If it could rain marshmallows from the sky, that would be perfect!

As it is, the season’s first snowflakes seems like a good omen for the VANCOUVER HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, which kicks off this Saturday, January 14th, and runs until Valentines Day, Feb 14th, 2012.

This is the second year of the festival, and this time there are double the cafes, shops and food artisans participating — including some amazing newcomers such as Chef David Hawksworth’s Bel Cafe; Chief Thierry Busset’s Thierry Chocolaterie, Patisserie and Cafe; as well as young entrepreneurs like Beta5Chocolates (who are teaming up with The Juice Truck in Gastown).

With 13 venues and 15 chocolate artists offering a range of over 50 off-beat flavours, there will be a hot chocolate style for everyone — from the classic (milk chocolate orange at Gem Chocolates) to the edgy (“The Surprise Flower” at Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France), to the health conscious (Vegan Black Sesame at CocoaNymph). Each venue will be offering drinks that were especially created for the Festival, along with edible treats from their regular menus. For example: A Sparkle Cookie at Thomas Haas, a slice of Erin Ireland’s “It’s To Die For” Banana Bread at Bella Gelateria.

You’ll find information about participants, flavours, the complete 32-day calendar, and this year’s charity recipient, The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, on the official information page at: http://www.cityfood.com/events/hotchocolate

All Festival updates and comments from the public will be posted on the Festival Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CityFood-Magazine/144132278105

Or follow the Twitter hashtag at:

#HotChocolateFestival

—> NEW THIS YEAR is a Photo Tweet-up Contest where Festival goers may post photos of their hot chocolate drinks for a chance to win a $300 value gift basket!