do this. like today.

With the general hecticness of life right now, we didn’t make any major plans for Christmas break, but one plan we did make was going to check out a place that was recently featured on our local news.

Some of you know that I am pretty much a hot chocolate aficionado. I’m not a big coffee drinker (except when it tastes like dessert- think Frappuccinos and Pumpkin Spice lattes), and I’ve only recently begun getting into hot tea. Hot chocolate, on the other hand, I’m an expert on. It’s pretty much my go-to beverage when I need a little boost.

As a result, imagine my giddy, nerdy excitement when we saw this little feature on WRAL news.  (Side note: does anyone else love the way Dr. Allen Mask says his name? We crack up almost every time.)

I was super pumped about the possibility of sampling some truly gourmet hot chocolate, especially in such a neat setting (I had been wanting to check out the Umstead for a while, and let’s just say the chances of us getting a room there are less than slim). Also, can you think of a more fun Christmas break weekday activity to do with your husband? I think not.

We decided to eat in the bar/lounge area, and asked our waiter right away for some of the world-famous hot chocolate we had been hearing about. Unfortunately, he told us that it was a seasonal drink (or something like that), and they didn’t have any prepared.

Womp. womp.

Serious bummer. Thankfully, my knight in shining armor mentioned that we had seen it featured on the news and we had been really excited to try it. He also may or may not have mentioned something about his pregnant wife having a serious craving for it. Sympathy votes, people.

We were thrilled when a girl returned to tell us that while they didn’t have any on hand, the chef would be happy to make us some if we were willing to wait about 25 minutes. Ummm YES. Have you ever had a chef make something special just for you? Very exciting experience.

While we waited, we enjoyed amazing appetizers of fried pickles and homemade chips (can you tell we’re on a health kick?), and just generally soaked in the über posh atmosphere.

And then. It arrived.

The most delectable tray of deliciousness I have ever laid eyes on. You thought we would be getting some hot chocolate in a mug, didn’t you?

Instead, this little miracle magically appeared before us:

A teapot of the smoothest, most creamy hot chocolate I have ever tasted, homemade marshmallows that were so fresh they were basically melting, and homemade whipped cream with a hint of Bailey’s cream (don’t worry, our waitress assured me it was the teensiest bit).

 

The next half hour or so was spent with me squealing various things about it being the most amazing thing I’ve ever tried, and trying to ward of the impending sugar coma for as long as possible. It. was. so. good.

After we finished, we enjoyed a little stroll around the first floor of the hotel. We loved looking at the beautiful artwork and marveling at the swanky little details (like real towels in the bathroom!).

Overall, it was one of the most fun dates we’ve been on in a while. While it was a little pricey (the hot chocolate was $8, though it did make several cups), we chalked up the extra expense to ambiance and the fact that it was a special treat.

Especially with these crazy chilly temperatures that have recently set in, I’m going to go ahead and say this is a pretty perfect winter afternoon date!