Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section, September 18, 2011
The Kingdom of Pierre Herme
Once upon a time, in a far, far away land called Pierre Hermé live charming, delicate little creatures whose only care in the world is to look sweet and pretty, and to taste sweet and pretty. They live very luxurious and indulgent lifestyles, sitting and lazing around in temperature-controlled glass palaces, attend tea parties, gossip and take afternoon naps. They never have to lift a finger for anything, as human chambermaids are employed to attend to their every need, dress them up every day in excessively lavish costumes, and, as if that is not enough, adorn them with rose petals, fresh berries, gold coins, and all such frou frous.
The Kingdom of Pierre Hermé is ruled by the sweetest of them all, the little round ganache-filled sugary sweet almond pastries called Macarons.
MacKing and MacQueen
The Royal MacArmy
Because His Royal MacMajesty and the Royal MacFamily are always in the confines of their jewel bedecked palace quarters, enjoying the good life as they do in all fairy tales, the Royal MacArmy soon becomes lax and negligent.
The Evil Witch Jin sees this and sets forth her very wicked plan. She bribes the palace servants and takes off with as many Royal Maccies as the corrupt human beings are willing to sell.
In her rush to devour these sweet jewels, however, the Evil Witch forgets to take royal portraits to remember all the Royal Maccies that are now held captive in the Evil Stomach, except for these two that she saves and brings back to her dungeon to enjoy later on.
MacVanilla is creamy, custardy, and comforting. It is a flavor so simple and familiar it gives the Evil Witch that warm and fuzzy feeling each time she bites into it, like freshly baked cookies and warm milk before bedtime.
MacRose is smooth, feminine, exquisite. If romance can be eaten, this is how it will taste like. It is fresh rose petals mashed up and blended with cream, it gives the Evil Witch that tickled pink feeling. The Witch tries to suppress a pretty smile but fails, and blushes at this indecent display of femininity.
And of course, no evil being ever leaves without assaulting a cake.
Millefeuille Ispahan
Layers of rose petal mousse, raspberry cream, thin and crisp puff pastry resting peacefully on top of each other in such pretty pink colors, the Millefeuille Ispahan tastes like puppy love or a schoolgirl’s crush – sweet, innocent, and flowery. The Witch’s pretty smile soon breaks into a soft giggle, and the soft giggle slowly turns into the warm look of love.
Like how Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s little prince tames his rose, the Evil Witch is tamed by her sweet little captives. And thus, to her, Pierre Hermé shall, from now on, be unique in all the world.
And the Evil Witch Jin and all the pretty inhabitants of the Kingdom of Pierre Hermé live happily ever after.
The End.
Pierre Herme is not available locally. But I promise you, it is worth every second and every penny you’re gonna spend on the trip to Paris, London or Tokyo. Visit their website at www.pierreherme.com and drool.
Pierre Hermé - 5-51-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
東京都渋谷区神宮前5-51-8 ラ・ポルト青山1・2F +813-54857766
