Over 150 guests gathered to enjoy the pleasure of the 2017 Macaron Festival and Competition. The event’s proceeds benefitted the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts (TFAA) programs, From a Space to a Place, Be The Peace Be The Hope, and Open The Door benefitting at risk Youth and pediatric patients. Event organizers Mickey Henry, TFAA Chairman, Yvonamor Palix, TFAA Board Member and Karine Parker-Lemoyne, TFAA Executive and Program Director, welcomed chefs/bakers, artists, community leaders, socialites and members of the media. Notable guests included our three judges Katherine Whaley from ABC 13, Phaedra Cook from Houston Food Finder, and Sujiro Seam the Consul General of France in Houston.
The Houston Design Center with its Gazebo and flourishing spring background was a stunning location for the afternoon’s festivities. The event was filled with music, dancing and entertainment for all: a mime performed through the yard while a caricaturist captured as many of the guests as possible, and tango dancers gave a performance of a lifetime.
The main star of the show, the macaron, was of course the most delectable, delightful part of the afternoon. The macaron, a meringue characterized by its ruffled, round shape, can be found in a wide variety of flavors and fillings. Macarons filled the marketplace, each chef featured their own unique take on the delectable pastry. Ten Texan and French chefs located in Houston competed for recognition. Whether they were a classically trained French or American chefs, each contestant was passionate about his/her submission and thoroughly excited to be there and to be a part of something original. The macarons were judged by Kathrine Whaley, Phaedra Cook, and Sujiro Seam.
Together they voted for the Best in Show – The winner was a Chestnut Macaron by Foody’s Gourmet. The runner up for Best in Show was Oui Desserts Pistachio Macaron.
The Most Creative Macaron – The winner was a Pistachio Macaron with a flower design by Abby’s, the runner up for most creative was a Marron Glacé by Paris Je TAime. All the guests in attendance were encouraged to taste each of the macarons and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award – The winner was a Fresh Raspberry White Chocolate Mascarpone Cheese Macaron by Flo Paris, the runner up was tied between a Raspberry Pink Champagne Macaron by LeNotre Culinary Institute and a Dark Chocolate Raspberry by macaron by Happy Macaron.
VIP guests enjoyed Champagne and a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Café Poêtes, and Artisan Restaurant in the exclusive VIP area of Kitchen & Bath and Concepts where they were also given an “avant premiere” look at the Taste of France exhibition curated by Yvonamor Palix.
A TFAA exhibition was also featured during the event where were showcased TFAA programs and “Once Upon A Hope,” an exclusive book featuring stories of Hope created through an exchange between children from Houston and Africa. “Once Upon A Hope” will soon be on sale on Amazon in both English and French.
TFAA wishes to recognize and thank the following event sponsors for their extraordinary generosity: The Houston Design Center, The PR Boutique, Café Poêtes, Artisans Restaurant, Yvonamor Palix Fine Art, The French Consulate in Houston, Houston French Car Club, Kitchen and Bath Concepts, Shortédition, Eyeful Art Studios, Sujiro and Jane Seam, Monica Eskridge from Paper Flour and Ink, BCI Bonneté, Liberation de Paris Ghislaine Thomsen from Coldwell Banker, Susana Collins, Mickey Henry & Geoffroy Petit, Sebastien Boileau, Amy and Scott LaTulipe. A special thank you as well to all the outstanding competitors: Artisans Restaurant, Patisserie Paris Je t’aime, Flo Paris, The Happy Macaron, Paper Flour Ink, Institut Lenotre, Abby’s, Foody’s Gourmet, Mon Chéri Macarons, Oui-Desserts.
About the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts (TFAA)
TFAA is a non-profit cultural organization. Founded in 2005 by former Consul General of France and a group of enthusiastic Francophile foundations, corporations, and individuals. The Texan-French Alliance for the Arts (TFAA) is a Houston-based non-profit organization devoted to bridging cultures, communities, and art both in Texas and France. Our creative programs aim to improve the quality of life in our cities and local communities using art, education and community outreach, along with other disciplines, as a catalyst to create positive change. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Karine Parker-Lemoyne at 832-205-5531 or email at info@texanfrenchalliance.org.