Usually I go for coffee in the morning, but...

Sunday morning saw yet another round of brunch in the Windy City. (Which, by the way, seems to be recession proof. No matter which brunch place I visit on a given weekend, it's packed when I get there, complete with a crowd of people waiting, remains so as I'm eating, and even when I leave. This makes me happy.) This weekend was a trip to Hot Chocolate, over in Wicker Park. As the name suggests, I highly recommend starting the meal with one of their delicious hot chocolate varieties...

This is their half-and-half hot chocolate, which is half dark chocolate and half espresso, complete with a homemade marshmallow which melts into the best sugary goodness you can imagine. Then, as an appetizer (yes, an appetizer), go for the warm, freshly made doughnuts:

Then, of course, you must order your actual meal. Their menu changes rather frequently, which keeps it interesting. This time I had the Genoa Salami Scramber. Delicious.

Besides the fabulous food, Hot Chocolate also has a modern, chic interior, with funky artwork and funky music. Oh, and one more thing...they also have a dessert/pastry bar. Next time I'll have to get some pastries to bring home. I love this place.