It was merely a question of time (11 years) and cravings before Toronto followed in Vancouver's footsteps, launching its own Hot Chocolate Festival at Canada's largest shipping container market.
Record snowfalls, the unwelcome surge of Omicron and January’s shutdown of sanity-maintaining refuges such as restaurants, bars and yoga studios have made this winter seem meaner and more bitter than usual. Now, more than ever, we all need a little love and chocolate in our lives.
Fortunately, Stackt Market has Torontonians covered with the city’s first-ever Hot Chocolate Fest. For 10 days and nights in February, visitors can partake in sweet chocolate guzzling and swoony Valentine-centric events, guaranteed to thaw out even the most frostbitten endorphins.
Festivities kick off on Feb. 11 with a free opening night party featuring live soul from Ray Robinson and chill vibes from DJ Majesty. The celebratory tone continues on subsequent days with the likes of a Drag Brunch, a Super Bowl party and a romantic Valentine’s Day tasting menu at GoldInn, Stackt’s (heated) rooftop restaurant occupying a suspended, golden-hued shipping container.
Throughout the Fest, most of the chocolatey action takes place at Stackt’s (heated) Bailey’s patio where you can purchase a S’mores Kit ($19.95), then head to the toasty fire pits to engage in some serious meltage. Chase the s’mores’ gooey goodness with booze-and-serotonin-spiked hot chocolate cocktails ($9.95) from the on-site hot chocolate shack. Flavours include orange, cookies & cream and smokey poblano.
Other chocolatey events and activities include hot chocolate mug painting, a vegan chocolate treats workshop and a DIY chocolate cookie pop workshop led by resident dessert shop, Pandoughra’s Box. In the lead-up to Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day-themed workshops such as astrology tote bag painting (which includes a free tarot reading) and DIY resin crafts offer fun hands-on opportunities to create original gifts for loved ones.
Sponsored by Bailey’s and The Hudson's Bay Company, Hot Chocolate Fest runs from Feb. 11 to 22 at Stackt Market, located at 28 Bathurst Street. Tickets for the free opening night party are available online. Since numbers are limited due to Covid restrictions, online registration is required for all events and activities, both free and paid. At the time of writing, some activities are already sold out.
