NYC Day Trip for Hot Chocolate

I was randomly speaking to colleagues last year when I revealed that I travel to New York City from Washington D.C. to get hot chocolate. It sounded odd to them but it’s true. I book a round trip ticket by train or by bus for the main purpose of delighting in hot chocolate from L.A. Burdick. Not just any hot chocolate, but the best in the United States.

I was still in the tundra flying to Boston for much needed recuperation sessions that included a hot chocolate drink from the L.A. Burdick store in Harvard Square when I discovered that they had a shop in New York City. Game-changer. New York City was much closer to family, and while I didn’t visit that often, I found myself falling into a pattern where a visit included a trip to Prince Street.

I have taken everyone to L.A. Burdick. My cousin from Belgium who introduced me to Quetzal. Another cousin studying in Boston at the time. Friends from out of town. Date night treats. L.A. Burdick and I go a long way back. So it only makes sense that I visit once a year, be it in Boston or in New York City, to indulge myself with a small cup of hot chocolate and rekindle these memories. Doing it during the Christmas season makes the moment that more magical because who doesn’t love New York City during the holidays?

I have asked myself if I would continue this annual pilgrimage when L.A. Burdick opens a store in Washington, D.C. but since they haven’t yet, it is an irrelevant for the time being. Since each New York Burdick trip morphs into something more, I may just continue. Time shall tell.

On this year’s trip, I was joined by a friend. After arriving at Penn Station, we walked over to the East Village for dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, a cart-less Hong-Kong based establishment billed as one of the most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Onwards to L.A. Burdick and then to the John Golden Theatre to watch Slave Play, which deserves it’s own post. Afterwards a drink to help process and then back home. A well spent day!