City Bakery

In this life, there are a few perfect combinations. Me & R. Blueberries & Corn Chex. Avocados & salt. Chocolate & peanut butter. Chocolate & pretzels. Chocolate &... a lot of things, actually; specifically, for our purposes today: City Bakery's hot chocolate and pretzel croissant.

Now, I'm a big fan of pretzels generally. Everyone has their defining snack food, and pretzels are mine. I also believe that there is something sacred about a really, really good croissant. So combine those two things in all their buttery, flaky, salty glory, and pair the result with the thickest, richest, most chocolatiest hot chocolate in the world, and it's pretty hard to beat.

I should note that City Bakery also has a very decent savoury food buffet, not to mention some excellent cookies and other pastries. Or so I'm told. The pretzel croissant-hot chocolate combo has always inoculated me against all other temptations. If you're in the neighborhood (of City Bakery or any of its Birdbath offshoots), it's hard to go wrong.

I should further note that this is one of the only things -- actually the only food thing I can think of -- where R and I differ. He claims their hot chocolate is too thick and sweet. I counter that he is insane, and it is everything anyone could ever want from hot chocolate. If you're looking for cocoa, open a packet of Swiss Miss.

February is the perfect time to visit because it's the Hot Chocolate Festival. Every day, in addition to the standard, they offer another, different flavor. Some are more tempting than others. I'd recommend going with a friend, and getting one of each so you don't feel you're missing out.

City Bakery gets crowded, but if one person waits in line and the other scouts around upstairs, there's usually enough turnover to find a seat by the time your hot chocolate arrives. Oh, and do say yes to the marshmallow.

MAP

RECIPE: Cacio e Pepe, because it sounds basic, but this is one of those times when the ingredients add up to way more than the sum of their parts.