The quest for chocolate chaud in paris (Part 1: Angélina)


Le chocolat Africain at Angélina - does it live up to the hype?

Open almost any guidebook for Paris and you inevitably find a listing for this venerable salon du thé on Rue de Rivoli, facing the Tuileries. However, it’s not tea that draws hoards of people to this food landmark in Paris. Rather, it’s the 6 euro serving of their specialty hot chocolate, le chocolat Africain.

I expected greatness. I expected a cup of hot chocolate that would have such a depth of flavor, such a smooth texture, that all future cups of hot chocolate would sadly never even make it onto the scale for comparison. I expected impeccable, gracious service and another shining example of French culinary artistry.

Instead, my friend and I found ourselves waiting in a long line, shown a table with a nonchalant flick of the wrist, denied our desired pastries because they were sold out, and served by a waitress who looked ready to throw the silverware at us.

But sometimes the food redeems itself when service and atmosphere disappoint. In this case, le chocolat Africain tried its best but couldn’t completely succeed. It arrived in a little pitcher with a side of whipped cream, tempting us with its aroma and thick texture.

The first sip was almost nutty in flavor, with hints of coffee at the end. It was silky smooth and not too sweet, pleasantly coating the mouth. You couldn’t deny the high quality of the chocolate. However, my second reaction was that it wasn’t hot enough - while a lukewarm temperature helps you taste all the flavors, it isn’t called hot chocolate for nothing. Factor in the side of cool whipped cream, and it would have lowered the temperature even more.

While I would agree with those who laud Angélina for le chocolat Africain, the service issues and the lukewarm temperature of the hot chocolate make me hesitate returning for a second visit. However, the long lines queuing outside this landmark location seem to show that other people may not be as picky as I am. Go only if you care about the hot chocolate and nothing else.

Angélina
225 Rue de Rivoli
75008 Paris
01 42 60 82 00



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January 17th, 2006
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Tasting Notes
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Hot Chocolate

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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Carolg
Posted on:
January 18, 2006 at 11:55 am

I think you have to go to Angelina’s at an off time..either very very early - 9:30 or lateish afternoon(my 2nd successful try). Time of year is a factor too. If it’s heavy tourist season, forget it. The point is yes the chocolate is great, but I love all the accoutrements as well..like I would have killed to buy that glass water pitcher. The cups, saucers-the whole still life is exquisite to me. Plus the taste of course though now that you mention it, mine was lukewarm too..hmmm I would definitely avoid going in when there are lines. You can get great chocolat chaud in many, many Paris cafes. And if you want to go high-end then Flore or Deux Magot are terrific & their still lifes are just as beautiful.

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Carolg
Posted on:
January 19, 2006 at 4:55 am

BTW I heard chocolat chaud at the Ritz bar(I think) is quite special. Have you tried it yet Christine?

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
Daniel
Posted on:
January 27, 2006 at 3:39 pm

Angelina’s is to Paris what Tavern on the Green is to New York. Way overhyped and tired. We also had horrible service, but unlike the writer, we didn’t even care for the chocolate or the (stale) pastries. Waste of time. I too have heard that the Ritz serves a sublime hot chocolate.

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
Christine Yue
Posted on:
January 28, 2006 at 3:05 pm

I ended up trying the chocolate at the Ritz- perfect in every way, although atmosphere was a little too “ritzy” for a casual stop-in. Also pricier at 8,50 Euro per serving.

Comment Number:
5
Written by:
Carolg
Posted on:
January 30, 2006 at 2:45 am

Wish you’d taken a picture..I shall have to try it for sure :) Price is not object w/ hot chocolate IMO

Comment Number:
6
Written by:
Daniel
Posted on:
January 30, 2006 at 8:23 pm

BTW, I assume that hot chocolate at the Ritz is served at the Vendome Bar, and not at L’Espadon, right? Although I suppose since breakfast is served at L’Espadon (last time I checked) I guess it could be served there as well.

Comment Number:
7
Written by:
Christine Yue
Posted on:
January 31, 2006 at 3:38 am

Yes, it was at the Bar Vendome. Not sure if they have it at the other locations inside the Ritz.

Comment Number:
8
Written by:
Daniel
Posted on:
February 2, 2006 at 5:24 am

Great, thanks. We leave for Paris in a week. My wife and I are expecting our first child in June, and thankfully hot chocolate is one of the things she loves which is not on the “no no list”.

Comment Number:
9
Written by:
Dennis Horvath
Posted on:
February 13, 2006 at 9:34 am

Service pedestrian at best. Hot chocolate average and yes, luke warm. Avoid the desserts at all costs…three different and all stale. Saving grace was the best mushroom omelette I’ve ever had.

Comment Number:
10
Written by:
Daniel
Posted on:
February 25, 2006 at 5:46 pm

We just got back from Paris, and just to close the Ritz hot chocolate loop, we had it at the Bar Vendome and it was mighty fine. Thanks for the suggestion.

Comment Number:
11
Written by:
Stephan
Posted on:
January 14, 2007 at 5:31 am

I agree with Carolg. I also had ‘chocolat chaud’ at the Cafe de Flore and it was excellent for beakfast with a small baguette and butter.