Local Chef Showcases French Delicacy at Williams-Sonoma Event on Feb 10th

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA, February 09, 2013 (Press-News.org) Grace Abdo, Chef and Founder of La Reine des Macarons (in French, "The Queen of Macarons") has been invited to feature her gourmet, gluten-free food delicacy at Williams-Sonoma in Fashion Valley mall located at 7007 Friars Road in San Diego on Sunday, February 10, 2012, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chef Abdo will offer heart-shaped macarons for sale with a portion of proceeds donated back to the non-profit organization, Hospice of the North Coast. The event will include: a chocolate ganache-making demonstration, samples of freshly made chocolate and three separate opportunity drawings to win a box of six macarons, eligible through point of purchase (individual macarons or boxes of six).

Chef Grace Abdo is a Registered Clinical Dietitian and Food Consultant, who graduated from the Paul Bocuse Institute in France where she learned the fine art of making delicate French macarons. The macaron is an almond and meringue-based, sandwich-style cookie that is filled with chocolate ganache, fruit, or a variety of other fillings that may be either savory or sweet. Producing authentic French macarons is laborious and tricky; it's critical to keep all ingredients at the correct temperature and to utilize a special folding technique before piping each macaron onto a baking sheet then assembling each one by hand. Chef Abdo is particularly noted for incorporating unique flavor combinations into her macarons, utilizing only the freshest herbs, nuts and local ingredients. Chef Abdo explains, "When I develop a new macaron, I like to create a taste sensation with unexpected surprises. For instance, I will be introducing a sweet heart-shaped macaron with chocolate, whiskey and honey at the Williams-Sonoma event. I enjoy integrating artistic expression into each batch of macarons, and have developed several signature savory combinations that pair perfectly with wine for a unique appetizer experience in addition to my sweet offerings---I often use unexpected aromatic herbs such as lavender and jasmine."

The family-friendly event on February 10th is free and open to the public. A portion of all proceeds from macaron sales will be donated to assist Hospice of the North Coast provide fully-integrated care services for patients seeking a peaceful end-of-life experience and bereavement education for family members. www.hospicenorthcoast.org. For additional information, visit www.lareinedesmacarons.com, email grace@lareinedesmacarons or call (858) 243-4570.