Peterborough DBIA Looking to Crown Top Hot Chocolatier During Inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest Running Feb. 17 - 26
/The quest to become the ‘Top Hot Chocolatier’ is on as Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) is hosting their inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest while featuring 15 over-the-top creations announced on Monday morning.
18-month-old Jasmine Stoner is enjoying a raspberry white hot chocolate following the announcement of the Peterborough DBIA inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest taking place from Feb. 17 - 26. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The festival takes place from Feb. 17 - 26 where residents can vote online for their favourite hot chocolate creations by 14 businesses. Local menus throughout downtown feature the drinks on their menus to determine Top Hot Chocolatier. The winner earns bragging rights for the year and a hot chocolate-themed trophy.
PTBO DBIA has created a ‘Hot Chocolate Trail Map’ to let voters plan out their own hot chocolate crawl to try all 15 entries.
“We are proud to be working alongside our partners at the DBIA to support the new Hot Chocolate Fest,” said Joe Rees, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development director of tourism. “This initiative supports local restaurants and cafes during a traditionally slower period in the winter season and will encourage increased visitation and spending in the downtown.”
Entries include classically flavoured hot chocolates, to more outrageously delicious creations with some containing alcoholic chocolate beverages. Vegan and gluten-free entries are also included in the event.
A pop-up stand giving away free hot chocolate is being set up at the Peterborough Square front courtyard from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We want folks to vote to show their love and support for those local culinary creators and hopefully, by the end of ten days, we'll have a definitive answer as to who the top hot chocolatier is in Downtown Peterborough,” said Hilary Flood, PTBO DBIA communications and marketing manager.
Several drinks were demoed at the announcement with creations from Black Honey and Canoe Co. Café. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The following are the 15 entries from the 14 businesses:
Black Honey (Matcha White Hot Chocolate)
A decadent white hot chocolate drink infused with matcha green tea powder and toasted marshmallows.
Black Honey (Mayan HOT Chocolate)
This luxurious vegan hot chocolate creation infused with cayenne pepper and cinnamon is dressed to impress with a delicious, whipped cream topping, chili pepper and cocoa dust. This spicy hot chocolate is paired with spiced chocolate cookie-perfect for dipping. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Naked Chocolate (Couverture Hot Chocolate)
Celebrating a menagerie of high-quality couverture chocolate blends from around the world. Naked Chocolate is brewing up a lusciously thick hot chocolate.
KitCoffee (Cinnamon Hot Chocolate)
Homemade hot chocolate with house-made cinnamon syrup, whipped cream topping and sprinkled with Cocoa and cinnamon hearts.
Dreams Café (Toasty Charms Hot Chocolate)
Indulge in some nostalgia with this homemade hot chocolate, flavoured with toasted marshmallow syrup, whipped cream, marshmallow fluff and some lucky charms hit with the blow torch.
Turnbull Café (Fudge Brownie Raspberry Hot Cocoa)
A delicious blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with whipped cream and layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie and fresh raspberries. It’s delicately drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow.
Champs Bar and Grill (“Hot” Chocolate Wings)
Chef Jessie has put a unique and delicious spin on the classic Hot Chocolate using Champs’ signature, nostalgic wings for the adventurous hot chocolatier. Tossed in their infamous hot honey sauce and drizzled with a hearty layer of rich dark chocolate.
Nateure’s Plate (S'more Martini, 19+)
This extraordinary s'mores-inspired adult chocolate martini with Creme de Cocoa, Kahlua and Vodka. Featuring vegan vanilla hot chocolate, topped with a house-made marshmallow whip and Biscoff graham crumble.
Agave by Imperial (Hot Churro-late)
Warm up with this thick and creamy authentic Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa and dark chocolate. Served with two cinnamon and sugar-topped churros made-to-order and perfect for dipping.
Speak Easy Café (Breakfast of Chocolate)
Speak Easy features a salted caramel hot chocolate with a chocolate and cookie rim, topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, candied chocolate bacon and a white chocolate sunny egg.
The Black Horse Pub (Flanders Rum Cha Cha, 19+)
Rich house-made hot chocolate with an ounce of Flanders rum chata topped with whipped cream and homemade toasted marshmallows infused with even more rum chata for good measure. Served with graham crackers dipped in chocolate.
Milk + Tea (Bubble Pudding Chocolate)
A creamy slush chocolate bubble tea with chewy tapioca, caramel pudding, topped with cream, Oreo bits and drizzled in caramel. Served with an egg bubble waffle slice.
Dr. J’s (Amaretto and Chocolate Orange Hot-tail, 19+)
This adult beverage features a luxurious house-made hot chocolate alongside Laura Secord chocolate vodka, Grand Marnier, French orange liqueur & Amaretto. Topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate drizzle. Served with an almond wafer cookie for dipping.
Canoe Co. Café (Raspberry White Chocolate)
Dive into this beautiful white raspberry hot chocolate. Topped with whipped cream, raspberries and sprinkles. Served with steamed milk (of your choice) with lactose-free and vegan options available. Can be served hot or iced.
Tragically Dipped Donut (Maple Mallow Hot Chocolate)
Creamy from scratch hot chocolate house made with charred maple marshmallows freshly toasted to order.
