Winter can be a time of hibernation for those who avoid setting foot outside in chilly winds and darker skies. There is a way to enjoy the colder months – wrap up in a scarf, light up that fireplace and, perhaps most importantly, get those hot chocolates out in full force. It’s a well-known fact that a luscious cup of cocoa melts away the winter chill.

Homemade hot chocolates are a great way to salute winter at home, as well as being a quick and easy treat to make. While, traditionally, the drink is the result of a few tablespoons of cocoa powder, this can sometimes leave a powdery texture and needs additional sweetening. Bittersweet owner Melissa Atkinson suggests there is another way to make your own hot chocolate even tastier – use chocolate callets.

Chocolate callets are chocolate buttons that make a smooth and creamy hot chocolate when melted down. Making the drink is easy – just drop a tablespoon or two’s worth of chocolate callets into the bottom of a mug and microwave to soften. Add to the chocolate some hot milk and stir to combine. Making your own hot chocolate also means you are able to add in additions to suit your tastes, like chilli powder or cinnamon.

Hot chocolate can take many forms and the callets available at Bittersweet come in white, milk and two dark chocolate forms (at 53% and 80% respectively.) Callets are available at Bittersweet for $8.00 per 250 g. If you are more of a traditionalist, cocoa powder is also available at Bittersweet at $8.00 a bag.

Monday nights have been declared date night at Libertine Restaurant. The French-Vietnamese food destination will be providing couples with a decadent eating experience in its stylish surroundings.

Whether you are accompanying your beloved or your bestie, for $85 you can experience the splendour of an elaborate five-course banquet that will include Wagyu Tartare, Baked Sashimi-Grade Japanese Scallops, BBQ Lemongrass Chicken and the specialty Pork Belly. To finish the dining experience, your meal will also include a delicious Dessert du Jour.

To end the date on a high, dazzle your partner with the addition of two Palace Barracks Cinema tickets to see whatever Monday night movie you desire. Bookings are essential and availability is strictly limited, so to avoid missing out, call 3367 3353 to make a reservation.

We asked the friendly folk at The Barracks how they plan on celebrating Easter. From Left to Right.

Sarah: “I’m going camping on my Aunt’s farm.”

Quigley: “Unplugging all technological devices to spend time with my family.”

Zoe: “I’m heading to the beach with my friends.”

Mark: “I’ll be working in the Central Highlands.”

Congratulations to Sarah F. who is the winner of the Melbourne Cup Feast delivered directly to her workplace or home.

Her Melbourne Cup feast will be packed with delicious fare, delivered to your home or workplace.   The prize includes drinks from the carefully crafted collection at Stewarts Wine Co, gourmet food platters from Coles, scrumptious pastries from French Twist, handmade chocolate truffles from Bittersweet, ice-cream from Mövenpick, a sushi platter from Hanabishi, a mix of gourmet salads, and much more!

Thanks to all retailers who participated in providing this wonderful prize to our very lucky winner!

A new fashion nook is set to open at The Barracks this month. Welcome to The Robe! Gracing The Barracks with stylish flair, Angela Wilkinson’s new fashion boutique The Robe will spark a fashionable conversation. Drawing on staple garments complemented by chic accessories and jewellery, The Robe is set to put together inspiring outfits with style and grace. From light-as-a-feather cotton shifts, to beautiful jewellery and homewares, the boutique will stock Australian favourite Kj by Kirrily Johnston, Melbourne-based collection All For Kat, and environmentally aware label SONG. Keep an eye out for The Robe, next door to Foliage and Pure Florist.