Written by DCist contributor Whitney Satin

Time to embrace the crisp weather that’s finally settled in by cozying up with a steamy cup of hot chocolate or cocoa. Oft-talked about versions include Murky’s famous $5 cup, or the bevy of celebrity starlets served up at ACKC, but the District welcomes a few new options this season to help you stave off the chill … or just indulge a chocolate craving.

Locolat Café
Niel Piferoen, owner and pastry chef at Adams Morgan’s Locolat Café, has an extensive background when it comes to desserts, including a two-year stint manning the helm of Citronelle’s pastry. Locolat focuses on fine Belgian chocolate, which Piferoen transforms into an assortment of hand-crafted truffles, pastries, and, of course, hot chocolate. Piferoen melts bits of imported dark, milk, or white chocolate to order and combines this rich base with steamed whole, skim, or soy milk. Chocolate aficionados will appreciate the resulting cupful of smooth, unadulterated chocolate flavor that can be enjoyed on the go or while people watching from one of Locolat’s tables for two.

Image courtesy of Jess J