Tasty Little Morsels

I happen to love French macarons.  Correction, I happen to adore them, go insane for them, eat them for lunch (or dinner), die for them.  So, if I love them so much, why don't I marry them, right?  I would if I could my taffetadarlings, but alas, they're a pastry.

they taste as good as they look

Everywhere I go, I look for these tasty little morsels and I compare all of the different shops in all of the different countries.  Till now, nobody could quite match up to Fauchon (in my opinion), but all that changed in one random, unplanned stroll down West 23rd Street on the way to a meeting.  The colorful window caught my eye all the way across the street (I think I just have a keen sense for sweets).  Macarons!  Loads and loads of them.  Paradise.  I found heaven. La Maison du Macaron.

with the strict policies, I can't believe they allowed me to take a photo!

While the macarons were the best I had ever had -- perfect texture, slightly crunchy on the outside, just the right amount of chewy, creamy center and mouth watering flavor -- my heavenly experience was tainted with a fairly unwelcome atmosphere.  Okay, so I ordered my pastries with a Starbuck's cup in hand, but in my defense, I hadn't planned on popping into this shop and a girl needs her coffee, right?  Just as I was about to pay, one of the girls behind the counter said to the girl ringing me up, "Um, did you tell her about the cups?"  And the second girl said to me, "Oh, right.  Uh, you can't have any outside beverages in here... so... is it pretty much gone?"  Reluctantly, I quickly gulped down most of my coffee and tossed it in the trash.  As if this wasn't bad enough, the signage was distracting and further added to the "we don't really want you here" attitude.  Every single table proudly displayed a warning, BUS YOUR TABLES, PLS. BRING DISHES TO THE COUNTER, or NO SITTING FOR MORE THAN 30 MIN., and of course, NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES.  I understand where they're coming from, but there must be a better way to get the point(s) across.  I felt like I had to wolf down my cookies and hit the road.  So, I did.  And as delicious as the macarons were, I doubt I'll be running back anytime soon.  The chef/baker is beyond genius, but the customer service stinks.  With so many businesses struggling, they should value and try to KEEP their customers.  Especially the ones willing to pay $6 for two teeny weeny (albeit yummy) cookies.