Cliff and Buster's Coconut Macaroons

I saw a short piece on the Food Network hilighting a two-man Chicago operation called "Cliff & Buster's". They specialize in coconut macaroons, their only product. They have no storefront and prefer to ship their orders via the mail. I really wanted to try these but wasn't interested in mail order. I emailed them and discovered that Southport Grocery was an outlet for these macaroons.

After a visit to the Schwarma King, we drove to Southport Grocery for our first C&B Macaroons. I have to say that they are delicious and unique. They tend toward the "candy" side of a macaroon rather than the "cookie" side. They are compact little bombs of sweet coconut and a perfect little post meal sweet treat. Mine was drizzled with dark chocolate and Ms. EC's had a bit of caramel on it. They were about $1.50 a peice and sold individually as well as in gift boxes.

Next time you are near Southport Grocery, I highly recommend giving one a try.

Best,
EC

Cliff & Buster
http://www.cliffandbuster.com/

Southport Grocery & Cafe
3552 N Southport
773-665-0100[/url][/b]

eatchicago wrote: we drove to Southport Grocery for our first C&B Macaroons.

EatChicago,

I'm glad you posted about C&B's macaroons. I saw their segment on the Food channel, but missed the contact info. I really like macaroons.

The best macaroons I've had recently were from Vanille Patisserie on Clybourn. Made in the French style, with almond paste, Vanille's macaroons were airy, light and melt-in-your-mouth.

Enjoy,
Gary

Vanille Patisserie
2229 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL. 60614
773-868-4574

It's macaroon season, and I have some coconut lovers around the house. Me. not so much. Sort of like Italian beef, macaroons, IMO, are usually pretty bad. But when you run into a really good one, few desserts are better. Caputo's makes a nice macaroon. But, I'm almost embarrassed to admit, probably the best I've ever had are the chocolate covered monsters at Nordstrom. Damn fine macaroons.

The best macaroons I've had recently were from Vanille Patisserie on Clybourn. Made in the French style, with almond paste, Vanille's macaroons were airy, light and melt-in-your-mouth.

A very different animal from the American coconut macaroon. I happen to like both. I haven't had Vanille's macaroons, the best I've had ever were those from Fauchon, the pistachio ones were heavenly. You know, there is a recipe in one of Alfred Portale's books, I think I'm going to have to make a batch in the coming weeks.

MAG wrote: I haven't had Vanille's macaroons, the best I've had ever were those from Fauchon, the pistachio ones were heavenly.

MAG,

Last December Vanille had chestnut macaroons, ~sigh~

I was last at Fauchon July '02, I just happened to take a picture of the pastry counter.


May I please get in line for a pistachio macaroon or two when you make them?

Enjoy,
Gary