www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 23-29, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL Champurrado is a thick, creamy drink with a lingering smell of cocoa and hints of cinnamon. It is a type of atole, but while atole can be thickened with corn masa or flour and has an infinite repertoire—fruits, nuts and spices—champurrado is always one flavor: chocolate. Both drinks come from Mesoamerican cultures and are popular in Mexico and Central America. Champurrado has a rich brown color and thickens as it cools down, and people can enjoy it as a pudding. Originally, champurrado was a mix of corn and water. For the Aztecs, it was a sacred drink used in various rituals and ceremonies. It is mentioned by various historical figures including Hernan Cortés, a Spanish conquistador and Francisco Hernández, a personal physician to Philip II of Spain. Nowadays it is available not just for royalty and is a popular drink during late fall and winter in posadas, Day of the Dead and Christmas. It’s a comfort drink to enjoy during cold fall days. It’s made with cocoa, water and cinnamon, thickened with corn starch and sweetened with piloncillo. Locally, there are various places to enjoy a cup of champurrado, including El Milagro in Seaside and Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca in Salinas. El Milagro’s version is served in a large cup and the drink has a rich chocolate flavor. Those with a sweet tooth can add extra sugar. El Milagro Restaurant, 1104 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 324-4125; Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant, 473 E. Market St., Salinas. (831) 975-4766. Cocoa Joy Champurrado is a cup of warm comfort perfectly suited to fall weather. By Celia Jimenez SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com CELIA JIMENEZ The Oven Pizzeria is here to help! Whether it’s a corporate event, family gathering, or a graduation party, we’ve got the perfect pizzas to please everyone. Choose from our classic East Coast thin crust or signature West Coast sourdough for that unique slice. Let us handle the meal, so you can enjoy the time. Craving Pizza? Catering made easy visit www.TheOvenOnBroadway.com for our menu Call us at 831-899-1762 to order! 622 LIGHTHOUSE AVE. MONTEREY. @HULASTIKI • (831) 655-HULA (4852) the original FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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