If that snowstorm a couple of weeks back was any indication, we'd say that winter is well on its not-so-merry way.Luckily, the Revere Hotel has just devised a rather excellent way to ward off those winter doldrums: "Pop It Like It's Hot: A Taza Hot Chocolate Pop-Up Shop!" What's better than a gourmet hot-cocoa stand with decadent offerings like meringue brûlée and, uh, maple-bacon hot chocolate? That would be a free gourmet hot-cocoa stand. In return, they're asking for a "pay-what-you-want" donation to benefit the Home for Little Wanderers, a local children's nonprofit. That's a deal to warm both your freezing bones and your heart.
Not a chocolate lover? You can pop over to the Mandarin Oriental to sample "The Parlor," their new pop-up afternoon tea lounge, which has seasonal treats like hot toddies with rum, Calvados, Scotch, or bourbon (yes, please), an array of herbal teas, pastries, tea sandwiches, and more. Those aren't free . . . but they sound equally delicious.
POP IT LIKE IT'S HOT | Fridays from 3 to 6 pm, through Dec 21 | Lobby of the Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St, Boston | reverehotel.com
THE PARLOR | Daily from 2 to 6 pm | Lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston St, Boston |mandarinoriental.com/boston
