When it comes to beverages, hot chocolate is one of my eternal favourites. And New York offers the perfect setting for my indulgence. My love for this drink increased manifold when I sought its refuge on a daily basis in the cold New York winters. I decided to find the best places for hot chocolate in the city. At Financier Patisserie, near the Grand Central station, the hot chocolate is a thick molten liquid and seriously decadent. It was even spruced up a notch on personal request and came with a small piece of cake.
A few steps away, I discovered another place, the Macchiato Espresso Bar on Lexington Ave. Their hot chocolate was almost faith affirming. I was awed by the taste and its effect thereon — a slow, welcome assault that invigorated the senses.
My third place of discovery was rather accidental. On my return from New Jersey, my family decided to stop by my sister-in-law’s favourite Moroccan restaurant, Café Mogador, for dinner. Normally I prefer something a bit strong to go with my food in the evenings, but a long walk from the car park in the 4°C evening put me in the mood for hot chocolate and I decided to substitute my gin and tonic. Good thing I did, as it gave me a chance to savour one of the best versions of the drink. Even my not-a-fan-of-hot chocolate niece was tempted to try a cup and ended up downing two.
My all-time favourite place, however, remains Max Brenner. Located on Broadway, this place is a chocolate lovers’ heaven, and their concoction gives a whole new dimension to the drink. If you are not a chocolate lover, then prepare to become a convert.
I daresay there are many more places that whip up this divine drink in its most delicious form to please the chocolate lover. But of all the cups of hot chocolate I indulged in during my time in New York, these three left an indelible imprint on my taste buds. If you’re not very exacting, I might also suggest that you try Maison Du Chocolat and Bouchon Bakery (both near Rockefeller Center). They won’t disappoint you.
(Note: Unfortunately, even the finest hot chocolate can’t help you beat the brutal cold unless you are wrapped in jacket, gloves, scarf and cap; so if I gave you the impression that it can, I have clearly gotten carried away.)
