Today is not only the first day of spring—it's also the second official annual Macaron Day NYC, celebrating the colorful round pastries with a crunchy outside and soft inside, made with ground almonds, sugar and egg whites. The tradition was started last year by François Payard, chef and owner of François Chocolate Bar and François Payard Bakery, who was inspired by a similar event in France, Jour du Macaron. And if you head to any one of the 16 participating sweet shops, you can get a free Macaron today.
The 16 participants include: Almondine Bakery, Bisousciao Macarons, Bouchon Bakery, Butterfield Market, Cours La Reine, Desserts By Michael Allen, DessertTruck Works, Francois Payard Bakery, Georgia's Cafe & Bakery, Jacques Torres Chocolate, La Maison du Chocolat, and Macaron Café. You can see the rest here, and check out the NYC Macaron map here. A portion of the day’s Macaron sales will be donated to City Harvest. So don't miss out on a chance to be a part of Franco-American history that has nothing to do with Marquis De Lafayette, the French-Indian War, or Freedom Fries.
