Mid-Morning Indulgence

A beautifully made cappuccino with a side of chocolate at Thom Bargen

One of my favourite little indulgences on a vacation (or a weekend) is a rich cappuccino - full fat - with a little piece of dark chocolate. It's sweet, but not over the top and it's such a lovely way to start the day. When I'm travelling, I'm always on the hunt for gourmet chocolate shops and independent espresso bars. If you're in Vancouver, try Thomas Haas and 49th Parallel. In New York, I sampled decadent truffles from Mast Brothers and sipped cappuccino at Blue Bottle Coffee.

Here in Winnipeg, Thom Bargen is one of my favourites. For 4.50$ you can have an expertly made cappuccino and a piece of dark chocolate from Oregon. The sweetness of the chocolate and the bitterness of the espresso blend together perfectly. While you're sipping, visit with the friendly staff, pour over a good book by the sunny counter, or pop back to the shop up the steps, Wilder Dry Goods, selling bags made in Manitoba.

What are your favourite little indulgences?