As previously mentioned, we recently (okay, that recent is quickly fading away) returned from a final fling/ touch-up of condo session in Chicago. And part of that joyous occasion was treating ourselves to a series of blissful food memories. After finishing dinner at Avec, my husband graciously acquiesced to one last visit to Mindy Segal's Hot Chocolate. Despite a hilarious history of awkward moments between me and the wait staff at this place, I love the dessert concepts. My all-time favorite was the hot-chocolate flight, but that flew off the menu a while ago, so I had to content myself with a cup of pure chocolate delight. If there were chocolate vampires, this would be their drink of choice. (Speaking of vampires, only 10 days until Breaking Dawn arrives. Squee!)
Why do I like Hot Chocolate? Take one part thought that goes into the desserts, one part because Chef Segal is a Kendall alum, one part that amazingly fun wait staff and a dash of I love all things dark chocolate, stir together and you have my answer. Go. Pay a lot for a small dessert that will be great fun on a gustatory and intellectual level, grab a cup of cocoa and maybe order some appetizers. That said, my all-time favorite Chicago indulgence actually comes from what may be the best bakery in all of Chicago. Sure, the bread isn't the best, but the pecan sticky buns! Oh my. Yes, Bittersweet has the corner on bakery beauty, but Bonjour Bakery wins hands down for quality. My father longingly requests a white paper bag full of that gooey yumminess every time I fly home.









