Hot Chocolate

This past Sunday my mom and I went to Hot Chocolate in Wicker Park to celebrate Easter. The name of the restaurant is deceiving, as this is actually a place for more than just hot chocolate and desserts. I have been dying to go to this critically acclaimed restaurant for years now. Literally years. The Chef and owner Mindy Segal has quite the reputation and last year won the 2012 James Beard award for Outstanding Pastry. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed with a slight industrial feel.

The brunch menu was phenomenal. Definitely more savory flavors than sweet though. We started out with a bloody mary and hot chocolate. They have seven varieties of hot chocolate and I ordered the mexican hot chocolate that came with a homemade marshmallow. The hot chocolate was amazing - there was some cayenne pepper in it so it had a kick - and the marshmallow put it over the top. I had no idea homemade marshmallows could be so good. We also got an order of warm doughnuts. These are a must, especially since the rest of the menu is more savory. For our entrees I ordered the Smoked Cheddar Strata which was described as a savory casserole made with layers of Carr Valley smoked cheddar, house-made bread and a savory egg custard served with a tomato and herb sauce. The crusted cheese around the edges was particularly delicious. And my mom ordered the special, which was lamb with creme fraiche and carrots on top of milk bread. Yum.

I highly recommend making the trip out to Wicker Park and going to this restaurant. Be sure to make a reservation though!