National Chocolate Day
Today is National Chocolate Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by visiting your favorite restaurant, or bakery. Here are a few of our favorite chocolate spots and some of their creations!
Arely’s French Bakery Cafe has just the thing to satiate your sweet tooth on National Chocolate Day! Stop in for a taste of Paris and try any number of their chocolate pastries or baked goods. All of Arely’s baked goods are prepared fresh daily using traditional French baking techniques and the finest ingredients. We especially love their puffy, flaky Chocolate Croissants, Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, and Chocolate Mousse Cake. Stop by on the big day (or any day) to get your chocolate fix!
Located in Mission Hills, Farmer’s Bottega is an intimate farm-to-fork spot that offers guests a rustic ambiance like that of a real farmhouse, complete with reclaimed vintage decor, iron chandeliers, and hollowed wine barrels. In addition to their delicious and fresh brunch and dinner menus, you can also find some awesome chocolate dessert offerings. Stop by for dinner, then close the meal out with their Molten Lava Chocolate Cake, or try a slice of their Nutella Cheesecake.
Well known for its bold Latin and Caribbean flavors, Coco Maya brings a unique and unforgettable experiences to the Little Italy neighborhood. Their menu may feature tastes of ocean, smoke, and char, but of course they have some noteworthy desserts that are waiting to be enjoyed. Our personal favorite is their Fresh-Made Chocolate-Covered Churros, which are the perfect combination of cinnamon and chocolate, fried to tasty perfection. If that’s not your cup of tea, then try the Marsequitas, a crispy thin waffle topped with Nutella, cherry jam, edam cheese, and blackberries.
For those who prefer to celebrate with a delightful chocolatey beverage, stop by either of Spill the Beans' two locations, in the Gaslamp or Seaport Village. While their Hot Chocolate might be the first thing to catch your eye, the La Vida Mocha, made with Aztec chocolate, dark chocolate, espresso, and milk, is sure to satisfy your cravings! They also have a Nutella spread that can be added to any bagel order, if you’re feeling extra celebratory.
If you’re in a hurry and still want to experience the wonders of National Chocolate Day, then you are in luck! Stop by Cork & Knife, in Escondido or Rancho Santa Fe, for some prepackaged treats to-go. In addition to tons of options to create your own charcuterie board as well as a carefully curated selection of wines, they also have several chocolate-dipped fruit items, like their Chocolate Covered Cherries, Oranges, and Figs. These sweet treats also pair quite well with any number of wines and cheese they have available.
Operacaffe, in the Gaslamp, is another prime chocolate destination that is well known for its traditional and authentic Italian dishes. Their dessert menu features several delicacies like the La Canterina, a chocolate filled lava cake stuffed with melted Nutella, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; as well as the Torta del Nonno, a deliciously rich flourless cake made from an aerated chocolate custard.
