For a fourth consecutive year, French premium chocolate manufacturer Valrhona Chocolate will host its Hot Chocolate Festival. However, this year will have some special additions as two more cities will join New York City in the festivities: Montréal and Québec City.
The event, which celebrates artisanal hot chocolate, will take place Saturday, January 19 through Sunday, February 3. Restaurants, bakeries, and chocolatiers from around New York City, Montréal, and Québec City will be participating in the festival, offering unique varieties of the tasty beverage.
Among the participants this year in New York City include Dominique Ansel Kitchen, Levain Bakery, Ladurée, La Maison du Chocolat, Baked, Epicerie Boulud, Brooklyn Roasting Company, Kreuther Handcrafted Chocolate, Lafayette NY, Almondine, Patisserie Chanson, and Marie Belle.
A portion of the proceeds of each hot chocolate sold will go to support the Food Tank Organization (for New York City) and La Tablée des Chefs (for Montréal and Québec City). Food Tank is a non-profit organization that fights food waste and pushes for food system change. La Tablée des Chefs is a non-profit organization that feeds families in need and develops future generations with culinary education.
The event kicks off with a party at Ladurée in Soho on Thursday, January 17. The party will feature previews of all of the festival's inventive hot chocolates and a world renowned latte artist. Ticket sales for the kickoff party will benefit Food Tank.