The Wealth of Chocolates

The kindly gods recently introduced me to a man in possession of excessive fortune. Already heartbroken by the reception of a dreadful midterm grade and doubtful of my academic future, I considered capitalizing on my femininity and proclivity for delusion: I would convince myself that this man was my soulmate and that no effort should be spared in his pursuit. Alas, such a fate shall not come to pass. He has a most unfortunate, chronic condition where he irritates me to no end. Miserably, I value my sanity more than millions of dollars. I suppose I must make my own way in the world. Alas, indeed.

Can a man be so rich that he becomes off-putting? I leave that to the individual reader to decide; I reserve my commentary on the matter of richness to hot chocolate.

The kindly gods introduced me long ago to Mink Chocolates. In fact, I believe Mink made the first luxury hot chocolate that I ever had, tasting it first when I was around eight. Suffice to say I have never stopped returning. Mink has become a staple of my downtown regimen and a requisite visit for all of my friends. All the hot chocolates this cafe serves are quite rich, for it is the nature of their chocolate bars. This is true even for the dark chocolate, which is what I speak of today: the Dark Drinking Chocolate.

Mink writes online that "if you’re freaky about your chocolate beverages like we are, Mink’s Drinking Chocolate is for you. Thick, rich, ultra-luxurious, it elevates hot chocolate to a whole new level". An apt description, although an odd first adjective. The most noteworthy thing is how decadent this drink truly is. It has an extraordinary body and high level of sweetness  - a pernicious level, dare I say, that makes me frightened of what the milk chocolate version might possess. Nonetheless, the dark chocolate is quite palatable, a silky concoction of chocolate ganache and milk. I have had neither a burnt nor grainy chocolate, and the sparkling water and bonbon that are served on the side are quite a pleasing touch. 

As I have alluded to, its taste is very sweet, more akin to milk chocolate than dark. Yet the flaw lies not in its riches, but in its dosage. The standard ten ounce serving ought to be reduced to eight. The final dregs are a challenge to sip through, a critique I give to many chocolates: offer a smaller size. Still the chocolate tastes pleasant, with subtle notes of caramel and vanilla. In essence, it is a wonderful drink for a cold winter morning.

Mink thus ranks among the other heavenly hot chocolates. It is of good breeding and good rearing. As with men, these are two characteristics that will set something apart regardless of riches.