recent review of Hot Chocolate:

Hot Chocolate
1747 N. Damen Ave.
(773) 489-1747
Valet parking, $10
Price range at dinner, $6-$22

Desserts are the attraction here (owner Mindy Segal may be Chicago's premier pastry maker), so it's no surprise to be greeted with: "Dessert or dinner tonight?"

We chose both and had a terrific meal in this interesting space. I'm no fan of the color brown, but the rich and varied shades of the floor, rug, couches, tables, chairs and bar won me over. That, and Rick James' "Super Freak" playing. Our only complaint: The espresso machine is unpleasantly loud and drowns out conversation.

Service was exceptional from start to finish. We had a small fry with us, and when nothing on the dinner menu appealed to her, our waiter offered off-menu items such as grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese ($6). When it came time for dessert, the busboy set out a pint-sized spoon and fork for her.

Taleggio cheese oozes from a brioche ($15) on top of roasted baby vegetables. Sautéed whitefish ($22) is sided with a cold fennel salad, and roasted tomatoes; every bite was a delight. But the highlight was that mac and cheese! Creamy but not heavy, and tasting of Gruyère — was my French grandmother back in the kitchen? We were all grabbing spoonfuls.

Desserts are out of this world. Rich, flavorful ice creams ($2 per spoon) are sided with cookies, and a chocolate torte ($10) was topped with a salty caramel ice cream. A cookie platter ($12) holds bite-sized treasures, ultrafresh and astonishing. Don't miss it.