Cocoa for Those Co-Cold Days
Sunday, January 14, 2007; Page M03
When the weather turns cold, you don't have to be a certified chocoholic or a 10-year-old to crave a big cup of hot chocolate. You don't even have to know the difference between hot cocoa and the slightly fancier drinking chocolate -- although for the record, cocoa is blended from a powder, while the much richer, thicker drinking variety is more like melted chocolate in a cup.
No, all you really need to know is that for a winter treat, there's nothing quite like a fabulously foamy mug of cocoa to warm your tummy and satisfy your sweet tooth. We've scouted out a few great spots where you can get out of the cold and settle down with a big, delicious mug.
Brasserie Les Halles
  (By Olivia Boinet For The Washington Post) Winter Fun From cocoa to car safety, the Sunday Source brings you a cold-weather guide to all things heartwarmingly winter. Hey, Nice Robe! (And Other Messages for the Queen) |
If you're not in the market for the full French dining experience, belly up to the well-worn bar at Les Halles for a dreamy cup of drinking chocolate. Inside: a blend of 72 percent dark chocolate from the French company Valrhona, egg yolks, cream, sugar and butter, all baked in the oven and served in a silver pot. Take the advice of bartender Manny Morales (above) and order a basket of crusty bread to dip into your $5.75 cup for a scrumptious snack that delivers carbs in a way only the French can master. For an extra kick, turn your cup into an adult beverage with a shot of Grand Marnier or Drambuie, a Scotch whisky liqueur.
1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-347-6848, http:/
Buzz
Billing itself as a coffee shop, bakery and dessert lounge, the newly opened Buzz is still figuring out exactly what it's going to be when it grows up. But it does serve a heartwarming cup of Valrhona chocolate ($2-$2.70 for hot chocolate, depending on size; $1.85 for drinking chocolate). Settle down in the spiffy dining room, and enjoy something tasty from the selection of desserts, quiches and savory pies, all made in-house. If you've got little ones, bring 'em along; a kids table with toys, plus a cookie or two, will keep them busy while you sip away.
901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, 703-600-2899, http:/
Leopold's Kafe & Konditorei
If you're looking for a chic spot for cocoa, Leopold's, with its contemporary white interior, sleek hardwood floors and Georgetown address, delivers. Sit at the bar for a big chocolaty cup topped off with whipped cream, and try an assortment of chi-chi sandwiches -- think smoked salmon or jambon beurre. Or, add to your sugar buzz with one of the Austrian-styled cafe's signature desserts, sachertorte or Linzer torte. Leopold's chocolate concoction ($3.50) is made with 80 percent cocoa from coffee roaster Julius Meinl and is blended with steamed milk.
Cady's Alley, 3318 M St. NW, 202-965-6005, http:/
Mayorga Coffee Factory
You could go for the regular hot chocolate here, and you'd be rewarded with a nice chunky mug of cocoa ($2.75-$3.25). But in keeping with the coffee-bar-and-lounge feel, why not opt for a grown-up version? Try the peppermint schnapps or brandy hot chocolate, which will set you back $6.50 each. And be prepared to stick around and enjoy the scene: The cafe offers free wireless Internet and plenty of tables and sofas.
8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 301-562-9090, http:/
Murky Coffee
You won't find shiny hardwood floors, plush couches or stuffy suits at this slightly rough-around-the-edges shop. What you will find in Murky's $5 cup is one of the richest, most memorable cups of chocolate around. Don't bother asking for the recipe; Murky won't tell (it says so on the menu, so there). Consider it "a $5 leap of faith," owner Nicholas Cho says. If Northern Virginia is too far for you, stop by Murky's Capitol Hill location.
3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-312-7001;
660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-546-5228; http:/
Tryst
Packed with comfy couches, fluffy chairs and laptop-toting patrons, Tryst during the day is more like a giant wired living room than a bar (although the row of bottles that runs the length of the room may say otherwise). Plop down on one of the sofas and reward yourself with a huge mug of hot cocoa ($3.62) and a handful of animal crackers that will take you back to your preschool days. Tryst's hot chocolate recipe? Ghirardelli cocoa powder whisked with sugar and steamed milk. For a different venue but similar drink offering, head to Tryst's sister cafe, Open City in Woodley Park.
2459 18th St. NW, 202-232-5500, http:/
Open City, 2331 Calvert St. NW, 202-332-2331.
Your Kitchen
You don't have to go far to enjoy a thick, rich cup: Make your own at home. If you go with a standard store-bought cocoa mix, enhance the experience by blending it with milk or half-and-half (we know, the box says add water, but really, we insist). Be sure to heat it until it just simmers and whisk it well, Buzz pastry chef Lisa Scruggs says. "A little vanilla or nutmeg helps, too."
And for more of a mocha jolt, try the chocolate-espresso recipe above.
