that was tasty stuff, not quite as thick as what I've had in Europe but light years ahead of anything I'ver had here in the U.S. The homemade whipped cream certainly didn't hinder my enjoyment either:D

Next time, I have to try the salted caramel marshmallows or ask for extra whipped cream! :)

Fran's in Seattle makes a very good hot chocolate n mocha.

2 parts sugar, one part cocoa, dash of salt. Add two teaspoons of half-n-half and heat in the microwave. Fill 3/4 with milk and heat and stir. Add a doubleshot of espresso. mm.

I am in LOVE with Max Brenner's hot chocolate, funnily enough it tastes much better in NYC than in Singapore. :confused:

Maybe it's the atmosphere. :D

I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to my hot chocolate and don't like all of "add-ons" - flavorings, marshmallows, etc., although I will take some schlag on top. Therefore, my favorites:

Cafe Schober - Zurich

Weber & Weiss - Friedrichshafen, Germany

And, if you want to consider a powder that you can buy in a grocery, then, I'll take Caotina Noir. I always stock up when I'm in Switzerland or Germany.

I used to have a can of Frango Mint Cocoa powder. I wonder if they still make it since Macy's took over Marshall Field's.

http://www.taylor-st.com/food/sweet-things

Australian micro-chain in the UK Taylor Street Baristas

+1

During our trip to Paris this winter, I made my French fiance go to every hot chocolate place in the city and buy me a cup. His grandmother insisted that I was wasting my time with anything other than Laduree.... I insisted Angelina was going to win out, but that Parisian woman was right! Laduree hands down. But nothing beats the actual chocolate from La Maison du Chocolate. Pretty sure I just gorged myself on sweets for three weeks. :-)

Angelina and Ladurée have insane queues and I will say that I don't find it worth the wait. And sadly they have both become rather mundane name brands, especially with Ladurée's worldwide expansion.

I'm tempted not to share :p but Les Marquis de Ladurée opened recently without fanfare and thus usually without queues. It is the chocolate only version of Ladurée.

Angelina has a "take out" line, which I'd recommend. Not sure about Laduree. Will have to check out Les Marquis de Laduree next time we're in town!

The à emporter queue at Angelina was recently over 45 minutes, in driving snow. There are better places to go for better taste and quality; both do very well in the marketing area, and I certainly give them credit for that. (And one certainly pays a lot for packaging as well; Ladurée is shocked when I decline a bag for the few short streets home)

That would be worth visiting for the Caramello Koalas alone!

Uh oh sitting here drinking a latte from there and didn't think of you - sorry! ;)

ahh, I can get them anywhere here!