Hot Chocolate   

When the original Sinibar opened in the late 1990s, nightcrawlers had the opportunity to satisfy a sweet tooth to the beat of sexy lounge music. Then Sugar opened in River North, showcasing the pastry talents of a former Charlie Trotter chef. Now comes HOT CHOCOLATE, the creation of Mindy Segal, who's been hailed by various press as ''The Best Pastry Chef'' in Chicago. The former MK and MKnorth dessert diva settles into Bucktown with this sweet sensation, offering such signature desserts as butternut squash souffle, caramel-dipped lady apples rolled in cinnamon pie crust, and One Banana, Two Banana. Similar to Sinibar and Sugar, HOT CHOCOLATE complements the area's trendy dining and nightlife scene. By day, it's a contemporary American-style cafe; by night, it moves and grooves like a late-night lounge as the decor is set in warm wood accents, muted metal finishes, cushy booths and delicious chocolate colors. Also, on the menu is an assortment of sandwiches, entrees and salads.