All Over Albany

Drinking chocolate at Crisan

Warm, spiced chocolate for a cold day.

Yes, we admit it, we've got a little love affair going on with Crisan. ( And yes, we have the love handles to prove it.) It started with a little $1 gelato, then moved on to the Kiss Me phase. Now, we're ready to spend the winter sipping tiny cups of spiced drinking chocolate.

No, not hot cocoa.

Drinking chocolate.

Think warm, dark chocolate, about the thickness of a fondue, served in tiny little cups, with just a hint of a secret blend of spices. Not a lot of spice--just a little kick that you notice at the end of each sip. If you've ever had Mexican drinking chocolate, you'll understand.

Warning-- it's little, but it's rich. This is not a quick hot chocolate or a mocha to go. This tiny cup of warm chocolatey yumminess has to be sipped slowly. Sitting by the window overlooking Lark Street with a good friend, or a good book. It's a great excuse for a little "time out."

You can get a hot chocolate or coffee drinks made with these spiced chocolate shots. They're also yummy, but we prefer ours straight. We're tough that way.

Yes, you'll be tempted by cases full of gorgeous pastry. If you must give in, grab a little cookie so you can use it to get the last of the chocolate from the bottom of the cup. Or take it to go. You won't have room. Trust us on this one.

And now that we've put the idea in your mind, you'll have to wait. Crisan is closed on Monday. Sorry gang.