Shirley, the marketing director of Azrieli Hod Hasharon Mall, never rests for a moment and makes sure that we always have something interesting in the mall. In honor of the new year, Shirley was able to convince Jenny and Costa, the owners of the well-known macaron boutique shop Manoah Tzedek, to open a new branch with us in Hod Hasharon in the Azrieli Mall.
Who are you Jenny and Costa? where were you born How many years in Israel? How did you come up with the idea of opening a macaron boutique?
Jenny Ishar answers: “I and Costa have been married for 25 years. Together since high school. We immigrated to Israel from Ukraine in the late 90s. Costa worked in high-tech until 2014. At the end of 2013 he decided to go to a pastry course, he intended to study just for the soul and out of nostalgia To his mother who was a confectioner and passed away in 2007. Costa studied and loved it so much that over time he realized that he wanted to do a retraining and continued to study in Israel, in France and in Spain and in the end he chose macaron because it was the most interesting and the most challenging for him.
When did you open the branch in Neve Tzedek and why there?
The store in Neve Tzedek was opened in 2016. An area where we like to travel and where many French expatriates also live. The macaron is the dessert that has evolved and allows a little jump to Paris in France. The macaron is the most French dessert you could ask for.
What experience do you think your store offers to customers?
A small jump to Paris but with a local flavor. Flavors such as labneh and za’atar and the summer fruits are given a place of honor with us.
What is the best selling flavor?
Salted caramel is number one, followed by colorful bazooka and pistachio.
What is the difference between a good macaron and one that is less so?
A beautiful and complete cookie. Not dry, the amount of filling, etc. but the most important thing is the taste.
What is your favorite flavor?
Every seller will tell you something different! Costa is a chocolate man so will go for dark chocolate or raspberry. I like different combinations.. my favorite is peanut butter and cherry jelly.
How long does a macaron stay fresh and how is it recommended to store it? Refrigerated? Out of the fridge?
Keep in the refrigerator for a week to 10 days. But it is recommended to eat at room temperature.
Do you release special flavors in limited editions?
We have a fixed menu of 32 flavors. In addition, each month has the flavor of the month. The combination is chosen according to the seasons, holidays, the fruits of the season and… the confectioner’s madness.
For example, we had a tailor-made macaron in the summer. On Hanukkah – chocolate macaron with Kalamata olives and olive oil.
What flavor do you dream of producing and haven’t tried yet?
Vegan macaron. Each cookie has an egg white. Costa tries to make it with different alternatives but to have the same level of taste and visibility as the rest of the macaron. Someday it will happen!
The lovely and sweet store is on the second floor in a mall next to Kravitz. You are invited.