Oh the weather outside is frightful

Since hot chocolate season is finally upon us, I thought I'd share some of my favorite places to enjoy some:

1. Kingsbury Chocolates (Old Town Alexandria) http://www.kingsburychocolates.com

Though the store offers no seating, you won't mind standing one bit as you take in the offerings in the display cases. This boutique offers ready-made hot chocolate to go, as well as a take home kit. The chocolate (2 dollars for a small) is thick but not overly heavy, with notes of pepper and cinnamon.

2. Rosa Mexicano (Penn Quarter)
http://www.rosamexicano.com

Rosa Mexicano has an excellent brunch menu, but it rarely draws a crowd. Skip the Margarita and order one of their seasonal hot chocolate creations. Served as a companion drink, the chocolate cocktails (available with and without alcohol) blend citrus notes with the very light chocolate, making it an ideal second-thing-in-the-morning drink.

3. Godiva Boutique (M street, Union Station, Connecticut Avenue)
http://www.godiva.com

Chocolixir is as thick as hot chocolate should get. 72% Dark Chocolate pieces are melted into steaming hot milk and served in a small cup, about the size of an espresso. (4.50 and up) This is a strictly take with-you drink as the boutiques offer no seating, and are as distinctive as Starbucks.

4. Le Pain Quotidien (Georgetown)
http://www.lepainquotidien.com

For the do-it-yourself set, LPQ offers a steaming saucer of milk and a 2 ounce pitcher of pure Belgian chocolate (3.50 for a large). Mix to your heart's content. Goes great with their sugar waffle.

5. Baked & Wired (Georgetown)
http://www.bakedandwired.com

If you can't drink milk and can't stand soy, Baked and Wired on Thomas Jefferson Street has a wonderful chocolate tisane (around 2.00 for a medium) that always hits the spot.