“Hot chocolate is one of those drinks so comforting that even bad hot chocolate still tastes good,” according to Melissa Clark from the New York Times. In Asheville plenty of restaurants and coffee shops offer hot cocoa options. Some of the most raved about places include Starbucks, Another Broken Egg, the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, and Beehive Coffee Bar. Sales of hot chocolate go up in this cold weather according to Sophie Charlton, owner of Beehive Coffee Bar in South Asheville. “We put all of our love into a little cup of hot chocolate. No, we actually use Ghirardelli chocolate,” Charlton said. Beehive is a small, local coffee shop. Their coffee is Dynamite brand, made down the road in Black Mountain. “We are a comfortable place to hang out. We are very eclectic and aesthetically appealing. Oh, I love our customers,” Charlton said. For another hot cocoa drink in a slightly less local atmosphere, try Another Broken Egg or Starbucks. “I get hot chocolate from Starbucks quite a lot. It seems like their hot chocolate is richer and thicker,” english teacher Tristen Plemmons said. Plemmons is a total hot cocoa fan, and claims they always have some mix for the drink at her house as well. “Well I’m a ‘chocoholic’ anyway, so the chocolate is by far my favorite (part),” Plemmons said. “I think my very favorite food in the world is chocolate, so I will take it anyway I can get it -- solid form, liquid form, it doesn’t really matter.” According to Plemmons, hot chocolate is a great beverage for the holiday season. “And I also think that the holiday season is time where people kind of forget about eating healthy,” Plemmons said. However, Plemmons said that if calories are a worry to some, they do offer diet hot chocolate packets at the local grocery stores. Another Broken Egg, another chain restaurant that offers hot chocolate is located in Biltmore Park. Their hot chocolate is made with steamed milk and Hershey’s chocolate sauce. Served in a colorful mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, the presentation is part of the experience. Sophomore Beth Scott, like Plemmons, sees hot chocolate as a beverage of this winter season. “When I think of Christmas or winter I think of curling up in a blanket or sitting by the fire so that warm drink is just relaxing,” Scott said. “I mean it tastes wonderful.” Beth Scott said she goes to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge downtown at least twice a month. “It’s definitely like a nice, cozy place to go with friends-- sit around and eat chocolate.” The Chocolate Lounge offers hot chocolate in multiple froms. They serve regular hot chocolate, a “chocolate sip,” or their “liquid truffle.” Scott’s favorite treat during winter is the “liquid truffle.” “To me, (the liquid truffle) is like a European style, and it’s a lot thicker. It’s just really smooth and chocolatey.” Tis’ the season for some warm, chocolate goodness. “I think because of the cold weather, people like the warmth. It’s kind of like a comfort food to warm the bones during the winter,” Plemmons said.