Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bonne Nouvelle

Bonne Nouvelle is a patisserie, boulanger, cafe, and chocolatier that is stirring up all things delicious with a wide range of French pastries. From the main location in Sinsa-dong, it is located in the lobby of a hotel. Upon entrance to Bonne Nouvelle, you are welcomed with breads and pastries and a handful of samples for you to try before actually picking up what you want. 

With so many goodies to choose from, it can get extremely difficult. Baked goods cater to all tastes, incorporating new flavors into each and every recipe. You can even get full by taking a sample of everything that they have. The extremely generous samples are so welcoming, you can't help but to love everything you taste. 

In addition to freshly baked breads and pastries, there is a fridge of all things amazing which includes tarts, cakes, pies, and macarons. There is just too much to choose from. When you do find yourself struggling, go for the best sellers because you won't be upset with that choice! For those looking to enjoy your selections, there is a small seating area to the right of the shop where they take your goodies, decorate, cut and serve it to you. Of course, you can make the purchase of a drink to wash those goodies down.

With three locations, the most popular is the one located in the Apgujeong area of Sinsa-dong for the spacious seating area that guests can enjoy their pastries from. There is also another in the Gyeongi-do province, north of Seoul where Ilsan is. Lastly, the small shop in the Express Bus Terminal that allows for guests to pick up goodies to bring home and enjoy with their families or as gifts.

Location in Apgujeong: 서울시 강남구 신사동 641-1

Seoul Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong 641-1

Phone: 02-549-7055

Address in Express Bus Terminal: 서울시 강남구 대치동 937

Seoul Gangnam-gu Daechi Dong 937

Phone: 02-531-2066

Location in Ilsan: 경기도 고양시 일산동구 마두동 753-4

Gyeonggi-do Goyangsi Ilsan-dong 753-4

Phone: 031-908-5580

Hidden Treasures - Macaron by Ruben Ian Adriaan

Macaron in Hongdae is definitely on the top of my list of world's best recognized macarons as a dessert. For the simple reason that Ruben Ian Adriaan not only incorporates two flavors into his macarons, but for the simple fact that there is two flavors in the center. Most places only concentrates on one filling of flavor, but Macaron offers something different. 

The blend of two flavors of macaron is incorporated into every bite. The flaky and hard outer shell is combined with a soft bite into the center which provides you with a kick of two fillings depending on the flavor ordered. Macaron is definitely recommended for anyone looking for traditional flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and rose to the more modern take of cheesecake and berry, sakura, yuzu, and my favorite, salted caramel.

Although the macarons are taken up a notch, the prices are not. Macarons are priced at an affordable $1.50 per piece and $5 for a three piece combo. You can also purchase boxes as gifts to go which is definitely recommended because I have yet to have a better tasting macaron.

Address: 343-2 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul

서울시 마포구 서교동 343-2

Phone: 02-3144-0966

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - My Little Cafe

My Little Cafe in Hongdae 나의작은카페 (the literal translation in Korean as well) is an extremely small cafe that is the cutest thing ever. Themed around a garden concept, there are always fresh flowers on the table and dimmed lighting that provides a warm atmosphere to bond over a cup of coffee and their amazing desserts. With the morning sunshine that peeps through their little window and white door, it is the perfect daytime setting for a day date as well. The everything cute can be found in My Little Cafe because they actually bring a lot of the home feeling to their environment, grasping the touch of small garden for the child inside.

My Little Cafe offers all kinds of cakes with their own twist. Most cakes are based on a cream concept that is layered perfectly on top of a cake base. The recommended is their Earl Grey Tea cake which has a few layers of flavor and topped with half a macaron. The concept is definitely different where they incorporate a macaron and small twists on the traditional desserts. The best part is their macarons are sold at the lowest price seen in Seoul, just $1.50 a piece which is even cheaper than the prices listed in New York. 

The recommendations to be made will definitely be the affogato which is brewed after ordered. topped with chocolate chips and a chocolate macaron. In addition to this amazing beverage, their macarons are on point, as well as their delightful cakes. Shaved ice would not be the best recommendation here, signature desserts is the way to go. Beware because this shop is limited in space, closed on Mondays and open at noon regularly, catering to couples and tea time until 11PM at night. 

Directions: Take Hongdae station exit 8 on the green line. When you exit, take a right at the corner block until you reach a semi curve in the road. Take the block going straight into an alley (My Little Cafe is literally straight down but because there is no direct street, you will have to make a U-like walk). Therefore, make a left at the dead end and take a right at the next intersection. Walk down to the third block and take a right. Go straight to the middle of the block and My Little Cafe will be on your right. Phone: 02-323-0507 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Le Goûter Bernardaud

A trip to Hong Kong consists of many good eats, including Le Gouter Bernardaud, LGB. A dessert and coffee shop that originated in France made it's way to Hong Kong not too long ago and many parts of the world. Since then, their popularity has lead to the opening of a handful more stores. 

They are constantly whipping up new eats and are popular for their macarons, but the must try are the desserts. Known for their rose flavors in macarons, this summer's new dessert is the Rose cake which is just too pretty to eat. Be sure to make a stop here when you are on vacation, but because it is so popular, getting a seat may be difficult. With such a long wait, I even had to grab the goodies to go.

With three boutiques in Hong Kong and shipping services online, LGB is a must try for all. From France to Hong Kong to Korea, this will make it's way to the stomach of my family back at home!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Palette Macaron

An open cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, is the perfect go to place on a Fall afternoon to enjoy the lovely amazing weather and a warm drink. The one thing that caught my attention about this cafe is their unique macarons on display. Although there is not a large selection of macarons, the incorporation of flavors Palette Macaron combines sure makes the cafe stand out on it's own. It definitely caught my eyes as I passed by after visiting the traditional Korean houses which is nearby. Being that it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Korea, it is a must visit and definitely a good place to take a break until exploring the rest of popular tourist areas in the area which include the Gyeongbokgung palace!

