Dulcinea Liquid Chocolate

I had no idea I liked chocolate this much…

Behind the doors of this little shop, there is something to behold.

An old girlfriend took me here, to Dulcinea on Denman St. in Vancouver.   It’s one of the best things she left me with.

This family run shop has all the pluses of a locally run cafe with REAL Spanish style hot chocolate.  “Dool-see-nay-ah” features a list of the most interesting hot chocolate variations.  If you ask any of the kind-hearted and very welcoming family members Mari, Anton, Geno or Dominique they will tell you all about the drinks, where they are from and that they are made with 100% real organic cocoa – good for the body and the spirit.

Below: Mari (left), and her son Geno.

Despite appearances, the drinks are surprisingly modest in their sweetness level.  In fact, I’ve had a few mugs in one sitting and felt more relaxed and at ease than anything.  They offer sugar-free versions of much of the drinks as well.

I have no guilt about throwing one of these back on a regular basis, my body loves it.

The sweet sound of Latin music by Ottmar Libert [♫] plays in the background as Geno helps my Mom Catherine to determine the drink that will take her to the moon.  Mom was visiting from Ontario with my step dad Deen, this was the first place I had to take them to.

My personal favorite is called Xocolatl:  pure Spanish-style chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon and a real chili to give it some heat.  Apparently this is how the Aztecs used to take it.  Every time I drink it my stresses evaporate into pure bliss, no joke.

I take everyone here by the way.  A great place for a date incidentally.  My mom Catherine (below), with all the fixins’.

Oh and if hot chocolate wasn’t enough did I mention their desserts?  My God…

This is called Xango.  It’s cheesecake wrapped in a tortilla and deep fried.  It comes oven-warmed with strawberry sauce and chocolate syrup, I just about lost control.

Deen was notably impressed.  Mari fed us some free dessert samples, we had a great time.

A while back, I brough my good buddy Andrew.  This was the first day I took him here.  He really likes chocolate but he had never seen the likes of this before.  He bought us each 3 drinks to celebrate.

I believe I’ll call the next picture “Back off, get your own chocolate.”

This wall art was done by Mari and her daughter Dominique.

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But that’s not all…

Did I mention they have live Flamenco here on Tuesdays along with other performances throughout the month?

Yeah.

As I sit here watching them, I feel as though I am on a romantic date with myself.

These guys are great.  I’ve been twice to see them.  I was too mesmorized by the music, dancing and chocolate to catch the name of their group.  Update (Oct.19): I have their name for you…it’s Aire Flamenco (http://www.myspace.com/emadarmoush).