Macaroon Boutique, Charleston, SC
Recently I heard someone declare the macaroon as the new cupcake.
Personally I think that there is plenty of room for both macaroons and cupcakes at the tippy top of my personal food pyramid.
First let’s talk about the spelling. There’s the French, macaron, and the English, macaroon. The two major ingredients found in most all versions are ground or powdered almonds and whipped egg whites. Macaroons from various countries are often covered or dipped in chocolate, or combined or topped with coconut.
These meringue- like cookies and cakes from various parts of the world are considered fairly light as far as dessert fare goes. A notable exception, the French macaron, traditionally has a sweet buttercream filling, sandwiched between two cookies. God Bless the French.
This version française comes in a variety of flavors such as chocolate and raspberry, as well as those more suited for exotic tastes, such as truffle, tea and pistachio.
So when I was in Charleston, SC, last week I was thrilled to discover something unique and new on the bakery scene. Macaroon Boutique located on John Street opened in April. Even though it was one of the hottest days of the summer so far, I still needed something to satisfy my mid-afternoon sweet tooth.
Macaroon Boutique is owned by chef, Fabrice Rizzo and his wife, Fabienne. For the macaroons, Fabrice uses a 165 year old starter recipe using almost all local ingredients. The exceptions? Chocolate imported from Madagascar and sea salt harvested from the west coast of France. I don’t know – but I think knowing the chocolate is imported from Madagascar makes it taste even better.
Fabienne said these raspberry tartes would travel well, so I brought some home
With counter only service, the bakery also offers breakfast pastries, crusty breads, and croissants, all made in French style.
Do you think four hours round trip is too far to drive for breakfast?
Planning a trip here? You may want to read about some of our favorite places to stay in Charleston and History, Cooking, Walks and More in Charleston
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I’m considering hopping in the car & driving from Texas right now.
I LOVE that you traveled so far for breakfast, Margo!
Gorgeous pictures! I had my first macaron in Paris last year and I absolutely loved the vanilla one. 
One day I’ll have to get brave enough to make them. 
WOW – what an incredible place. i’d eat tons!! thanks for sharing…
If I were a macaron (I know how ridiculous this sounds!) I’d take offence at being compared to a cupcake. They are a work of art, not a sponge wearing a fancy hat!
these look delicious.
Macaroons are fantastic
I’ve never seen raspberries sandwiched between anything but those look perfect!
I just bought croissants and pain brioche from here this morning, this place is incredible, you feel like you are in France, the quality of their bread and pastries is fantastic. Worth the drive, absolutely!!
Now I just need to try the macarons.
Oh YUM!!! One of my restaurant makes housemade macarons and I LOVE them. These look sinful!!
They look delicious. I would love to try one!
Not too far at all! They look delicious.
Little-known fact: I do not have a sweet tooth really. But I love macaroons!!
NOM NOM NOM NOM… I don’t even like sweets that much, but those look AWESOOOMMMEEEE
I’m not normally a sweets person but oh man I love cookies of all sorts and types. NOM NOM NOM