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COMPASS MAGAZINE April 2012
　 　

Caramel Macchiato (NT$115 large, NT$95 medium) and Macarons (NT$60)

LMarché 201, WenXin Rd, Sec 2, Xitun Dist. (04) 2255-7522 7 am-9 pm English/Chinese menu www.lmmarche.com Credit cards accepted. No service charge. Occupying a cozy little space and only possessing seating for three patrons, LMarche may seem like the forgotten little sister of its big glamorous siblings--Le Moût and LM Relax French restaurants. However, this baby of the family has its own unique charm, appeal and products that are savored by a steady stream of daily customers. Located right next door to LM Relax, this thoroughly French-feeling patisserie is a bright, warm feeling place, as sunlight streams through its big windows to illuminute shelves holding about 10 different types of breads, all baked with traditional high-grade "T55" and "T65" flour imported from France. Besides more basic offerings like the traditional and flaxseed baguettes (NT$100) and croissants, best-sellers include the healthy-looking Poolish Bread with Dried Prunes and Macadamia (NT$230), made with dough that takes two days to leaven/rise, the Crumble Nut Loaf (NT$130), and Tomato Confite Ciabatta (NT$12). There is much more than bread here, as customers can also take out (or enjoy at a window seat) a variety of sandwiches, soups, desserts and even a Penne alla Bolognese pasta (NT$150). Even with these more modest-sounding offerings, well-known French-trained Le Mout Chef Lanshu Chen puts her Michelin-level experience to work to provide creative culinary interpretations such as the best-seller Shrimp and Egg Sandwich (NT$160 large), containing shrimp, veggies and dried bonito-flavored egg roll, drizzled with a proprietary Japanese-style mentaiko-flavored mayonnaise. Another favorite, Spiced Chicken Pita and Tomato Salad (NT$150), is a pita pocket stuffed with baked herb chicken slices, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and cheese, served with a salsa sauce. An ideal way to enjoy a light repast here is the NT$180 set, offering a choice from three sandwiches plus a soup or Coffee Latte. When it comes to desserts, LMarché claims to offer the city's most authentic Macarons (NT$60), following the same techniques of this treat's inventor, French pastry chef Pierre Herme (once labeled "The Picasso of Pastry" by French Vogue magazine). There are also cheese cake varieties, brownies, oatmeal cookies, Creme Caramel (NT$60) and Lime Yoghurt with Kiwi Coulis (NT$70), among other things. This variety, together with coffees, juices and smoothies, ensures that Le Mout's little sister will continue to get all the attention she deserves. Left: Spiced Chicken Pita and Tomato Salad (NT$150) Right: Shrimp and Egg Sandwich (NT$160 large)