When is the last time you had basil-infused vodka in your hot chocolate?  Or for that matter, caramelized coriander seed … orange blossom and  cinnamon … or  Ecuadorian dark chocolate infused with rose petals?

For the next 30 days, Vancouverites will be able to sample all these flavours and more as 7 top chocolatiers present their designer hot chocolate drinks during the 1^st Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

Vancouver’s mixologists, baristas and craft brewers have earned a reputation for creativity.  Now it’s time for the city’s chocolate artists to show what they are capable of – taking a comfort drink to new levels. You may even find a Sparkle Cookie or Crown Royal whiskey marshmallow on your saucer.  And why not?  Everyone knows – Chocolate Makes You Happy!

A portion of all drink sales will help support local charities in aid of women and children’s health and safety issues.

The Festival runs January 15 to February 13, 2011. Complete details available via media sponsor CityFood Magazine:
  * See Website: www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/

  * Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/CityFood-Magazine/144132278205

For more information contact: Rhonda May:  Rhonda@cityfood.com  tel: 604-737-7845 or via any of the participants below.

  Bella Gelateria – http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/bella_gelateria
  Campagnolo Caffe – http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/campagnolo_caffe
  Choc. de la Nouvelle France – http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/choc._nouvelle_france
  Cocoa Nymph – http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/cocoa_nymph
  Mink Chocolates –  http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/mink_chocolates 
  Schokolade – http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/schokolade 
   Thomas Haas –  http://www.cityfood.com/events/hot_chocolate_festival/thomas_haas