Les Prémices: Top-Tier Handmade Macarons in Seocho
I don't really like macarons. They're usually way too sweet, making it hard to eat more than one. You might be wondering why I'm recommending a macaron shop, but this place is a bit different.
I should probably explain how I found out about it first. It started when a younger friend of mine got a part-time job here.
"Hyung, our macarons are seriously amazing."
When a guy who has been pouring coffee for over ten years tells you that, you have to believe him. Plus, it was right near my office, so I headed over immediately!
While working near Nambu Bus Terminal (in southern Seoul) for a year, I think I visited almost every coffee shop and dessert cafe in the neighborhood. Out of all of them, there are exactly two places I'd actually recommend. One of them is Les Prémices. As for the coffee, since someone I know makes it, it's hard for me to objectively judge the taste. But if you like coffee with a bit of acidity, I highly recommend it.
These macarons were recently featured on Wednesday Food Talk (a popular Korean food TV show), which skyrocketed their fame nationwide. As proof, people flood in during lunchtime to the point where it's hard to even exchange a quick "How have you been?" with my friend. The power of television is really something... Actually, I had tried this place once or twice before he even started working there. Back then, I didn't even get to taste them because the women in our group devoured them all before I could get a bite. Now, I completely understand why.
If you're someone who just loves pure, sugary sweetness, you might tilt your head at these. However, the distinct flavor that matches each macaron's name is incredibly good. Blue cheese, yuzu, and so on—they are on a completely different level from those macarons that are just sweet without any identifiable taste. You could say this place sets the standard for what a "proper macaron" should be.