The first time I set eyes on a Ladurée pâtisserie was in Paris, on the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It was a warm summer afternoon with my family in tow and we were ready to get out of the heat and into the pâtisserie to enjoy Ladurée’s famed macarons.
The Paris Ladurée, with its signature celadon green paint and ornate gold accents, was as stunning outside as it was inside. The furnishings were exquisitely Parisian and expansive rows of pastries and magnifique macarons were perfectly displayed.
I pulled my camera out of my purse to capture a picture of the beautiful presentation of pastries, but didn’t act quickly enough before being admonished by one of the employees who, in their eloquent French accent, was clear about her position: “No Pictures!” It was a command, not a suggestion.
There’s an interesting history behind this pâtisserie, which dates back to 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée started his first bakery in Paris, which ultimately was transformed into a pastry and tea shop. Generations later, around 1930, Ladurée grandson, Pierre Desfontaines, created the pâtisserie’s first macaron. The rest is history and Ladurée continues today to expand well beyond its French borders.
To say I was ecstatic was an understatement when I heard the famed Ladurée was expanding into the United States, and even better that a Southern California location was planned. I patiently awaited its opening, and was curious how Ladurée would translate to an American market. I now know the answer to that question; perfectly, with a few minor changes to suit the Los Angeles market.
Ladurée opened in December of 2016 at The Grove in Los Angeles. It’s a perfect location for the upscale pâtisserie, as The Grove houses high-end and unique tenants. The Grove is perfectly positioned in the middle of Los Angeles, with proximity to luxury markets in every direction.
The exterior of Ladurée at The Grove is reminiscent of the one visited in Paris, with its signature coloring and gold accents, but the interior has less Parisian feel to it and is decorated less ornately in grey and pink colors; a departure from the look of the Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées.
Ladurée, located in The Grove’s main plaza, is adjacent to the beautiful sixty foot water fountain. The location offers a tree-lined canopied outdoor patio, with a clear view to the dancing fountain and the water features that surround the patio.
A small mezzanine seating area, located inside the pâtisserie, also serves as a tea room during special hours.
I visited with a few friends, who had also been to Ladurée Paris, and all of us were excited to experience this new location. The pâtisserie’s manager, a French native, served our table. There is something intoxicating about an authentic French accent, and the managers’ solidified the allure of this new Ladurée.
Ladurée’s menu, titled in French and described in English, and features various Les Salades, Les Entrees, Les Plats, Les Club Sandwiches, and Les Oeufs et Omelettes, with offerings like, Foie Gras de Canard au Macron a’ la Rose et Kougloff Laduree (Homemade Duck Fioe Gras served with Rose Petal macaron and Ladurée Kougloff), “Vol-au-Vent” Volatile aux Champignons Suavges (Organic chicken breast “Vol-au-Vent” with wild mushrooms) and Croque-Monsieur, (Loaf bread, white ham, mornay sauce with french Emmental cheese). Vegetarian options are also available. A creative dessert menu, and wine list is available. Items range from $13.00 – $40.00. Ladurée’s famed macarons, with flavors including salted butter caramel, lemon, rose petal, and pistachio, and chocolate, are available for purchase in the dining areas or in the retail store.
The pastry selections are a little more limited than I remember at the Paris location, but still beautifully designed, and the biggest decision you will have is to decide what flavor of macaron you will choose! My suggestion is to take one of each home to enjoy!
Several Ladurée branded items are displayed for purchase, including candles, packaged food items, signature celadon green style boxes and bags.
Visiting this new Ladurée location brings back fond memories of my first visit in Paris. I didn’t even need to try to sneak a picture of the magnifique pastries and macarons; the employees honored my request, and encouraged me to take as many as I wanted!
Cheers!
The Grove is located at 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (888) 315-8885