Paul.a.Young Fine Chocolates

A member Merkel's international network of chocolate connoisseurs was able to procure hot chocolate from Paul.a.Young in the UK.  This is was presented to Merkel on Christmas day.  The mix was Aztec spiced hot chocolate using 70% dark chocolate.

The instructions required adding 4 teaspoons of chocolate powder to a small amount of boiling water to make a paste.  Then it was to topped up with more hot water.  Merkel to chose to add milk because he likes a creamy hot chocolate.

The drink rich and spicy.  The spices (cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamon) were evident because some floated on the top which was a decorative touch.  The spice was stronger than some spiced hot chocolates and had a good chocolate flavour.

Red Cacao Belgian

Merkel and Myrtle returned to the Red Cacao in Stirling recently.  This time Merkel was keen to try the Belgian hot chocolate after being impressed by the single origin hot chocolate last time.  The hot chocolate was served in a mug with a complementary piece of chocolate.  It was topped with a forth and chocolate shavings.  It was served on a wooden platter.  Merkel chose to have a goji berry protein ball with the drink.

This was a creamy hot chocolate with a unmistakable Belgian chocolate flavour.  This was very pleasant and well presented.  It cost seven dollars.

Arena Coffee and Juice Lab

Arena is a still in the Citi Centre arcade off Rundle Mall.  Citi Centre is set up like a food hall with many table serving the surrounding food stalls.

The hot chocolate is served only in takeaway cups.  But the drink has good creaminess and froth and a liberal amount of chocolate.  It is a fairly sweet drink but is probably the best available in the Citi Centre.  The cost was $3.50 for the medium size.

Red Cacao

I think I have a new favourite Hot Chocolate Venue.  It is Red Cacao in Stirling.  This is a chocolate shop and cafe which doubles as dessert bar on Friday nights.  Myrtle and I visited there recently for lunch.  It is a little shop back from the main road in the Stirling shopping centre (Shop 3, 41 Mount Barker Rd).  It has a limited range for savouries and desserts but the main reason for visiting are the coffees, chocolates and of course hot chocolates.  The surroundings were comfortable and the service was friendly.

I had a number of Belgian hot chocolate to choose from including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, orange and chilli flavour, but my choice was the dark Peru single origin hot chocolate.  A mug cost $7.00 and cup cost $3.50.  It was served on wooden board with a complimentary ganache.  The drink was topped with a light froth and some chocolate flakes.  The hot chocolate was dark, unsweet, creamy and delicious.

Hudsons at Damien on Fisher

There is a new Hudsons at the Living Choice retirement village at 123 Fisher Street Unley.  This is open to the public seven days a week.  It shares the accommodation with the Damien on Fisher restaurant.  The cafe is in the impressive foyer of Living Choice.

This Hudsons provided proper glasses or cups for diners rather than just take-away cups.  Drinks are available in small, regular and large sizes.  The cost was $3.80 for a regular size.  I have been a couple of times now and the presentation was different both times. First time the drink was provided in a cup and more recently a tall glass with a handle and marshmallows.  Their Belgian flavour dark chocolate is excellent and the drink is rich and frothy. 

Bean and Gone

Bean and Gone is a new coffee shop at 241 Street Unley.  They have renovated the old Pulteney Street Cafe so that it is unrecognisable.  The plaster has been chipped away and the bricks of this old building have been exposed giving the cafe a rustic but classy feel.

The hot chocolate came in a glass and saucer.  The drink was decorated with intricate latte art and came with a marshmallow.  This was a rich and frothy drink and cost $4.00.

Ambrosini’s

Ambrosini’s is a fine dining North Italian style restaurant.  It is located at 136 Magill Road Norwood.  This is a bright comfortable restaurant.  The food is good and the service is attentive.

The hot chocolate was described as “Cioccolata Calda”  thick hot chocolate.  Merkel had expectations that this would be a thick Italian hot chocolate like those available at Cibo.  Unfortunately it was just a good standard conventional hot chocolate.  It was still rich and creamy but not the thick variety.  The cost was $5.50.

Scrabble Mug and Hot Chocolate

I bought this at a trading table recently.  It is a large mug with scrabble tiles on it with a hot chocolate, marshmallows and a candy cane inside it.  This was made by Park Avenue Foods and was well presented, wrapped in cellophane and tied up in a pink bow.

The hot chocolate was light milky Swiss style drink and there was enough in the sachet for two cups.  The mini marshallows would have been good if I had got to them before their use-by date.  They were a bit hard but I soaked them in the chocolate anyway.

I liked the concept, even if I would have preferred the chocolate to be richer and darker.