About Us

Critically acclaimed pastry chef Mindy Segal will soon give Chicago diners the opportunity to enjoy every aspect of her delightful pastries and then some. Hitting the city in early spring of 2005 is HOTCHOCOLATE, an urban café and dessert experience featuring Segal's personal renditions of classic American food and the sweets that inspired Chicago magazine to name her "The Best Pastry Chef in Chicago." Mindy has dazzled Chicagoans with her marvelous interpretations of timeless American desserts. HOTCHOCOLATE is the culmination of 15 years of creativity and passion.

With her flair for beautiful cake and pastry design, Mindy's creations are the perfect choice for special occasions. Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime wedding ceremony, a 13-year-old's bar/bat mitzvah or a monumental birthday celebration, the HOTCHOCOLATE staff will individually design a custom cake or sweet table.

In addition to cult favorites Segal made famous at the nationally acclaimed mk and mkNorth restaurants, like Cake & Shake and One Banana, Two Banana, expect HOTCHOCOLATE exclusives such as Butternut Squash Soufflé, Ode to the Heirloom Apple and Glorious Pears. Supplementing the rotating seasonal creations is a "Sides & Extras" menu that includes such interactive delights as a shot of iced milk chaser with a fudge brownie, flights of infused hot chocolates or creamy milkshakes and the larger-than-life cookie and confections platter that is sure to turn heads throughout the dining room.

The cheese and wine connoisseur will delight in a carefully selected collection of artisan-crafted cheese and diverse global wines. Standout American cheesemakers such as Sally Jackson, Lady Lady and Capriole Farms will be spotlighted on the menu, expertly paired with boutique wines from around the world.

Those looking for a little savory before their sweet can choose from a crock of chicken liver mousse, "share-perfect" starters like Funky Breadsticks with assorted dips, or Fritto Misto. Eclectic plates will include bistro classics with a twist, such as Chopped Tuna Nicoise; Frisee Salad with Bacon, Soft Boiled Egg and Shaved Mushrooms; Grilled Cheese with Aged Taleggio and Roasted Radicchio on Red Hen Sourdough; or roasted Gunthrop Farm Chicken with Pommes Frites.

Ideal for a robust lunch, late afternoon snack, casual dinner, late-night dessert rendezvous or leisurely weekend brunch, HOTCHOCOLATE promises to quickly become a unique setting for one of Chicago's hottest dining destinations.