Grace Bell ‘20
December 26, 2019
On Saturday, November 30th, I set out to find my favorite hot chocolate on Cabot Street. At each location I visited, I took notes regarding the temperature, sweetness, and price of each hot chocolate, to give an informative guide to the hot chocolates of Cabot Street.
At the Organic Garden Cafe, there was only one size for a hot chocolate, and it cost $5.50. The drink itself was not very sweet, but rather mild and natural. Their menu listed the ingredients as cashew milk, raw cacao, and turbinado sugar. This drink was very hot, and it came in a compostable cup. Overall, this is a good hot chocolate for someone who is looking to enjoy a healthier version of hot chocolate, with a more mild flavor.
The second stop on my route was Gusto Cafe, where I purchased a small hot chocolate for $2.99. The price for a medium is $3.59, and $3.99 for a large. This hot chocolate came with the option of whipped cream for no additional cost, and it was extremely rich in flavor. This drink was served at a pleasant temperature and was very sweet and chocolaty. Gusto Cafe’s hot chocolate would be good for someone who enjoys rich, flavorful hot chocolate that is quite sweet.
My third stop was at Atomic Cafe, to get a small hot chocolate for $2.75. The prices for medium and large are $3.75 and $4.50. The drink had a very good ratio of whipped cream to hot chocolate, and while it was not as rich in flavor as Gusto’s, it was very close. This hot chocolate was served at a comfortably hot temperature that wouldn’t burn your mouth but is not too cool. I would say that Atomic Cafe’s hot chocolate is the most traditional of all the hot chocolates I tried.
The fourth stop on my trip was at Cassis Bakery, where I got a small hot chocolate for $2.48. The prices for medium and large were $3.19 and $4.02. This hot chocolate was rather milky and mild, with some milk froth on top. The drink was served at a hot temperature and was not my favorite due to the more mild flavor.
The final stop on my trip was at Tartine Kitchen and Eatery, where I bought a small hot chocolate for $4.10. The prices for a medium and large are $5.10 and $6.10. Although these prices were slightly higher than the other locations, Tartine incorporates tips into the price of their items. Tartine’s hot chocolate comes with a small wrapped Biscoff cookie on the side, which tastes similar to both a ginger snap and a graham cracker. The hot chocolate itself was very natural tasting and had a dark chocolate flavor. It was mildly sweet and was served hot.
I would rate these hot chocolate locations as follows, in order of preference:
- Gusto Cafe
- Atomic Cafe
- Tartine Kitchen and Eatery
- Cassis
- Organic Garden Cafe
