USA Archives - Ultimate Hot Chocolate

A Hot Chocolate and Lunch at Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant, Big Sur, California, USA

Tucked behind a gas station off California’s legendary Highway 1, we missed this Bakery the first time we drove past and had to do a U turn (not easy on Big Sur, not easy at all). Housed in a converted ranch house, nestled amongst a sea of cactus, the Big Sur Bakery should be a must stop for anyone tackling the drive along Big Sur. The atmosphere is welcoming, friendly and relaxed. The whole space is about slowing down, savouring the moment. The food here is so good. They are focused on the idea of slow food, beautifully created dishes, [...]

April 17th, 2017|Big Sur, California, NORTH AMERICA, USA|

A Beautiful Drive and a Hot Chocolate at Café Kevah, Big Sur, USA

Big Sur is one of those epic drives that one needs to do in a lifetime, especially if you are in the US. It is as grand and magical as people say, and much more relaxing than I expected. But don't just drive along the road. Along the way there are dozens of small parks that you can stop at to stretch your legs, many with beaches. This is where you can really appreciate the beauty of the coast, the vibrant colours, the crisp air. Stop and take pictures at Point Lobos State Reserve, take pictures at Bixby Bridge and the lighthouse [...]

April 13th, 2017|Big Sur, NORTH AMERICA, USA|

A Scenic Drive and a Hot Chocolate at Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar, Carmel by Sea, USA

Carmel is a beautiful little town. It is obviously a playground for the rich and famous that live in the mansions surrounding the town (and in the charming little hobbit like houses dotted around town). It is also known for being full of artists, writers and poets. Clint Eastwood is also its mayor. The town is just a short drive away from Monterrey. Although you need to pay a little bit to access the road, the 17 Mile Drive between Carmel and Monterrey was beautiful, with lots of stunning stops to admire perfect beaches and wildlife on one side, and [...]

April 10th, 2017|California, Carmel, NORTH AMERICA, USA|

A few days at Yosemite and a Hot Chocolate at the Big Trees Lodge, USA

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is 1,200 square miles of deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and some pretty large wild beasts. Yosemite is stunning. All the famous landmarks are famous for a reason, the rock formations, half dome, cathedral Rocks. Stop to walk around the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and plan as much time in the park as you can. Believe the hype and enjoy the pictures. We stayed in Wawona at the Big Trees Lodge because there was nothing else available in the park. Staying at Big Trees Lodge was one of the [...]

April 7th, 2017|California, NORTH AMERICA, USA, Yosemite|

A Hot Chocolate at Bouchon Bakery, Napa, USA

A few years ago I visited Bouchon Bakery in New York City, and had a hot chocolate there . Today I had the chance to visit the original Bouchon Bakery, opened by Chef Thomas Keller in 2003 in Yountville in Napa Valley. The Bakery is just a block away from his very famous restaurant, The French Laundry, and originally the bakery was opened to provide beautiful bread for his restaurant but it unsurprisingly took on a life of its own. This one is clearly on all visitors to the area’s list of things to do, as the line up went [...]

April 4th, 2017|California, Napa, NORTH AMERICA, USA|

A Hot Chocolate Amongst the Very Tall Trees in Muir Forest, San Francisco, USA

Just eleven miles outside of San Francisco, over the famous Golden Gate Bridge, is a magical place. Muir Woods is made up of over 560 acres of redwood forests with trees up to 252 feet tall and 14 feet across. The area has been protected since 1908. Arrive first ting in the morning or towards the end of the day to miss out on the crowds and traffic and explore the forest via a paved one half mile trail. And just look up and take it all in – the trees are simply magnificent. They do have a hot chocolate [...]

March 31st, 2017|California, NORTH AMERICA, San Francisco, USA|

A Love Letter Dandelion Chocolate, San Francisco, USA

If you are a chocolate lover, a lover of real, quality, fairly sourced chocolate, San Francisco is a place you should visit…or move to. While you have a lot of choices in and around the city, if you only have time to visit one, visit Dandelion. Dandelion is a bean-to-bar chocolate factory. It is the creation of Todd and Cam, two chocolate lovers who, like many bean to bar makers, started small in their apartment, did a lot of things right to the point where in 2010 they expanded into this Mission factory. This is where they roast, crack, sort, [...]

March 24th, 2017|California, NORTH AMERICA, San Francisco, USA|