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White Rock chocolatier adds 'playful, bold' flavours to decadent festival

Part proceeds from 15th annual event to benefit charity
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Chez Christophe is the only White Rock/Surrey business participating in this year's Hot Chocolate Festival. In this photo, owner Christophe Bonzon speaks to guests at the 2019 grand opening of his White Rock location. (Peace Arch News file photo)

A White Rock chocolaterie is the sole Semiahmoo Peninsula business participating in perhaps one of the sweetest winter traditions offered in B.C.

In fact, Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie is the only business across White Rock and Surrey among vendors in this year's annual Hot Chocolate Festival – underway since Jan. 18 – out of 81 listed.

The festival, in its 15th year, is all about "coming together to make the humble hot chocolate hotter than it has ever been before," according to information at hotchocolatefest.com.

Continuing through Feb. 14, those interested in indulging in the chocolatey beverages created at Chez Christophe for the annual celebration have only a couple more weeks to taste what all the fuss is about – but just a couple of days to sample the first of its two contributions.

Its first – dubbed 'Me Want Bable' – is only available through Jan. 31.

Described as a "playful twist" on hot chocolate, Me Want Bable offers "36 per cent Sao Palme topped with banana-saffron whipped cream… a unique balance of fruity sweetness and warm spice," a description on the festival website notes. It's served paired with a house-made macaron Minion, it adds.

Starting Feb. 1, 'Campfire Hot Chocolate' will be on the menu.

Available for take-out-only – but only until Feb. 12 – the "rich, bold… decadence" comes in a cup rimmed with torched house-made marshmallow. Paired with a Pain Suisse, "this treat brings together sweet and savoury, reminiscent of fireside moments under the stars," the website raves.

Both beverages are available at both Chez Christophe locations; White Rock (at 1558 Johnston Rd.; call 604-385-4474 for more information) and Burnaby (4717 Hastings St.; 604-428-4200).

Part-proceeds from the festival will benefit organizations including Fresh to Families and Growing Chefs.

For a full list of participants and featured beverages, visit hotchocolatefest.com



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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