February 19, 2014 |
Short Order
Macaron Parlour Brings Breakfast Cookies and Fanciful Pastries to Upper West Side
by Ana Lopez
Standing in minimalist, white-walled Macaron Parlour, I skeptically eye the Cheetos macaron in my hand, doubting I’m going to enjoy this. I’ve had a steadfast love of macarons for years, but forcing Cheetos into the classic mix seems an insult to the delicate treat. Taking a bite, I get a whiff of that cheap Cheetos scent. I’m disoriented for a minute when when I don’t get that familiar crunch. Just a satiny ooze and shockingly, I am enjoying it. Cheetos macaron. I get in line in for seconds.
Savory Thai Chili Macaron
It’s a few hours before the official opening of the new Upper West Side sweet-shop, more ambitious than the launch parlor on St. Mark’s Place where this husband and wife duo, Simon Tung and Christina Ha set out to expand the notion of sweet. Ha is the brain behind the innovative flavors. Her Thai Chili macaron has a Sriracha-peanut kick. Rosemary Olive Oil is more subtle and in this tasting, a bit too runny. Purists will find the usual gambits as well: Hazelnut, Red Velvet, Chocolate. There is a S’mores macaron for the die-hard sweet tooth and Elvis for peanut butter-banana fans, all $2.50 a piece. Gift boxes range from $15 for 6 to $54 for 24.
Pastries for a morning commute or a quick lunch
Tung and Ha have breakfast on their mind uptown too. The menu offers traditional croissants, tarts and buns (gluten-free and vegan too) as well as savory Chipotle Cheddar Scallion Scones ($3.50) and a hearty Tomato Pesto Pretzel ($4) are offered with Blue Bottle coffee.
560 Columbus Avenue, between 87th and 88th Streets, open 7 am to 8 pm daily.