Business & Tech
Carmel Valley's Queen of Macaroons Hosting Sweet Demo at Williams-Sonoma
Grace Abdo of La Reine Des Macarons will host a demonstration on her sweet treats—the macaroon—at Williams-Sonoma in Fashion Valley on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.
A Carmel Valley chef may steal your heart and win your gourmet sweet tooth. Grace Abdo, founder of La Reine des Macarons (French for “The Queen of Macaroons” will show off her baking skills at Williams-Sonoma in Fashion Valley this weekend just in time for Valentine's Day.
Chef Abdo will a host macaroon-making demonstrations and sell her hand-made, gluten-free macaroons on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. These special macaroons are heart-shaped for Valentine's Day.
The delicate macaroon is a colorful marzipan and meringue-based, sandwich style cookie filled with chocolate ganache, fruit or other sweet or savory fillings.
Find out what's happening in Del Mar-Carmel Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Yet, Abdo is more than a sugar pusher. She uses the freshest herbs, nuts, fruits and local ingredients. She is a registered clinical dietitian and graduate of the Paul Bocuse Institute in France, a renowned restaurant school. She also has an MBA.
“I use real food—so it is wholesome and pure. Any filling you will find in my macaroons are true food,” Abdo said. “…I’ve always been into very exclusive and sublime flavors. And I’m amazed by the artisan method of making macaroons.”
Find out what's happening in Del Mar-Carmel Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Abdo explained that making these desserts combines artistry with professional technique.
She said it is critical to keep all ingredients at the correct temperatures and consistencies.
“It is difficult, but very fun,” she said.
Flavors she creates include dulce de leche, pistachio and many different chocolates.
“I like the fact that macaroons are beautiful like a little gem and is really delicious,” she said.
La Reine des Macarons makes desserts for weddings, showers and other special events. To place an order, visit lareinedesmacarons.com or call 858-243-4570.
Individual macaroons and boxes of six will be sold at Williams-Sonoma on Sunday. A portion of proceeds from sales on Sunday will go to Hospice of the North Coast, a local nonprofit.
Know of a Del Mar- or Carmel Valley-based businesses we should profile. Message Editor Michelle Mowad with suggestions.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
