Spent a few hours exploring Quebec City’s Musée de la Civilisation. They have a very interesting exhibit of Nigerian art right now. Also walked over to the Public Market which, even at this time of year, has lots of local produce and products: especially apples, beautiful beautiful apples!
A gorgeous building and interesting collection. An afternoon’s adventure.
Take-away cups aside, this Chocolat Chaud was pretty good, but the croissants were fantastic.
Always try to have a hot chocolate at Mink whenever we’re in Vancouver. Also came home with a bunch of bars for GJ who stayed home with the cat. Flavours like “Simply Charming” – Fig and Balsamic Vinegar in Chocolate Ganache and “Mermaid’s Choice” – Burnt Caramel and Fleur de Sel with a Hint of Rosemary.
Two small dark hot chocolates warmed us up in the cold Vancouver afternoon. A milk chocolate version is also available as well as drinking chocolate, fondue and wonderful baked treats. An exceptional hot chocolate, deep complex flavour.
The rain-filled gutters were overflowing along Fort Street yesterday soaking all who dared to go about their business. Such a contrast from a few days ago as summer held on refusing to take her rest. While we waited for the amazing folks at Goo Goo Goggles to repair my specks, we cozied up at Street Level Espresso and warmed ourselves right down to our toes with their exquisite hot chocolate. Straight up, no frills, but the best deep flavour: sweet to start then a lovely bitter finish, creamy and frothy. Just what we needed. They use a chocolate by Michel Cluizel called Vila Gracinda. We will enjoy this one again and again.
Thanks Street Level Espresso for your passion for your craft.
Many Hot Chocolate offerings are available at Bubby’s Kitchen in Cook Street Village. The basic is made with melted Belgian chocolate. The Chocolate Chai, spicy tea steeping in rich hot chocolate. Naked Cocoa with no sugar and Spicy Cocoa, a bit sweet with a nice hit of chili. (The pumpkin pie was also divine.)
Chocolate Chai on the left and Spicy Cocoa on the right.
This cool and foggy morning would be the perfect time for this delicious beverage. My third hot chocolate offering is my long-time favourite: Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Bean Around the World on lower Fisgard Street. Made with Silk Road Westcoast Peppermint tea instead of syrup, the flavour is bright with a good balance of chocolate and mint; not too intense, comforting and creamy.
Very artful beverages: two large Peppermint Hot Chocolates and a regular Mocha (another fine chocolaty treat!).
My second seasonal hot chocolate was enjoyed at one of our usual breakfast (lunch, dinner, dessert) haunts, Clay Pigeon. I plan to drop a hint that they should invent an amazing boozy hot chocolate for their winter menu. Will keep you posted.
Sweet and creamy.
My favourite chocolate delivery method has always been in hot, milky, rich, drinking form. Through this autumn and winter, we will be sampling as many different purveyors of this heavenly liquid, locally and where we travel, and reporting our findings.
Our first offering: Caffé Fantastico Tré at The Parkside on Humboldt Street in Victoria.
Yummy cookies and GJ’s Americano accompany my hot chocolate: not too sweet, subtle and creamy.
I love coffee art, that extra bit of care and pride taken to present someone with something beautiful as well as delicious. A few days ago this was my Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Bean Around the World in Chinatown:
Yum! I love the two levels of decoration.
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