Ladurée opened its second U.S. location and finally, it has their legendary dining-in café and tea room beyond their takeout baked goods section. The entire venue is gorgeous and definitely reminded me of their Parisian location I visited and ate at. There are two themed salons, one inspired by Madame de Pompadour (the pastel green room with the gorgeous vintage chandelier, fireplace, custom marble floors and opens to an outdoor garden), the other by Madeleine Castaing, can also be reserved for private events.
Ladurée SoHo’s salon inspired by French antique dealer and interior designer, Madeleine Castaing contains a plush leopard print carpet and original letters from French writers such as Colette, Juliette Récamier, George Sand and more will hang, framed, on the walls for visitors to admire. The major plus is the room is soundproofed so you won’t hear the distracting echoes of your neighboring tables’ conversations.
Of course, there’s the immaculate, colorful pastries and macarons at the retail takeout space. Even the beautifully pink, rose topped Isphan I eyed (and photographed; $11 for eating in).
All of their pastries and savory food are made in-house. The macarons are still flown in from Paris.
Of course, a party isn’t a party without some Champagne. We sipped our rose, strawberry and Champagne cocktails. We had delectable bites of roasted stuffed cherries. Trays of beautiful pastries like chocolate and vanilla eclairs, Plaisir Sucré (a layered dessert of chocolate, Piedmont hazelnut and praline on a biscuit), Rose and raspeberry St. Honoré, and pistachio St. Honoré, and of course, their famous rainbow of macarons were out to indulge.
There were two different savory religieuses passed around – black truffle stuffed with mushroom cream (the individual, dine-in size is $23) and salmon roe stuffed with smoked salmon cream cheese, wispy raisin toasts encasing silky slices of foie gras.
The party was packed with lots of beautiful people – a mix of French expats, Upper East Siders, and fashion types. I admired one fashionable attendee who wore an amazing, (intentionally) oversized, polka dot Comme des Garçons coat. Despite of all of Ladurée SoHo’s setbacks in opening, at least they made it just in time for New York Fashion Week (it starts on February 6th).
To view more photos of this party, please view the slideshow below (or CLICK HERE):
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Information:
Ladurée SoHo
Website
398 West Broadway (near Spring St)
New York, NY 10012
(646) 392-7862
(Map)
