Belgian Hot Chocolate at Old Vienna Cafe

With some rainy days ahead, and winter still hanging around, it’s nice sometimes to take a look at what the local café’s have to offer the weary foot-traveler in Forest Hills (or in my case, the sopping-wet nerd on the bicycle.)

So it was a welcome sight this week when I took shelter in the Old Vienna Café on Queens Boulevard and saw Belgian hot chocolate on the menu.

I figured a mug would be just the ticket, and I was right. I’ve had many a hot chocolate in my time, but none of them tasted as smooth and rich as the cup I got at Old Vienna.

Served piping hot — I mean it, I had to wait a few minutes for it to cool down — I immediately got the full effect of the flavor. It is distinctly chocolatey.

Here’s the thing: it’s no frills. You don’t get whipped cream, there’s no nutmeg. Nobody’s going to wander by with a grater and a cinnamon stick. It’s just chocolate. And it’s great that way.

It has a silky texture that will make the cup disappear, quickly. And if it’s still raining out you’ll probably want to just sit and order another.