Macaron Day NYC 2012

So...yesterday, March 20 was Macaron Day! Apparently it was their 3rd year doing it...but I only just learned of it this year. 21 bakeries across NYC (and some suburbs) were offering one free macaron! I got the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful day yesterday and visit 8 (although only 6 stamped my card =( so that's what i got "credit" for) of the 21 participating locations! And boy did I find some treasures! Here's my list (and ranking of the places I visited):

1) Macaron Cafe - 625 Madison Ave
They had a HUGE selection of macaron and you got to choose your flavor. I picked Nutella...OMG! It was AMAZING!!!!

2) FC Chocolate Bar at The Plaza Hotel - Salted Caramel macaron...what more can I say...it was delicious!!! I definitely want to go back to try the rose lychee.

3) La Maison du chocolat - 30 Rockefeller Center
Rich, light chocolate macaron...would definitely visit again

4) Mad Mac at Benardaud - 499 Park Ave @ 59th St.
Another chocolate delight...these more petite than the last place (perhaps 1 1/2" diameter)

5) Chantilly Patisserie - Bronxville, NY
A treasure found close to home! They rotate flavors, so I'll have to check back often!

6) Bouchnon Bakery - Time Warner Center
I got the petite free sample of pistachio here.

7) Bouchon Bakery - Rockefeller Center
I got the petite free sample of vanilla (amazing!!) here, but they didn't stamp my card =(

8) Epicerie Boulud - Broadway & 65th St
I got a sample of pistachio here.

All in all it was an AWESOME savenger hunt!!! I had so much fun! I hope to participate this in years to come (and hit up more places!!)