Yes, you heard that right. July 7 is World Chocolate Day – the one day designated on the calendar to get out and sip, crunch into, or let the chocolate melt in your mouth. Here are some of our reviewers’ favorite spots to do just that. Not just today but any day. Because let’s be honest, a world of kids believes every day is Chocolate Day.
Fran’s Chocolates
Fran’s sits at the top of our list for its lush, intense, and kid-approved drinking chocolate (not to mention every other perfect chocolate confection in this locally-launched business). Besides delicious chocolates to sip or eat in Fran’s shops or at home, Fran’s supports local charities, including Safe Crossings, YWCA, and Neighborhood House. In the charitable line, we love Fran’s Dark Chocolate Sauce. And kids will die for Fran’s hot chocolate mix for the perfect cup at home. Available in store boutiques in Seattle and Bellevue and online.
Chocolate
The name Chocolate comes from the Mayan word for “drink of the gods.” And that is precisely what you and your kids will find in these shops in Greenwood, Greenwood, Greenlake, Wallingford, at the downtown public library, and the store’s factory outlet in north Seattle. The hot Chocolate (which comes plain or with additional flavoring) and mochas here will make all members of your family happy.
Chocolat Vitale
Made from a blend of pure Swiss and Belgian Chocolate, the hot Chocolate at Chocolat Vitale in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood is decadent and delicious. No cocoa powder here. We’re talking pure Chocolate.
Indi Chocolate
Located at Pike Place Market, the sipping Chocolate and hot cocoa at Indi Chocolate earns high marks. In fact, Indi was named one of the 24 best chocolate shops in America by Eater.com. Lots of unique chocolate creations fill the cases here. Not to mention the staff at Indi are eager to tell you all about the chocolate process.
Bakery Nouveau
Expect delicious hot cocoa from handcrafted Chocolate at Bakery Nouveau, located in West Seattle’s central shopping district and on Capitol Hill in Seattle. And, since you are standing in one of Seattle’s premiere French bakeries, pair it with a baked treat. We recommend the twice-baked chocolate croissant.
The Dining Room at Salish Lodge
The “Kid’s Coffee” at Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie is worth the trip! This cup of chocolate velvet comes covered in whipped cream and sprinkles.
Zoka Coffee Roasters & Tea Company
Impress your kids with a hot chocolate with often impressive artistic foam. But it’s not just pretty to look at. The kids will start bugging you to return as soon as you walk out the door. You’ll find Zoka cafes in Kirkland, Green Lake, Seattle’s University District, and South Lake Union.
Valhalla Coffee in Tacoma
The most decadent hot Chocolate in Tacoma features local favorite Tease Chocolates, and it’s a treat both young and old(er) will enjoy.
Dilettante Chocolate
Hot Chocolate (and mochas) at Dilettante are an art form and come in many shapes, sizes, and percentages. Literally. Along with a host of chocolate confections, your crew can choose from sweet and luscious white hot Chocolate, cinnamon-spiced Mexican hot Chocolate, and traditional hot chocolates made with 52%, 63%, or 72% cacao. Try them all in Sea-tac, Kent Station, Bellefield Park, and Bellevue Plaza Center on the Eastside.
Take a mix home and invite your kids create their chocolate vision
Making hot Chocolate (or cold Chocolate, which is merely hot chocolates cooled down) at home can be a tasty and creative treat. Here’s writer Jillian O’Connor’s take on creating a hot chocolate or iced hot chocolate bar your kids will surely enjoy.
- Grab your favorite tasty drinking chocolate or hot cocoa mix from Fran’s Chocolates, Indi Chocolates, or others on this list — or your favorite cocoa mix from the grocery store.
- Choose your milk. All varieties can lead to tasty drinks. But don’t use water. Milk makes all the difference.
- Heat milk over the stove on medium, add the powder or melted mix, and stir continuously until the chocolate melts and the liquid is velvety. No need to boil. In fact, avoid boiling. You may want to check out good old Hershey’s cocoa powder, which also has a good recipe: “Perfectly Chocolate” Hot Cocoa.
- Add sugar or sweetener as needed for your child’s taste, although most sauces and mixes have quite enough; thank you very much.
- Build your hot cocoa bar. Set out any or all (Jill’s recommendation!) of the following: Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, rainbow sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, caramel topping, chocolate sprinkles, crushed peppermints, mint or other favorite flavor extracts, crushed Oreos, shredded coconut, Marshmallow Fluff (or Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, or equivalent), cocoa powder and cinnamon to dust on top, sparkly rainbow-colored sugar.
- Hand each kid a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of chilled hot Chocolate, point to the spread of “condiments,” and shout the word: “Create!”
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