December 2, 2011 - 12:07am
Food Wars: Hot Chocolate
BY DAILY ARTS STAFF
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 521 East Liberty St.
Like Willy Wonka’s factory, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has a river of warm, rich, melted chocolate that it serves to customers for less than three bucks a cup. RMCF’s hot chocolate is like drinking a liquid version of the delectable chocolates sold in the store. Pair with a fudge-covered apple for an Augustus Gloop-inspired chocolate overload.
Starbucks, 1214 South University Ave.
Starbucks has been at this whole coffee business for a while — so this joint knows how to bring it. There’s nothing smoother than the rich sensation of Starbucks hot chocolate, warm and inviting, lavishly topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sweet drizzling of silky chocolate sauce. Wrap cold fingers around the toasty, limited-edition holiday cup and enjoy.
Comet Coffee, 16 Nickels Arcade
Tucked away among the specialty shops of Nickels Arcade, Comet Coffee excels in paying attention to the little details. Though a bit pricy, a cup of hot chocolate is served at a lukewarm temperature with an elegant froth design. The flavor might be a bit underwhelming, but the taste of quality milk makes up for it.
Bruegger’s Bagels, 709 North University Ave.
Bruegger’s plays its hot chocolate straight — there’s no foam, no whipped cream, no sprinkles, no nothing. But that’s because the bagel establishment can afford to leave the wintery treat unadorned. The hot chocolate stands on its own, with a pure, strong chocolately flavor.
And the winner is: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Each week, one Ann Arbor staple menu item becomes a battlefield as Daily Arts editors butt heads over which restaurant makes it best. Where should you go for your burger, fro-yo or garden omelette? Daily Arts will fight for the truth.
