More than a hundred different flavours of hot chocolates are being served up during this year’s Hot Chocolate Festival – including a couple of decadent offerings right here in New West.
With a motto of “Chocolate Makes you happy,” the 15th annual Hot Chocolate Festival returns to Metro Vancouver this month.
“When it was conceived in 2010, the Hot Chocolate Festival was the first and only city-wide initiative of its kind in the world,” said the event’s website. “This January, we continue to bring you the best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, gelato and ice cream makers from 10 different regions in British Columbia — all coming together to make the humble hot chocolate hotter than it has ever been before.”
A Sapperton-based business is making its first appearance in this year’s Hot Chocolate Festival. Bak’d Cookies – located at 285 Nelson’s Crt. in the Brewery District – is offering two bevvies from Jan. 18 to Feb. 14.
"We wanted to bring the Hot Chocolate Festival to New Westminster!” said Jess Nguyen, who founded Bak’d with her brother Andy. “As the only participating stop in this amazing city, we’re thrilled to offer residents a nearby cookie cafe experience while also drawing visitors to discover the charm of New West.”
For this year’s festival, Nguyen said Bak’d created two incredible drinks that highlight its love for cookies and unique flavours.
“Our ‘Dough My Gawd’ Hot Chocolate features an ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie perched on a decadent blend of melted Belgian chocolates and creamy Avalon milk,” she said. “The torched marshmallow rim and our house-made cookie dough whipped cream make it an indulgent treat from top to bottom.”
You’re my U(bae) features ube – a purple yam that’s native to the Philippines – it the hot chocolate and cookie.
“With ‘You’re My U(bae)’, we’re celebrating Asian flavours that are close to our hearts as proud Asian immigrants,” Nguyen told the Record. “This dreamy ube coconut drink is paired with an ube-infused white chocolate cookie drizzled with coconut glaze. Its white chocolate-dipped rim with toasted ube coconut and house-made whipped cream perfectly ties together the rich, bold flavours.”
Added Nguyen: “We’re so excited to showcase these drinks, especially as we explore more Asian-inspired creations in the future."
Details about all the offerings on this year’s Hot Chocolate Festival, as well as a map and details of a contest, can be found online.
