Features
Make the perfect chocolate ganache with Mademoiselle Macaron in Edinburgh.
How did you get started?
I learned how to make French macarons while living the dream in Paris. When I returned to finish my degree I won funding in a business idea competition for what was the very beginning of Mademoiselle Macaron. That summer I made and sold macarons to some restaurants and they proved a hit.
It wasn't until June 2013 that I started selling macarons at Edinburgh's food markets - the Tram Stop market outside St Mary's Cathedral and at the Grassmarket. From summer into winter, macarons were being wolfed down and things were going well.
Then one day, as if by serendipity, I walked past a shop that was soon to be up for lease. I started talking to the woman who would become my landlady and on 8th May 2014, Mademoiselle Macaron's boutique cafe opened its doors for the first time.
Where are you located?
We are just off Lothian Road, by the Usher Hall on Grindlay Street.
The shop looks up to the Castle and it's the most magical view. We have the beautiful Lyceum Theatre right across the road too.
What are your specialities?
Our specialities are, of course, French macarons in flavours ranging from the ever popular salted caramel to the more unusual Innis and Gunn Beer or Hendricks Gin.
We are always thinking about new flavours and creations.
What's your personal favorite thing on the menu?
We just started making crepes for the lunchtime crowd and for those wanting a light bite before shows at the Lyceum and Usher Hall. I'lll be honest, you cannae beat a good ham and cheese crepe and a nutella crepe to follow. It's my current obsession.
What's on the stereo?
We play a bit of light French swing music from back in the day, throw in a little bit of Edith Piaf, sometimes some Bon Iver, Beirut, and when we need her, Tina Turner and Nina Simone come on the air.
Where else should we visit in your area?
It's such a little cultural hub near Grindlay Street - the Traverse Theatre and the Lyceum and the Filmhouse can all offer you entertainment. On one side we have the Citrus Club and on the other we have Kanpai restaurant.
Do you host any special events?
We run classes twice a month so you can learn how to make macarons and we also have some exciting events planned for the future which involve Marie Antoinette style wigs. Watch this space...
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
When Mademoiselle started to think about the design of the shop, she wanted to add a boutique edge to it. So, it made sense to invite Caroline from La Robe à Caro to display her dresses here. She makes vintage styled customised dresses.
And as for decoration, we have a three metre high Eiffel Tower coffee bar to lean on too!
https://www.facebook.com/LaRobeACaro
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