Patisserie Mimi

Everything about Patisserie Mimi is stylish and elegant, from its store display right down to its logo. It has beautiful packaging too - macarons lovingly cupped in red scallop-edged paper adorned with a ribbon bearing "PATISSERIE MIMI" in its signature font.

Don't you just love the look of this?

Patisserie Mimi opened in November last year and is a welcome addition to the scene. Despite its proximity to France, there is a dearth of places selling French-style cakes and pastries in Belfast, with most bakeries favouring a more homely taste to their treats. In fact, Patisserie Mimi is self-described as the city's "first continental-style patisserie", and its beautifully designed store and website display all the sophistication associated with Paris and its pastries.

 

I tried my first macaron 7 years ago from La Duree - the best of the best when it comes to macarons, no matter what anyone might say about Pierre Herme - and have been hooked ever since. The moment I learnt that Patisserie Mimi sold macarons, I knew that I had to try some. At £2 each (or £10 for 6), they are undeniably pricey but deliciously chewy as a good macaron should be.  

 

Thanks to my colleague, I'd previously tried the passion, rhubarb and strawberry macaron, which was devoured so quickly that the only impression I have of it is an "Mmmmmmm". The peach and honey macaron was less remarkable with an overly sweet and almost cloying icing filling. It also had a blob of jam in the middle, which was not only superfluous (as if it wasn't sweet enough) but also incongruous - like the contents of a £1 packet of jam 'n' cream biscuits in a fancy French pastry.

 

Skip that, I'd say, and head straight for the ivory chocolate and Tonka bean macaron. There was nary a hint of chocolate - but who needs chocolate when there's the fresh, delicious aroma of the Tonka bean that fills every bite and wafts down your throat? I couldn't get enough of this and will definitely be returning for more.

 

Clockwise from top: Pear and Yuzu Tarte Bordeleau, Peach and Honey macaron, and Ivory Chocolate and Tonka Bean macaron.

 

My main reason for dropping by Patisserie Mimi was actually to order a large cake for a birthday. I couldn't wait till then to try one of its delectable looking sweets though, and was curious about the Pear and Yuzu Tarte Bordeleau (£4.50).

 

There was no tinge of yuzu, which might have been for the best as I'm not sure if its slight tartness would have gone with the refreshing sweetness of the pear. I didn't quite like the taste of the nuts either, but fully recognise its aesthetic value which my photos just don't do justice to! The juicy pear slices were the definite winner here and perfectly complemented the moreish pastry - I'd suggest to serve it slightly chilled to enhance the fragrance of the pear.

 

In addition, Patisserie Mimi has excellent customer service. An email query regarding opening hours resulted in a swift response - after working hours no less - and an amendment on its website. It also led to the discovery that Patisserie Mimi is actually owned by The Merchant Hotel, as is its neighbour The National. Patisserie Mimi also stocks a whole range of breads at very affordable prices, starting from £1.25 for a baguette.

 

With all that in mind, what are you waiting for? I'm already looking forward to collecting the cake and picking up more sweet treats at the same time. :)

 

Patisserie Mimi

56 High Street
Belfast
BT1 2BE
028 9043 4773