Today, the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is the perfect therapy for escaping the dreary rainy days of winter.

Started in 2012, the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is a four-week celebration running until February 14th with more than 40 vendors with 65+ locations across the lower mainland. 

It features some of our best regional chocolatier’s, pastry chops, bakeries, cafes and ice cream makers and even more importantly, it’s an opportunity for us to support small, local businesses.

Here in my neighbour of Kerrisdale Village, I visited Artigiano Café which is offering two custom hot chocolate drinks during the festival.

I savored the Fluffernutter Hot Chocolate with chocolate peanut syrup, whipped marshmallow with shaved chocolate and served with a flutternutter cookie. My cookie quickly submerged below the wiped cream, so I need to rescue it faster next time. 

Overall, my Fluffernutter Hot Chocolate was light and delicate, but not a hot as I would have preferred. The second option is the Salted Caramel Miso Hot Chocolate which I look forward to tasting next week.

Also, in the Kerrisdale Village I discovered that Honolulu Coffee and Gem Chocolates are also participating in the festival. More hot chocolate to taste and experience in the weeks ahead.

So, head to Kerrisdale Village to visit one of our fine Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival vendors for the best medicine to shake off those grey winter days.

Related story: Discover Laowai, a hidden lounge in Vancouver’s Chinatown

The post Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival: best medicine for winter appeared first on styledrama.

Back in the 18^th century, picnics were very elegant social affairs for the wealthy and privileged. A special occasion that required fashionable attire, fine food and drinks that could take weeks to organize.

Related: Le Diner en Blanc: Vancouver’s all white summer party

After over a year under a ‘stay-at-home’ order, heading out doors on a picnic with friends or family feels like a new-found luxury.

Partnering with the region’s best-loved artisanal food suppliers, Café Artigiano picnic kits menu include organic meats from the Pemberton Valley’s Two Rivers Specialty Meats, cheese selections from Granville Island’s Benton Brothers Cheese and vegan cheese options from Main Street’s Blue Heron Creamery.

Place your picnic kit order at one of three Artigiano’s North Shore locations where you can also choose a bottle of Italian red, white, or rosé from their curated wine list, or 4-pack of North Point Brewing Co.’s Life of Rily Hazy IPA or Staycation Pilsner.  

Café Artigiano picnic kits are available for pick-up and dine in at select locations with patios. Plus, you may order for delivery via the Artigiano App so guests can bring the party directly to their yard, park, or nearest beach.

The post Summer luxury style: Café Artigiano picnic kits appeared first on styledrama.