Peppermint straciatella (chocolate chip) gelato is available at La Divina Gelateria, alongside other holiday flavors like eggnog, castagnaccio, and da Reggio (carrot, ginger, and mascarpone).  In the straciatella, vanilla gelato is dotted with delicate chocolate flakes and a sprinkling of crushed peppermint candies.  It reminded me of long-gone Mile High Pie at the Ponchartrain Hotel, which sometimes featured peppermint ice cream in lieu of strawberry during the holiday season.

Too cold for gelato after a day’s shopping on Magazine Street?  Then try out La Divina’s new drinking chocolate, made with Valrhona.  It’s a liquid chocolate bar, in a go-cup, perfect for sipping and strolling.

La Divina is making merry next Saturday, December 19th:  a special coffee event with the guys from Orleans Coffee Exchange.  Talk coffee with the experts and taste some of the best espresso in town.  I wish I could be there!