One of the suggested is the Grapefruit Wasabi. Although it sounds to be the most disgusting thing ever, it is actually tasty. A grapefruit flavored macaron is incorporated with a touch of wasabi jam. This peculiar blend is actually complimenting at one point. It is definitely nice to break from the traditional macaron flavors and try something bold. In addition to the selection of macarons, there are a handful of drinks that the cafe stirs up, something that caters to the taste of all guests. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Jubilu Chocolatier

With a few locations in Seoul, Jubilu Chocolatier is a great spot to go to satisfy any chocolate cravings, including other dessert goodies. With a wide selection of chocolates, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and drinks, it is the perfect place to relax and cheat on a diet. The suggestion is to sit around and consume the goodies in the cafe because of presentation and warm goodness. 

The fondant cupcakes (cupcakes with jam or melted syrup in the middle) are warmed up before served to maximize the fondant touch. The fondant cupcakes are a must have for just $2.70 each, but a total of four for $10. Dark chocolate, blueberry, and coffee is the recommended. The cheese fondant cupcake is a bit different to the foreigner's tastes, but it is definitely a popular one amongst the locals. 

  

The other must tries are the cake pops which has very little cake, the real cheese cheesecake, and of course the chocolates. With so much to choose from and only $2 a piece, a handful of pieces should have your stomach satisfied for a while. Check out the locations in Itaewon and Myeondong, it's definitely a great place to lounge out.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Patisserie

When visiting Hong Kong, it is a must to visit the neighboring islands, especially Macau because it is the mini Las Vegas. When in Macau, I stumbled upon Patisserie-practically the best cafe in Macau, is located in the basement floor of the Macau Tower. This cafe is my all time favorite for having all of the must have desserts which include cakes, macarons, ice creams, egg tarts, breads, candies and so much more! With every type of food being on point, it is a must visit for all individuals. You will be able to find your sweet tooth satisfaction or even something to satisfy your stomach.

The must have is the Portuguese egg tart which is served hot and fresh. A few additional recommendations to make is the blueberry cheesecake which lives up to its name with a creamy cheesecake texture full of taste infused with blueberries. The red velvet is another popular dessert and it is on point with a moist red cake, but there maybe a little too much cheese cake frosting which can be overpowering for many. Furthermore, macarons and other freshly baked pastries are available as well. 

Patisserie is actually a cafe for all three or even four, five meals of the day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea time, desserts, can all be consumed here. Every meal is filling and on point, a great place to visit when in Macau.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Jean Paul Hevin

When visiting Hong Kong, one of the to die for macarons is from John Paul Hevin in the IFC mall of central. The most popular flavors are dark chocolate, creme brûlée, raspberry, and pistachio. It is a definite favorite on my books and worth going out of my way to pick it up the last day of my trip. 

This famous chocolate store in France has a small boutique in Hong Kong, but of course you can always make your way to France to have the real thing! Regardless of which, one sure needs to open in Korea or New York.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Ewha Macarons & Cookies

내마음의  작은선물 is one of the newest macaron and cookie bakeries to open in Korea. It is on the top of my list for its various fresh macarons. The wall of color is just too much to handle sometimes! With macarons starting at $1.50, there are a handful to choose from. The bakery incorporates a variety of flavors that are a must try: rose, green tea, cookies and cracker and the classic of caramel, pistachio and my ultimate favorite: peanut butter. 

Located by the women's university, Ewha station on the green line, it is a must visit for anyone who craves macarons the way I do. Prices for macarons are decent and it is worth every penny for its delicious taste. It does bring me back home for a moment, I am all for 내마음의  작은선물!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sweet Elysium

I’m a big supporter of homemade goodies for sale. Sweet Elysium, currently mastering macarons and cakes, is full of goodies for low prices. I got a box of macarons as a going away present and I am definitely feeling the love. They were so delicious and perfect that I was not willing to share with anyone!

For starters, I am in love with the green tea, sesame, pistachio macarons (very Asian, I know), and the chocolate of course! This is the one thing that I love about the sweet goodies is the originality and creativity behind it. There are just so many flavors to choose from that it is nearly impossible to do so. Sweet Elysium masters small goodies for gift bags and even cakes for small wedding receptions and engagement parties. If I was able to sit there all day and "sample" these goodies, I would!

Those who are interested in picking up these goodies and live in the NJ area, they can be found in a few restaurants and cafes which include I's Cafe in New Brunswick, NJ by Rutgers, and a few restaurants in the NJ area. Please contact Stacy for more information in where her goodies are sold. 

For those who are interested in making orders (soon to be shipped around the world), please contact Stacy at sweetelysium.sg@gmail.com. Mention blog for discounts!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - La Maison du Macaron

La Maison du Macaron

132 West 23^rd Street

New York, NY

(212)243-2757

http://www.maisondumacaron.net/

On a random craving for macarons at my last job, I randomly found La Maison du Macaron on my way home from work one day. With their specialty in macarons, there was a great assortment of goodies displayed in their window. I went in for a craving of one, but ended up buying a whole box that I did not share with anyone. Macaron were absolutely delicious, flavors are paired the right way with a flaky exterior and soft interior.

In addition to their delicious macarons, La Maison du Macaron carries breakfast goods, madeleins, tarts, and coffees. This little café is located right by the entrance to the Path and F, perfect for those who are on their way to work and home. Hopefully you can bite your tongue and fight your cravings!