LADURÉE 2.0

If you've been with me for a while, then you may recall a post (and related video clip) I shared a few years ago where I spilled the beans on Ladurée's grand entrance to the United States food scene by way of NYC.  Not to toot my own horn (well, maybe slightly), but in that post, I shared how there was "talk" about another location to come--one that would be larger--grander--and include a tea salon and other special touches.  

Almost three years, and an abundance of scrumptious macarons, later, Ladurée 2.0 (as I like to refer to it) is here indeed.  Opening its doors earlier this year in February, the newest NYC outpost resides in the uber chic SoHo district, commanding its base as if it's always been. 

I couldn't wait to finally get in on the excitement served up in this latest NYC haute spot.  Prior to these arrivals, I had only tasted of Ladurée during my visits to Paris (I must get back there soon!)  Now, however, there was only a short flight, rather than an ocean, dividing us.  And the new salon, modeled after the flagship store in Champs-Elysees, was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

 

This time around, I arrived with my lovely pink box (a keepsake from my first visit on Madison Avenue), but never got around to filling it because I dined in and relished all my macarons, accompanied with tea, in the beautiful, sun-lit and infectious salon.  My mom joined me and took a different menu route, noshing on a gorgeous fruit salad.  

All in all, it was a special time of sweet indulgence, centered around one (or two, or three, perhaps four) sweet delicacies.  Ladurée 2.0 is undoubtedly here--to stay.  

Happy Eating!

Toast With This!: Ginger-Tea Lemonade with Basil

There are many ways to welcome the weekend, but a favorite of mine is by enjoying a refreshing mocktail.  I recently came across a delicious spin on the quintessential favorite: lemonade.  This recipe for Ginger-Tea Lemonade with Basil by Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect drink for all things refreshing and delicious--melding the flavors of black tea, sweet basil and warm ginger--and taking your lemonade lovin' to a whole new level!  

So here's to Happy Sipping!

Ginger-Tea Lemonade with Basil

Ingredients:

2 cups water
3 black tea bags, such as English Breakfast Tea
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 lemons
1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
2 cups ice
Lemon slices for garnish, optional
1 ⅓ cups Ginger Simple Syrup (see ingredients list below)

Ingredients for Ginger Simple Syrup:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 (3-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 

Method:

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tea bags. Stir and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard.

For the ginger simple syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water and ginger over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.  

Lay the basil leaves on a cutting board and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, roll over the basil to bruise the leaves. Remove the plastic wrap and add the bruised basil to the tea. Pour in the ginger simple syrup and lemon juice. Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.

Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the tea mixture. Place the ice in a large pitcher and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices, serve and enjoy.

Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

*For step-by-step photos, click here.

 

 

Tea and Travel: Global Tea Etiquette

Before you set off on your next travel adventure, brush up on your global tea etiquette with this fun guide that I discovered on Pinterest and prepare to sip away!

Happy Sipping!

Source: Uploaded by user via Dawn on Pinterest

Toast With This!: Spiced Milk Tea

It's no secret that I'm a lover of spice--and I love weaving the rich flavors of spice throughout my cuisine, including the world of drink.  The robust flavors of chai tea, touting notes of fennel, cardamom and cinnamon, among others, is one of my favorite drinks to savor.  

This recipe for spiced milk tea from Gourmet brings those flavors home to your kitchen in a delicious and warming drink that will likely become a favorite for you, too.  So open up that spice cabinet and prepare to enjoy.

Happy Sipping!