Frommer's Review
Mindy Segal's desserts got raves when she worked at the restaurant mk, so when she opened her own place in early 2005 -- with a dessert theme, no less -- there were lines almost immediately. Although Segal knows her way around high-end kitchens, she's designed Hot Chocolate to be more of a casual neighborhood spot, the kind of place you can stop in for a brioche and coffee in the morning, a Kobe beef steak sandwich at lunch, or a plate of glazed pork tenderloin in the evening. However, desserts are the main event here; many use seasonal fruit (apple-cider potpie, or the banana napoleon, with layers of caramelized bananas, banana coffee cake, graham crackers, and a topping of banana ice cream), but chocoholics can get their fill, too, with dishes such as the rich chocolate soufflé with caramel ice cream. Or you can finish up with a flight of mini hot chocolates served with homemade marshmallows. The restaurant is stylish but warm, with lots of exposed wood and (not coincidentally) chocolate-brown upholstery. My only complaint is that Hot Chocolate has been a little too successful; come on a weekday (for a late lunch or early dinner) to avoid a wait.
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