Hot Chocolate

Good with brunch, or at anytime of day, this time of year always calls for a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Below is a list my most memorable hot chocolates. Please note that I prefer a rich, dark, full-bodied hot chocolate so if you're into the instant packets these might be a bit too intense for you.

Casa Madonna Divino Amore‎, just outside of Chioggia, Italy
Full-screenA rich dark-milk chocolate, made in an espresso machine and served by the nuns. I will never forget the taste of this hot chocolate. It is that good.

Caffè Venezia, Chiusi, Italy
Caffe Venezia has an overwhelming number of hot chocolate options. Including a very bitter one that I swear is simply 100% cacao melted down. If you chose carefully though, you are in for a fantastic treat. They also serve very decent gelato.

Supper, Philadelphia, PA
Probably the closest thing to the nun's hot chocolate this side of the Atlantic.

Cafe Golosa, Philadelphia PA
Traditional Italian hot chocolate; shaken not stirred. Extremely rich, full-bodied, and fantastic.

Cafe Apamate, Philadelphia PA
Tied with Golosa for its a dark, rich, flavor.

Sazon Restaurant & Cafe, Philadelphia PA
Traditional Venezuelan hot chocolates "homemade" from single origin cacao beans. Intense flavors.

Rim Cafe, Philadelphia PA
While more milky than I usually like, Rim Cafe's hot chocolate is about the experience. You just have to go to fully understand.

Serendipity 3, New York, NY
Overrated but totally fun, the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate is served with a straw and big enough for two.

Best "On The Go" Hot Chocolate:
Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolate
I am truly surprised at the flavor of this hot chocolate. While the quality sometimes depends on which store you visit, most of the time it [along with all the others on this list] ranks above hot chocolates that I've ordered from places such as Naked Chocolate and Parc. Just remember to specify "Signature" or they will give you something else.

Famous 4th Street Deli, Philadelphia PA

When you're in the mood for deli food in Philadelphia, there's no better choice than Famous 4th Street Deli.

They serve breakfast all day (including challah french-toast), offer a wide selection of sandwiches (although most are not vegetarian friendly), and serve up deli favorites such as potato pancakes, bagels and lox, and kugel. There is one request on the menu: "Please order what we do, not what we don't do."



As soon as we are seated, our server delivers a complimentary plate of pickles and slaw. The dill pickles are so fresh they could be called cucumbers--I am not a fan but my brunch-mate loves them. The slaw has a delightfully sweet flavor that compliments the vinegar in it perfectly.



I order an everything bagel with cream cheese and the side of potato pancakes. The bagel arrives lightly toasted with about 1/4 cup of cream cheese on the side!
The side of pancakes (3) are served plain but upon request chunky applesauce is delivered. The pancakes are crispy and not too oily--excellent with the applesauce.

My brunch-mate goes with the hot pastrami sandwich, which is served with a side of choice (another order of potato pancakes). Big enough for at least two meals, this sandwich is "fatty, salty, and greasy in the best way possible!"


While service is prompt, the atmosphere in 4th Street Deli is relaxed--you could probably sit and read the weekend paper without feeling rushed to leave. Our table offers a view of Bainbridge Street--perfect for people watching.

4th Street has a fantastic selection of home-made sweets, but our portion sizes leave us with no room for dessert. To our delight the check arrives with two bite-size versions of the Famous 4th Street Chocolate Chip cookies. These cookies have a rich vanilla flavor, are crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, chock-full of chips, and totally satisfy the lingering sweet-tooth.

If you go:

• 700 S Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-3102
  
• Phone: (215) 922-3274
• They accept credit cards.