It's a Lifestyle....

Laduree... How I love thee.... Anyone who knows this famed Parisian tea salon will be overcome by a feeling of calm and well being with the mere mention of it's name. That is, if soaking up historic elegance in unbelievably luxurious and tasteful surroundings is (literally) your cup of tea. Personally, the moment I enter the salon (in any of it's branches) I am hit by an overwhelming feeling of zen like calm- similar to the feeling I encounter when stroking the velvety head of a large dog.
Without boring you with a history lesson, I would say that establishments like this and the equally divine Angelina's (also in Paris) have without a doubt been an integral part of Parisian society culture.
On every visit to the city of light during the Fashion Weeks, I would always take time to sit myself down and fully appreciate the near spiritual powers of this, my magical place.
As if the artfully displayed luxury brand quality double satin logo ribbon in sugar almond colours were not enough to satisfy the label lover's fancy, Laduree goes the whole way from the light pistachio image colour, heraldic logo and immaculately designed gift boxes to the unmistakable lush yet welcoming interior design. (who knew that exotic could be so contemporary chic?)
One of the lasting memories of my visits here is of one with my quintessentially Parisian friend Laurence, she herself the physical embodiment of L'Esprit Laduree, at the grand Champs Elysee salon. She arrived wearing a leopard print faux fur jacket offset with a pair of jeans, cradling in her arms her pride and joy, "H" a very Parisian black poodle. Unlike in London where very few food establishments allow in even the most prized of pooches, the maitre d' immediately escorted us to our seats in the coveted upstairs room without even batting an eyelid. In fact, all admiring eyes seemed to be upon us and many of our fellow lunching ladies leapt out of their plush seats to coo coo at H sitting politely in his own special seat, to whom of all this attention was clearly an everyday occurrence. It was more the experience than the meal. The luncheon rather confirmed my belief that Laduree was in fact, a lifestyle. This is a place that makes you feel at one with the world if you are a cafe culture princess (or prince), or eventually it will turn you into one. I will never forget the sense of joy I felt when I saw the logo appear on the hoarding outside Harrods and was further thrilled with the announcement and opening of the Covent Garden branch this May. Although lacking in the grandeur of their Parisian counterparts, they are very pleasing, and simply knowing that my moveable feast is now "out there" in London within arms reach gives me peace of mind. Laduree, you had me at "Bonjour".  :)
  
*Pictured here is the Covent Garden branch. The terrace is beautiful but if you want to avoid the  noise from the street performers below, you can also sit outside on a sunny day or indoors in the small salon upstairs.