19 Sweet Creations To Compete In Peterborough DBIA's Second-Annual Hot Chocolate Fest Throughout February
/The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) has brought back its Hot Chocolate Fest for a second year as 19 sweet creations vye for the title of ‘Top Hot Chocolatier’ throughout February, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.
Agave by Imperial won teh inaugural event last year with their ‘Hot Churro-late’ consisting of Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa and dark chocolate. It was served with two cinnamon and sugar-topped churros. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
This year’s event runs from Feb. 1 to 29 with various hot chocolate drinks and hot chocolate-inspired menu items will be featured in Downtown Peterborough eateries for dine-in or take-out.
Several entries include ‘classic’ hot cocoa options, imaginative hot chocolates and even ‘h’adult’ versions with a cocktail twist.
Participants can plan their chocolatey adventure using the Hot Chocolate Trail Map online to scout out options before heading downtown.
New this year are four distinct categories with voting options for Top Hot Chocolate, Most Unique, Best Classic and Tastiest H’adult Chocolate 19+. The winning Hot Chocolatier will be determined by the most votes overall and will receive a handcrafted Hot Chocolate Trophy. Votes can be placed online.
Also new is an interactive digital rewards program will run to incentivize participation. Through the digital rewards app, festival goers will be able to win weekly prizes and gain access to exclusive ‘sweet deals’ during the month of February. Hot chocolate revellers earn ballots into four weekly draws by visiting hot chocolate locations and collecting ‘digital stamps.’ Every three stamps collected participants will earn themselves another ballot into the programs weekly giveaway draw for a $25 Boro Gift Card.
Those who download the app will also access exclusive ‘sweet’ deals and promotions provided by local businesses such as free samples of artisanal chocolate at Naked Chocolate, discounts on sweet treats, buy-one-get-one offers and more.
“Downtown Peterborough is regionally renowned for its culinary scene. Culinary programs like our Hot Chocolate Fest provide a platform for our restaurants, cafes, and pubs to really show-off their gastronomic passion and innovation in a playful and engaging way,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Every year we try to add our own innovative spin on program delivery, and I believe this year we’ve taken our hot chocolate program to the next level with the addition of our new digital rewards program. Incentivizing downtown visitation is what gives our downtown a competitive edge in the marketplace, and we are delighted to be offering exclusive perks, deals and prizes to festival goers.”
The following are the participating businesses and their entries:
1. Blackhoney Coffeehouse: Blackhoneycomb
Indulge in this decadent black honey-infused hot cocoa which is served up in an edible chocolate cup! Choose between a white chocolate cup infused with tangerine, or dark chocolate.The Blackhoneycomb is topped with velvety whipped cream and infused with even more black honey. Garnished with a chocolate honeycomb of your choice: white, milk or dark chocolate and dusted with edible gold.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
2. The Dirty Burger: Chocolate Forest H'adult Cocktail
A multi-sensory cocktail experience featuring cinnamon spiced, Belgian-style hot chocolate made with 1.5 oz of espresso vodka for a nutty and earthy kick. Ignite your taste buds with foresty notes of herbaceous lavender and vanilla, topped in a mountain of maple whipped cream and garnished with crushed honey comb and edible flowers.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
3. La Hacienda: Chocolate-Maple Champurrado
A spiced, warm, and creamy chocolate-based beverage that holds a special place in Mexican culinary traditions. Made with Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and its key ingredient, corn flour, for a thick and slightly gritty texture; sweetened with local Red Mill maple syrup. Our indulgent drink is infused with ancho pepper, which is the final touch for a warm, bold flavour. Served with traditional buñuelos, a thin, rosette-shaped, crispy fried pastry coated in cinnamon sugar.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
4. Kit Croissanterie & Café: Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate
A sweet hot cocoa with a zesty burst of citrus about it. Made with orange zest syrup and dark chocolate sauce topped with whipped cream and a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon, garnished with candied orange
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
5. Dreams of Beans: Hazelnut Infused Triple Chocolate
Indulge in this dreamy hot cocoa made with hazelnut chocolate sauce and white chocolate milk topped with whipped cream and milk chocolate shavings. Kick it up a notch with a shot Irish cream with whiskey, and optional espresso!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
6. Turnbull Café: Raspberry Brownie Fudge
A delicious blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with real whipped cream (well of course!) & layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie & fresh raspberries, delicately drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. Comes in both Hot Chocolate and Mocha options.. Ask for a spoon.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
7. Black Horse Pub: Peanut Butter & Caramel Screwball
If you're looking for a hug in a mug that is cozy, sweet, decadent & smooth: this hot chocolate screwball is something to celebrate. This is a creamy, rich hot chocolate with sundae vibes and a bit of a kick: made with Screwball peanut butter whiskey and topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and peanut butter cups.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
8. Cork & Bean: Smores Hot Chocolate
Rich and velvety hot chocolate, topped with lightly toasted marshmallows, crumbled Graham cracker and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
9. Cork & Bean: Peppermint Hot Cocoa
A creamy and delicious hot chocolate with a candy cane twist - what better way to cozy up for winter! Featuring classic hot cocoa, peppermint syrup, steamed milk of your choice and topped with whip cream, chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candy.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
10. Agave by Imperial: Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican hot chocolate made with masa corn, whipped cream, crushed chilies for a little extra kick and topped with homemade buñuelos.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
11. Speak Easy: Gimme S'more
The ultimate campfire-inspired drink. Steaming mug of ultra-whipped hot chocolate, crowned with fire-toasted marshmallows, and completed with a chocolate fudge-coated graham cracker cookie. We'll "toast" to that
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
12. Milk + Tea: Earl Grey Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with this rich tapioca hot chocolate drink blended with Earl Grey for a subtle hint of tea and lavender. Topped with a thick sweet and salty cream. Enjoy hot or cold!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
13. Boardwalk Lounge: Soon-to-be-Famous Chocolate Chip Hot Choc
Dive into this glorious, toasted marshmallow rimmed mug, filled with rich hot chocolate, cookie syrup, and topped with whipped cream and crumbs from Connor's soon-to-be-famous chocolate chip cookies. Yum yum!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
14. La Mesita: Death by Chocolate
Sip on this deliciously rich, Mexican style hot chocolate that's spiced to perfection with cinnamon sugar and topped with a chocolate skull. Served with a churro donut for dunking.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
15. BOBO Tea: Cocoa Brûlée
Crack into this decadent drink made with loads of cocoa chocolate, fresh milk, brown sugar pearls and crowned with a hand-torched crème brûlée top.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
16. DR. J’s BBQ: Mint-Kissed PB&J Hot Chocolate
If hot chocolate and PB & J sandwiches had a baby, this would be their love child. Indulge in the richness of your favourite childhood snack that combines a rich hot chocolate base with a kiss of mint. Served with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a peanut cocoa dusting.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
17. The Vine: Teddy Bears Winter Picnic
If you go down in The Vine today, you're sure of a big surprise! This delightful white chocolate drink is made to order with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream, a healthy dusting of shaved dark chocolate and teddy grahams!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
18. Tragically Dipped Donut: Choc Mocha + Hot Chocolate Donut Chocolate on Chocolate!
Indulge in the Tragically Dipped ultimate chocolate experience with their decadent chocolate donut. The donut pastry is filled with a velvety, chocolate ganache finished off with a cocoa dust - creating a rich symphony of textures and flavours. Hot Chocolate with a kick: This delightful drink is served up mocha style, made with homemade marshmallow, chocolate ganache, espresso, and milk.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
