Image by TheDigitel

If you're craving baked goods and macaroons with a French flare then the Macaroon Boutique on John Street is the best -- and only -- place in Charleston to go.

Even though it's called the Macaroon Boutique, their menu offers much more than some tasty filling between cakes made of egg whites and sugar, it includes other treats like apple turnovers, chocolate scones, croissants (and chocolate croissants,) cookies, chocolate truffles, and fresh baguettes -- all of which the owner Fabrice Rizzo in a thick French accent says are local, all local that is but the chocolate, and the century-plus old recipe. 

Indeed it was difficult for me to make a decision on which item to try.

Still, when asked which was their most popular item; Rizzo responded that it was without a doubt the macaroons which come in various flavors like chocolate, pistachio, raspberry and hazelnut to name a few, including a jumbo-sized macaroon where often instead of the top cake there are whole raspberries and other berries decoratively arranged. 

They also offer many baked goods such as danishes, turnovers, and filled croissants.

They also offer a small variety of cold beverages, including the very tart San Pellegrino Limonata.

The Macaroon Boutqiue landed in downtown in April and is open Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. til’ 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 am til’ 7 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m til’ 5 p.m.

Located at 45 John Street, the ordering-room only bakery is a great place for both tourists and locals. Indeed, when asked “What brought you to John Street?," Rizzo replies "It’s a unique area of Charleston that is close to King but not on King."

Stop by, Rizzo is friendly and will open his doors to anyone who is ready to take their taste buds on a ride.