Shopping Hong Kong: Laduree Pop-up Shop at Joyce

In honor of Joyce boutique's fortieth anniversary, Laduree set up a pop-up shop at the boutique's main location in Central.

I was so incredibly giddy to get my hands on bona fide Laduree macarons and confections that I totally neglected to take photos of the shop and cart set-up at Joyce.  Suffice to say, it was tres adorable: the rainbow macarons were displayed in a pistachio green cart, imported from France, and with the shelves filled with Laduree tea canisters, boxes, and bags, Joyce's foyer looked like a mini version of the real thing.

My extravagant purchases -- a box of fresh macarons, a box of chocolate-covered macarons, and a tiny box of nougats -- were packaged for transport in special "Laduree for Joyce" bags.

Cedric Rivrain created the ethereal, whimsical illustrations for the carry-out boxes.

The boutique was out of chocolate-flavored macarons, but I got an array of the others, including citron, raspberry, rose ginger, praline, pistachio, and my favorite, salted caramel.

Thanks to the kindness of my friend Martha, I've had Laduree's macarons before, but there's something about a fresh macaron that is transcendent.

The shells were so, so crisp and airy, and the fillings were perfect: intensely flavored and with just the right amount in each one.

But the boxes . . . oh the boxes are what I love most.  I can't wait to repurpose them for jewelry and other knick-knacks.

If you're in Hong Kong for the holidays, make sure to drop by the Joyce boutique in Central for the Laduree experience.  Unfortunately, the pop-up shop is only open until the end of December, so you'll have to dash there asap.  And while you're there, pick me up a few extra salted caramel macarons, please.  They are heavenly.