The Beauty at Our Doorstep
I find that I am so often enraptured by the stars that I forget to see the peonies. At times, I think, I even judge the peony for not being a star, a tragic bias that, if its spirit were enacted, would destroy all the beauty around me and render this planet quite unliveable. Stars are stars and peonies are peonies. Paris is Paris and Vancouver is Vancouver, and I ought not forsake its hot chocolate scene for simply arising on the west coast.
This month, a reacquaintance was required. A long-lost love left for dead, I confess, by this House's fear of mediocrity was sorely in need of an apology. I needed to reintroduce myself to the Vancouver cafe scene that sparked this near amorous passion for hot chocolate. Quite on cue, Dough Girls in Wesbrook Village marched onto centre stage.
Aptly named given this blog space, I was served the House Hot Chocolate. Now it is incumbent upon me to mention that this was served to me in a charming floral teacup beneath a tree engulfed in morning sunlight; I do not imply a biased review but merely a reminder to myself of how quaint these local cafes can be. It is a love letter, more than anything. Nonetheless, my review does not need bias, for this truly was an outstanding cocoa by its own merit. The chocolate flavour was dark and littered with hazelnut undertones. I wish I knew why! Whatever roasting or preparation method is employed in the manufacture of the chocolate generates a unique and earthy flavour.
The drink was absent of steamed milk nothingness and had a smooth and consistent texture. I must admit I always think a thicker chocolate is better; on that point I do not believe I err. While the Dough Girls House Hot Chocolate had an original taste to it, the flavour really would be elevated by a creamier vessel.
I happily invite this chocolate into Heaven. It truly deserves its place in the sky... or merely amongst the peonies.