Thanks to the snowicane, the Department of Parks and Recreation has announced a "snow day" for New Yorkers "to come out to a neighborhood park for some winter fun." The Parks Department will also have sleds and hot chocolate at these locations: more ›

The Parks Department sent out a press release at last night to officially invite New Yorkers to head to the city parks for "sledding, snowman-making and more" today, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. And, at selected parks, the Parks Department will have sleds and hot chocolate on hand: more ›

Did you know that a 16 ounce cup of hot chocolate will cost you ten dollars at Yankee Stadium? It's news to Sports Illustrated's Peter King, who was shivering through a Yankees-Angels game the other night when a vendor passed by hawking the luxury chocolate-flavored water. He later crunched the numbers on the product, and guesstimates that the Yankees are making about $9.15 profit on each hot chocolate sold (23 cents for bulk chocolate power, 6.5 cents for a cup and lid, 5 cents for hot water, and maybe 50 cents for the vendor). more ›

If only you'd stayed in school, you'd still be in bed right now. Then, around noon, you'd probably go frolic in today's winter wonderland, your carefree yelps of joy piercing the ears of bitter office drones stumbling through snowdrifts on their harried lunch breaks. And as if an entire day of unbridled freedom from tests and homework isn't enough of a gift, the Parks Department will be sweetening the deal today with "free winter fun" in all five boroughs. Sucks to have a job today! more ›

Did you know that January was the first time the temperature in New York City didn't hit 50 degrees in over twenty-five years? But alas, relief is here! Today begins the 17th annual Hot Chocolate Festival at City Bakery in the Flatiron District. For each day of the month, they'll have a different flavor of hot chocolate, starting with Beer Hot Chocolate today and Bourbon Hot Chocolate on the 27th (with a surprise flavor on the 28th). more ›

Put on your snowpants! Today, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., the Parks Department is welcoming New Yorkers to their neighborhood parks for a Snow Day: "White-capped hills around the city are open for sledding, snowman-making and more. Parks & Recreation will provide sleds and hot chocolate at selected locations across the city." These are the selected parks: more ›

Staten Island: Clove Lakes Park, Martling and Slosson Avenues more ›

Okay, it's freezing. Not just freezing -- bone chillingly bitter. We've been at our desk for hours now and still can't manage to fight off the chill from our morning commute. This kind of weather makes us crave warm, cozy comfort food -- hopefully at least one of these options is close enough to you for a quick dash out, or even better, to deliver to you. more ›

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a couple hundred bucks to blow, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Friday November 16th, when the Food Network throws New York’s “largest dessert party ever.” Called Sweet, the event will unleash a massive tsunami of temptations from some of NewYork’s top pastry chefs, confectioners, cheese makers, bakers and chocolatiers. To wash it all down there’ll be a wide selection of champagne and wine, including samples from Sopranos star Lorraine Bracco’s Italian wine company, Bracco Wines. (Dr. Melfi herself will be on hand to talk through your feelings about her wines.) more ›

Hot chocolate aficionados are likely well-aware of The City Bakery's on-going Hot Chocolate Festival through the end of February, but for the layman of the hot chocolate world, Gothamist reminds you to stop by for a cup of the coma-inducing cocoa. With a new flavor each day, including Monday's (2/19) , Thursday's (2/22) cinnamon, and next Monday's (2/26) chili pepper varieties, there's sure to be a cocoa for any type of chocolate lover. Notoriously rich and thick, The City Bakery's hot chocolate is offered in "shot" or cup ($4.50) sizes either with or without a homemade marshmallow. The brew--if one seeks pure indulgence--can be enjoyed with any one of City Bakery's memorable cookies, including new vegan chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin varieties. more ›

Ah, Cinco de Mayo. We finally learned the backstory this year. Apparently, several decades after Mexico gained independence from Spain, France sent 6,000 of its soldiers to invade Mexico in 1862. On May 5th of that year, 2,000 ill-equiped but passionate Mexican citizens defeated the French army. Every year, on May 5th, it has been traditional to honor those brave fighters by partaking in a night of music, tequila and authentic Mexican cuisine, and we are here to help you do so. more ›

Sweet Serendipity: Delightful Desserts and Devilish Dish by Stephen Bruce (Universe, 2004) more ›

Foodies have been flocking to DUMBO for quite a while now. It's no surprise. Who can resist the siren's call of the spicy, New Mexican-inspired breakfast burrito at Superfine? Or a piping hot pizza pie with house-roasted peppers at Grimaldi's. Or the Curried Mussels at Five Front? And, then there is the biggest temptation of them all - Jacques Torres Chocolates, chocked full of decadent, Wonka-like confections for children and adults alike. But is Jacques really the biggest foodie draw in the 'hood? more ›

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You may have some in your well-stocked pantry, but if not, never fear. It's time for the 13th Annual City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival! more ›

Upon entering Time Out New York's Eating & Drinking event at Splashlight Studios the other night, Gothamist felt a little like we had wandered into a fashion event rather than a food event -- stark white walls, dj_cat's 80's music blaring, and tall, thin, beautiful people who certainly looked like they didn't spend all that much time eating. But after we got over feeling a little like Team Party Crash and getting over the fact that we were about a foot shorter than everyone there, we relaxed and joined in the festivities. The event celebrated the launch of TONY's latest Eating and Drinking guide by featuring over 35 restaurants featured within and bringing together some of the city's most famous chefs, including Wylie Dufresne of WD-50. With two floors of tasty delights to choose from, we opted out of Wylie's pickled beef tongue sandwich (sorry, Wylie, tongue still freaks us out a little), and headed upstairs to taste some of the international cuisine featured there. more ›

Say the word "chocolate" and Gothamist swoons with thoughts of deep, dark rich pleasure. Mention the name Jacques Torres and we're lost in memories of his decadent, gourmet chocolates, hand-crafted in his DUMBO factory and retail shop, Jacques Torres Chocolates. more ›

We know how you feel. We live here too. more ›

According to New York Magazine and many others, the best hot chocolate in New York is made by Chef Scott Campbell, at his restaurant, @SQC, on the Upper West Side. Made from Valrhona chocolate and nicknamed "Life in a Cup" on the menu, it's also available at Campbell's other Upper West Side restaurant, Avenue.
What: Hot Chocolate, $4/cup, @SQC
Where: 270 Columbus Avenue between West 72nd and West 73rd Streets.
Extra: The recipe for Scott Campbell's Hot Chocolate.
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