Whether you call it a macaron or a macaroon, you don’t have to fly all the way to Paris to indulge in this latest French desert trend. Located in Kirkland, Lady Yum serves up a colorful assortment of macarons in crowd-pleasing flavors like chocolate, strawberry and mint chocolate chip along with more unusual pairings like mango-habanero and maple-bacon. But the macarons are not the only showstoppers on the menu. Read on for the sweet details.
photo: Danielle Fernandez
The Story Behind the Business
Starting off as a custom dessert business out of her home kitchen, owner Megan Gordon made her dream come true. Thanks to hard work, a knack for perfecting a difficult cookie, and a clever Kickstarter campaign, Megan was able to expand her business to a new store front in the heart of downtown Kirkland, where her perfect macarons are now available to the masses.
photo: Danielle Fernandez
Take ‘Em or Leave ‘Em
Perfect for an afternoon date with your l’enfant, Lady Yum serves up several kid-friendly macaron flavors; chocolate, s’mores, PB&J, strawberry and mint chocolate chip are just a few of the more popular choices amongst the younger crowd. Take the fun a bit further in your afternoon adventure and treat the minis to a “Sophia” – sparkling cider or water served up in a tiny wine glass. What could be more fun than eating fancy cookies and drinking from a special glass? Better yet, Lady Yum is just begging for you to take your friends here for an opulent Moms Night Out. Catch up with friends over a generous pour of champagne and these perfectly airy macarons (make sure to try the salted caramel and pear ginger cardamom) amongst the historic brick and warm glow of beautiful chandeliers. Bring the kids home a box of macarons and everyone is a winner!
photo: Danielle Fernandez
Wake Up Your Tastebuds
While macarons are the star of the show, Lady Yum also serves up one of the hottest new beverage crazes, Shrubs. This refreshing cocktail of flavored sipping vinegars made by local company Sweet Carolines and champagne (or sparkling water) is the perfect pairing with sweet macarons. Pick from flavors such as Nectarine White Balsamic Vanilla, Fig and Honey or Rhubarb Ginger Peppercorn. Sounds weird, but it’s an absolutely perfect combination of sweet and tangy topped off with bubbles!
photo: Danielle Fernandez
Keepin’ It Local
Gordon is all about supporting her fellow local entrepreneurs and the small business community that surrounds her. All products in her store (with the exception of some wines) are sourced from either Washington or Oregon. Gordon even utilizes her featured local products in many of her macaron flavors. Psst… Look for local artisan treats such as jams, caramels, and toffee lining the store’s shelves.
Beyond Macaroons
While Lady Yum is working on creating new savory macaron flavors (think Smoked Salmon & Sesame, Red Pepper & Goat Cheese and Fig & Bleu Cheese) there are other options available on the menu if you want some nourishment to go with your sweet and bubbly. Try a mini quiche from WaWa Cakes, or a salad from Molly’s to complete your afternoon voyage to Paris er Kirkland. You will also find more than just macarons to satisfy your sweet tooth; holiday-themed treats of cake pops and cookies as well as chocolate covered marshmallows are often available.
photo: Lady Yum Instagram Page
Treats All Week
Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Tuesdays are all you can drink champagne and shrubs for $15. This gives you plenty of opportunity to try all of those unique flavor combinations. Or come in for a free macaron on Thursdays when you purchase a glass of wine or champagne. Check out Lady Yum’s Facebook page for more reasons to indulge.
Spread the Yum
Don’t have time to stay? Lady Yum offers many options of beautifully packaged macaron boxes to take home, or wine “to go.” Be the biggest hit at your next tailgate with the 12th Man vanilla bean macaron or make your child’s party the talk of the neighborhood by having Lady Yum create a custom dessert table. Check out Lady Yum’s website for all the delish details.
Lady Yum
111 Lake St.
Kirkland, Wa 98033
425-285-9628
Online: ladyyum.com or on Facebook
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Closed Mon.
Already been to Lady Yum? What’s your favorite item on the menu? Have an idea for a fabulous macaron flavor? Indulge us with a comment below.
—Danielle Fernandez
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