Top Five Chocolate DrinksAs welcome as a white Christmas and as fresh as the promise of spring, the Candyland from the master mixologists at the J W Marriott puts a great spin on the chocolate-mint theme. Godiva white chocolate liqueur is blended with light creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps, but the really out-there additions are the basil syrup and strawberry puree. This is one odd-sounding concoction, which is sure to become a new favorite. 235 Louis Campau St. NW, Grand Rapids; ilovethejw.com, (616) 242-1500
Always ready with a clever and tasty drink, San Chez Bistro delivers with customer favorite, the Outer Banks. Like an amped-up steamer, the Outer Banks consists of freshly steamed milk flavored with Grand Marnier, Baileys, Buttershots and chocolate for a sweetly comforting nog. Delicious as is, the Outer Banks is not hurt by a shot of espresso on those long winter nights. 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids; sanchezbistro.com, (616) 774-8272
Perhaps the go-to spot for classic romance on the 14th, the fondue restaurant called the Melting Pot specializes in serious chocolate. For imbibed, rather than eaten chocolate, search the tempting drinks menu for the white chocolate cappuccino. Espresso and steamed and frothed milk enveloped in white chocolate and Godiva White Chocolate liqueur are as perfect a pair as one could ask for. 2090 Celebration Dr., Suite 130, Grand Rapids; meltingpot.com, (616) 365-0055
Uncommon Grounds Cafe
For the teetotaler and the minor, there is plenty of fabulous chocolate, maybe none more so than the French Guiana latte at Uncommon Grounds. These Saugatuck coffee roasters know their beans and mix them into drinks to their best advantage. The French Guiana is a sweet and spicy mélange of ground chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla and cayenne pepper with the standard milk and espresso.
127 Hoffman St., Saugatuck; uncommongroundscafe.com, (269) 857-3333
Happy hour has been an American tradition for decades. For first-shifters it is a welcome buffer time between the job and home, but for those who work unconventional hours it can seem like just another perk for the daylight crowd denied to those who labor at night. Enter Logan's Alley, perfectly situated on Michigan Avenue in Grand Rapids, just a catheter's-throw away from the medical mile and all those who staff it 24/7. This bar's happy hour starts at 7 a.m., and whether you've just gotten up or never gone to bed, it is a judgment-free haven for morning drinkers.
Jesi Sly, sometime-bartender on the a.m. shift, says the time is "like a normal happy hour at 5 p.m., except it's at 7 a.m.. It's not as rowdy usually (as a typical happy hour,) but it can get that way." She thinks a beat and corrects herself, "OK, Fridays can get crazy." Sly seems to greet every patron by name, bustling as the bar is on a Saturday morning, "Oh my goodness, the whole bar is regulars!" Still we uninitiated are not made to feel out of place. Happy hour specials are simple and effective; everything is a dollar off. The Bloody Marys are prepared with care and served with a sidecar of lager. Drafts are varied and well-poured. Popcorn is free, though food served to neighboring bar seats puts it to shame. Everything about Logan's Alley encourages the relaxation and ease that a good happy hour should engender, and it does it before many of us have even had our morning coffee.
Logan's Alley happy hour runs 7-11 a.m. Monday-Saturday. 916 Michigan St. NW, Grand Rapids; logansalley.com, (616) 458-1612
Calendar
Wine School: South France & the Loire Valley Blends
Reds on the River, Rockford
Feb. 7, 7 p.m. / $30 / reds-live.com, (616) 863-8181
Wine school classes are a fun and interactive way to learn about wine. Join Reds on the River's knowledgeable staff to try the wines of Southern France and the Loire Valley, complete with paired appetizers. $30 per person, call for reservations.
Dinner in the Dark
San Chez: A Tapas Bistro, Grand Rapids
Feb.14, 7 p.m. / (616) 774-8272
For an unforgettable Valentine's Day, put your trust in San Chez Bistro as the lights are turned off and your senses are turned on. Dinner in the Dark is just what it sounds like, but so much more: an exciting and new way to taste exquisite pairings of food and drink. The event is $65 per person and inclusive. Make sure to call for reservations.
