After a bit of a disappointment with the alleged #1 cupcakes in Toronto, it was time to hop back down through Trinity Bellwoods Park to try blogTO’s #1 rated macaron.  Nadège has been on my radar for a couple of years, but macarons have never really provided me with enough motivation to visit.

First up, let’s just talk quickly about the difference between a macaroon and a macaron. A macaroon is cookie make up almost entirely of coconut. A macaron on the other hand, is a french treat made of two super light meringue cookies, sandwiched together with a ganache, buttercream or jam filling. They’re notoriously difficult to make; you have to weigh your ground almonds, age your egg whites, and check the forecase to make sure it’s not too humid outside. It’s kind of intimidating – neither Danielle or I have ever tried to make them.

I had my first macaron way back in Montreal, and since then I’ve had some stale ones at Petit Thuet, and some very yummy ones from Bobbette & Belle, so I was excited to try Nadège. Danielle tried Cotton Candy, Vanilla Bean and Salted Caramel. I tried Cappucino, Salted Caramel, Chai and Green Tea.

I have to be honest, macarons in general are at the bottom of my list of favourite treat formats. I would take a gooey square, slice of pie, brownie or cupcake before even reaching for a macaron. Having said that, these were just perfect. You know a macaron has been made with the correct technique if you can see the “feet”, which is the little base below the smooth shell.

There are lots of other treats at Nadège besides macarons that would be well worth a return trip: croissants, madeleines, elaborate little tarts, and lots more. They also have delicious looking sandwiches that I will definitely be having for lunch sometime soon.

*Nadège Patisserie is located at 780 Queen Street West, at the southeast corner of Trinity Bellwoods Park*