Hot chocolate entries on fire
The ‘‘Sweet As’’ Hot Chocolate Challenge will this year feature everything from a sedate Earl Grey concoction to a meringue-topped bevvy to be served on fire.
From today, visitors to the Lower Hutt CBD can try a signature hot chocolate from 15 hospitality operators including cafes, restaurants, a bar and a bakery, all within walking distance.
Customers can vote online by QR code, and the winner will be declared on July 19.
Atrium head chef Anja Hajdarevic said they wanted to stand out with their flaming concoction.
Colab Cafe rebranded last year to become Atrium, and its 2020 creation Baked Jalaska is more a dessert – thick, creamy hot chocolate with the option of orange liqueur, stacked with a brownie, toasted meringue, edible flowers and Jaffas.
And for the finishing touch, flaming alcohol is poured over the top, an act which will only be performed at The Burning Down the House Party on July 17.
There are other events to warm up the evenings, too – back by popular demand is Buzz Cafe’s Death by Hot Chocolate Party on July 11.
Elsewhere, customers can be treated to a Granny’s Apple Pie and Custard creation from The Crooked Elm, a bubblegum surprise at Hot Gossip Cafe, Belgium Bliss with a donut from Tutaki Cafe, or an Earl Grey infusion from Kothitsuji Cafe.
This year the challenge has partnered with Southend Business Group for a ‘‘make your own hot chocolate’’ pop-up container with the team at syrup/flavour-makers Quarterpast.
For a donation of non-perishable food or a few coins, people can make their own hot chocolate, with proceeds going to the Lower Hutt Foodbank.
Hutt City Council CBD development manager Cyndi Christensen said the aim was to bring people into the Hutt CBD.
Last year’s winner, Colab, sold more than 3782 hot chocolates, averaging 150 a day.
‘‘So if that isn’t proof the challenge is a success, I don’t know what is,’’ she said.
Data from 2019 showed a 7.7. per cent increase in spending on hospitality in the Hutt central city during the challenge, compared to the same period the year before.