation as well. Things like this make people avoid the brand/service. Smiling to someone is the most rewarding act of kindness someone can do.
Take care*
its true! i have a couple of bad experiences with mac as well, but some stalls have improved and have better service now. my theory is that some brands want their SA’s to appear intimidating cos it could be associated with knowledgable? but personally that doesnt work for me. it just turns me off.
What an adorable little spot! I love macarons and wish that there were more little shops/boutiques like that in my area. There’s a little French cafe in the Pike Place Market in Seattle I want to visit soon. All I can say is I was drooling through this post! <3
thanks anna ^^ yas the place isreally jaw dropping, i think one of their target services is to cater to brides for bridal showers/ weddings thats why it looks so elegant and dainty :)
That store looks made for Instagram posts! I love macarons and I love how where I am has a huge French population, so they are pretty easy to come by. But to go to a Laduree? Now, that’s an experience. One of those keychains will be mine one day! :) But I definitely don’t like service like that where you feel judged. Hopefully your next time there will be better in that regard!
Wendy | Fashionable Heart
yea i hope so too. which keychain are you eyeing?i wanted to get the blue pink and black one. im also looking for their little macaroon trinket and apparently they also have a makeup line, maybe you guys have it there :)
Wow! Paris nga! love the feels in the store sis and it actually reminds me of nung two kids na nasa notebook cover yung may ‘Precious moments’ na tatak? ahahha lol anyare sa kin? hahaha wish meron din clang branch dito sa Cebu sis so I can visit their pretty place din. Chaka naman di friendly ang staff nila. It’s one of the things din na ayaw ko pag may pinupuntahan ako yung di friendly yung mga tao. Buti nalang masarap ang macaroons nila hehehhe parang toys lol toys tlga? I’m crazy hahaha btw, sorry wasnt able to visit your blog in awhile sis. Nabusy ako sa new work ko at I cant visit rin your IG :( nasira phone ko, need to buy a new one
buti nalng may Facebook pa lol
love lots,
Tin
mypoeticisolation.blogspot.com
Hahaha natawa naman ako sayo sis! Kaya pala waley na ung mga caligraphy mo sa ig feed ko – get new phn na ♥️ Sana nga friendly sila kasi ang ganda nung place di tugma
150 per macaron?! Jusko, I’ll be broke! Hahaha. The place looks really pretty though, but from what you said about the service, I’d probably feel the same way. With the price you have to pay, you at least deserve the best service naman. SOP na yan. Hope next time they learn. ;)
Wow! The place look soooo pretty with all this pink, white and dainty embellishments! The macarons look yummy as well! Hoping i can visit this place too, soon. Though their products are really expensive, i think their service should also be A+ a well. So sad about your experience Ms. Shayne. Wishing their management can read this too para maging okay na next time. Hehe. :)
everything (interiors, food and everything else) looks nakakabusog. I’m planning to have a high tea here but reading your experience, baka wag na lang. Thanks Shayne