The City Bakery's Hot Chocolate Festival

This month, the City Bakery (3 West 18th St.) is celebrating the 21st Annual Hot Chocolate Festival with a special flavor each day. Yesterday, my friends and I went in for the espresso hot chocolate and it was so thick and rich I almost wanted to scoop it up with a spoon. The huge blocks of fluffy marshmallows were a yummy touch, but make sure to order yours on the side so they don't skimp on the cocoa.

Friday's flavor du jour is bourbon, which will probably warm you right up as winter storm Nemo makes its way into the city. Moulin Rouge, Love Potion, and Ode to the Polar Bear all sound interesting, too, though we're wondering what exactly is the secret ingredient behind the Happy Hot Chocolate. Last year's Sunken Treasure, on the menu again this month, had submerged caramel coins and chocolate truffles and it sounds so decadent that one might have to be shared.

If you miss a flavor you would've loved to try, check the calendar to see if it's one of the handful that will reappear later on in the month. There's plenty of seating available in the café so it makes for a great after-work meeting spot or to just a break from the cold.