Thursday March 20, 2014 marks the celebration of the third Macaron Day TO. Celebrated in other international cities such as New York and Paris, Macaron Day commemorates the delicate French confection, while raising money for local charities. To mark this special occasion, 22 patisseries around Toronto are giving out a free macaron in exchange for a voluntary donation to Red Door Family Shelter. In addition, 25% of the day’s macaron sales will be donated to this charity. Red Door Family Shelter is a non-profit organization which provides emergency shelter and support services to over 500 homeless families, abused women and their children in the Greater Toronto Area each year.
“Red Door Family Shelter provides a huge need in Toronto and needs to be supported,” says Michel Firanski, founding organizer of Macaron Day Toronto and owner of La Bamboche. “What better way to celebrate the first day of spring than with a simple treat that tastes so good…”
This year’s Macaron Day TO features unique flavours such as Boston cream pie and wasabi, but also includes classic favourites such as salted caramel and pistachio.
Nadège Patisserie is also celebrating with their fourth annual Jour Du Macaron, where 50% of macaron sales will be donated to support patients at The Hospital for Sick Children. In addition to unique flavours such as cayenne pepper, Guinness®, and camembert, they will feature a blueberry vanilla macaron created in the hospital’s colours.
What is a macaron?
A macaron (mah-kah-ROHN) is not to be confused with a macaroon (mah-kah-ROON). A macaron is composed of two meringue cookie shells held together by a filling of buttercream, ganache, or jam. The perfect macaron has a delicate crisp outer shell that gently breaks into a light interior that melts in your mouth. These elegant confections are characterized by their smooth domed tops, crinkled ruffle, perfect texture, and assortment colours and flavours. Famous Parisian macaron pâtissiers include Pierre Hermé and Ladurée.
How do I get my free macaron?
To help you find your free macaron we’ve created a table with participating locations and their hours of operation. Since there are limited quantities of free macarons at each location, it’s best to go early. When you arrive, simply mention you’re celebrating Macaron Day TO to receive one macaron at no cost. We’ve also listed the price of macarons if one is just not enough.
Patisserie | Hours of Operation | Free Macaron Flavour | Price and Number of Flavours Available |
Aren’t We Sweet
St. Lawrence Market, LL B2 |
8:00am-6:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.20
10 flavours |
Bobbette and Belle
1121 Queen St. E. |
9:00am-6:30pm
|
Assorted flavours
(mini macaron) |
$2.35
12 flavours |
Butter Avenue3467 Yonge St. | 11:00am-8:00pm | Sea salt caramel(300 available) | $2.2525 flavours |
Daniel et Daniel
248 Carlton St |
7:30am-6:00pm
|
Salted earl grey
|
$1.50
7 flavours |
Frangipane
215 Madison Ave. |
10:00am-6:00pm
|
Salted caramel
|
$2.50
6 flavours |
J’Adore Cakes Co.
3308 Danforth Ave. |
10:00am-6:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.25
8 flavours |
La Bamboche
1712 Avenue Rd. |
7:00am-7:00pm
|
Nori wasabi
|
$2.38
6 flavours |
Ma Maison
4243 Dundas St. W. |
8:00am-6:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$25/dozen
6 flavours |
MoRoCo Chocolat
99 Yorkville Ave. |
10:00am-11:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.85
12 flavours |
Patachou
1120 Yonge St. |
8:00am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$1.95
7 flavours |
Patachou
835 St. Clair Ave. W. |
8:00am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.00
7 flavours |
Patisserie 27
401 Jane St. |
7:00am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$1.50-$1.95
9 flavours |
Patisserie La Cigogne
1626 Bayview Ave. |
7:30am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.00
8 flavours |
Patisserie La Cigogne
1419 Danforth Ave. |
7:30am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.00
8 flavours |
Patricia’s Cake Creations
4130 Dundas St. W. |
9:00am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.25
10 flavours |
Petite Thuet
1162 Yonge St. |
8:00am-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
(50 available) |
$2.50
15 flavours |
Petite Thuet
1 King Street W. |
7:00am-8:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
(50 available) |
$2.50
15 flavours |
Rahier
1586 Bayview Ave. |
7:00am-5:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$8/100g
11 flavours |
Ruelo
550 Highway 7 E. # C73 |
12:30pm-8:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.25-$3.00
14 flavours |
Ruelo
463 McNicoll Ave. |
1:00pm-7:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.25-$3.00
20 flavours |
The Sweet Escape
24 Tankhouse Ln. #102 |
11:00am-7:00pm
|
Boston cream pie
|
$1.95
6 flavours |
Yorkville espresso bar
3 Yorkville Ave. |
8:00am-6:00pm
|
Assorted flavours
|
$2.00
4 flavours |
Nadège
780 Queen St. W. |
8:00am-9:00pm
|
No free macaron
|
$2.30
25 flavours |
Nadège
1099 Yonge St. |
9:00am-7:30pm
|
No free macaron
|
$2.30
25 flavours |