'Tis The Season For Hot Chocolate In Larchmont, Mamaroneck

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- Nothing fuels the soul and warms the heart like a whipped cream topped, drizzled with shavings, hot chocolate, a deliciously decadent comfort beverage like no other. Luckily, Larchmont and Mamaroneck are filled with places that please. Here's a sampling.

Kona Lahire, 5, of Mamaroneck, samples the white chocolate hot chocolate at Larchmont's Voracious Reader.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

by Jeanne Muchnick

01/23/2015 6:00 a.m.

Auray Gourmet, Larchmont: The hot chocolate ingredients are a secret though Owners Carolynn Dilworth and Ben Aiello did reveal that they use three different cocoa powders. Dilworth stressed there are no artificial ingredients. Get Your Chocolate Fix: 144 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont, (914) 833-2274, www.auraygourmet.com/.

Cafe Mozart, Mamaroneck: Warm your bones with this ultra rich version comprised of Nestle's chocolate, water, milk, whipped cream, and drizzled chocolate. Get Your Chocolate Fix: 308 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, (914) 698-4166.

Chocolations, Mamaroneck: Owner Maria Valente is serious about her chocolate. And so, this cup of deliciousness, made with high quality grade chocolate and her "secret ingredient of love" is ideal for chasing away for the cold. Get Your Chocolate Fix: 607 East Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck, (914) 777-3600, www.chocolations.com/.

Cocoa, Larchmont: This European-style winter warmer is made with Belgian dark chocolate and a touch of whole milk; whipped cream and homemade marshmallows are optional (but worth going for). Owner Angela Ingrao attributes the thick, pudding-like texture to the quality of the ingredients. "It's very pure and popular," she said." You only drink a small amount; kind of like an espresso." You'll find a similar version at Bread & Cocoa, her place across the street. Get Your Chocolate Fix: 2107 Boston Post Rd., Larchmont, (914) 834-6464, www.cocoachocolateshop.com/.

A Proper Cup at Voracious Reader, Larchmont: You have your choice of white or traditional hot chocolate (complete with a turret of whipped cream) at this cafe adjoining the children's bookstore. Owner Francine Lucidon says she's all about healthy, wholesome ingredients -- as well as encouraging quality family time. "We're all about slowing down," she said. "People come for the hot chocolate, then stay for the books." Get Your Chocolate Fix: 1997 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, (914) 630-4581, www.thevoraciousreader.com/.

Got a favorite spot for hot chocolate we missed? Tell us about it in the Comments below.

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