Inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest coming to downtown Peterborough in February

From February 17 to 26, festival goers can vote on their favourites from among 15 hot chocolate creations at participating cafés and restaurants

By kawarthaNOW -
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Black Honey Bakery & Café's Mayan Hot Chocolate is one of 15 hot chocolate creations available during the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest in downtown Peterborough from February 17 to 26, 2003. This luxurious vegan hot chocolate beverage is infused with cayenne pepper and cinnamon with a whipped cream topping and chili pepper and cocoa paired with a spiced chocolate cookie for dipping. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Black Honey Bakery & Café's Mayan Hot Chocolate is one of 15 hot chocolate creations available during the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest in downtown Peterborough from February 17 to 26, 2003. This luxurious vegan hot chocolate beverage is infused with cayenne pepper and cinnamon with a whipped cream topping and chili pepper and cocoa paired with a spiced chocolate cookie for dipping. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)

Peterborough’s first-ever Hot Chocolate Fest is coming to downtown Peterborough for 10 days in February.

The inaugural festival was announced at a media event on Monday (February 13) at the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Visitors Centre by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), which is organizing the festival with the support of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and sponsorship by Shorelines Casino Peterborough.

Running from Friday, February 17th to Sunday, February 26th, the festival will see 15 over-the-top hot chocolate creations available for dine-in or takeout at participating cafés and restaurants in the downtown area known as The Boro.

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There will be something for everyone’s taste, from classic hot chocolate beverages taken to the next level, to chocolate-inspired food items, and even hot chocolate cocktails. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

“Working behind the scenes, I felt like we were in an episode on The Food Network,” says DBIA communications and marketing manager Hillary Flood. “Without giving away too many spoilers, I can tell you our downtown culinary community truly stepped up to the plate for our Hot Chocolate Fest.”

“We have some whimsical items that will take you straight back to childhood with lots of chocolatey bells and whistles, alongside more adventurous culinary feats like the ‘hot’ chocolate chicken wings Chef Jessie from Champs is cooking up. This festival will transport your tastebuds in really fun and cheeky ways.”

Turnbull Café's Brownie Raspberry Hot Cocoa is one of 15 hot chocolate creations available during the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest in downtown Peterborough from February 17 to 26, 2003. It features a blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries and topped with real whipped cream layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie and fresh raspberries and drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Turnbull Café’s Brownie Raspberry Hot Cocoa is one of 15 hot chocolate creations available during the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest in downtown Peterborough from February 17 to 26, 2003. It features a blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries and topped with real whipped cream layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie and fresh raspberries and drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
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The cafés and restaurants participating in the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest are Black Honey Bakery & Café, Naked Chocolate, Kit Coffee, Dreams Café and Bistro, Turnbull Café, Champs Bar And Grill, Nateure’s Plate, Agave by Imperial, Speak Easy Café, The Black Horse Pub, Milk + Tea, Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, Canoe Co. Café, and Tragically Dipped Donut.

Festival goers can plan their cocoa adventure by visiting the festival’s online Hot Chocolate Map at ptbohotchocolatefest.com and vote online for their favourite creation.

At the end of the festival the online votes will be tallied to select the winning Top Hot Chocolatier, who will receive bragging rights for the year as well as a hot chocolate-themed trophy.

Dreams Café and Bistro's Toasty Charms Hot Chocolate is one of 15 hot chocolate creations available during the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest in downtown Peterborough from February 17 to 26, 2003. This nostaligic offering includes homemade hot chocolate flavoured with toasted marshmallow syrup, whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, and some Lucky Charms hit with the blow torch. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Dreams Café and Bistro’s Toasty Charms Hot Chocolate is one of 15 hot chocolate creations available during the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest in downtown Peterborough from February 17 to 26, 2003. This nostaligic offering includes homemade hot chocolate flavoured with toasted marshmallow syrup, whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, and some Lucky Charms hit with the blow torch. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
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“We are proud to be working alongside our partners at the DBIA to support the new Hot Chocolate Fest,” says Joe Rees, director of tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. “This initiative supports local restaurants and cafes during a traditionally slower period in the winter season and will encourage increased visitation and spending in the downtown.”

In honour of the inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest, organizers will be giving away free hot chocolate on Valentine’s Day. The pop-up hot chocolate stand will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday (February 14) in the front courtyard of Peterborough Square between Simcoe and George streets.

For more information on how to participate in Peterborough’s first annual Hot Chocolate Fest, visit the festival website at ptbohotchocolatefest.com and follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram.

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