I thought perhaps coming to a French store (Strasbourg, FR) would change my mind about Herme macarons. They taste the same in Tokyo, Strasbourg and LA and that's a good thing. That means the company does not skimp on brand, training, process and product. We tried the Panettone Aux Marrons (Chestnut Panetone) which was very nice, more buttery, less citrus than its Italian counterpart. I tried a handful of macaron flavors with family and friends. Still, hands down this brand of macaron has to live up to the Luxembergerli. A few days later, we had a chance to verify and try a few dozen Sprungli Luxembergerli at the BAS train station and yes without question I still am a fan of the Luxembergerli over the French macaron for its superior quality: lightly crisp yet moist, delicately superb flavors captured in a bite is UNFORGETTABLE. Flavors are still lingering on my palate two weeks later.
One less star for price. It's a designer French macaron so it comes with a high price tag. One less star for haughty service. Let me correct myself. Two less stars for service. I found that the staff at this Strasbourg store couldn't care less because perhaps we spoke English (amongst ourselves). It was like asking 20 questions to try something. I've never been treated poorly in any part of France that I've visited. It was clear they wanted to help French speaking customers. Not good for business.
Even though they are harder to get, I'll spend my money on Luxembergerli instead. (http://www.spruengli.ch/?lang=en).
Quelle dommage. Au revoir Macarons Pierre Herme. J'ai acheté beaucoup des Luxembergerlis.
Visits: 1 France, 1 Tokyo, 2 LA read more
