ny - Angelina's has a seperate counter for buying pastries, you can also buy their hot chocolate mix. but I don't think you can buy hot chocolate "to go" there. it's raining outside anyway - so much for picnics.

Angelina's is a bustling cafe environment with lots of singles eating (and looking quite comfortable). it's almost like eating at a Starbuck's except they seat you, and you will order from a menu (and of course, it's not Starbucks).

mauna kea lady,

What are you doing over here? LOL... you helped me so much when I planned by first trip to Hawaii back in 2004. The last I remember, you were going to have surgery, so I'm glad everything worked out. It's great to see a familiar name after all these years.

Nyla,

You should totally experience Angelina's; my boyfriend even loved it. There is a chocolate bar that sells chocolate but you should go to get the hot chocolate. And lunch wasn't bad either, I had the best Croque Monsieur, so light, fluffy and not heavy but feeling.

"To go" is not really a French thing. You can get your coffee at Starbucks to go, but otherwise you don't ask for coffee to go in cafes and restaurants.

Angelina's is a rather large restaurant with a counter in front for candies, pastries and gifts (like hot chocolate mix). Otherwise it is a sit-down restaurant.

The room is very pretty (although probably could use a re-do as it's looking worn) and the menu has a variety of sandwiches, salads and the like on it. It's very much a "ladies who lunch" kind of place (I wouldn't really compare it to Starbucks).

The service can be brisk and don't expect the ladies to be smiling, but it's quick and efficient.

So, to answer your question, if you want a Mont Blanc or a Chocolat a l'Africaine, you have to sit at a table. (And please don't attempt to have both at the same time, it's a complete sugar overload).

This is near my hotel and I plan on dining/snacking there by myself, it sounds yummy.

"So, to answer your question, if you want a Mont Blanc or a Chocolat a l'Africaine, you have to sit at a table. (And please don't attempt to have both at the same time, it's a complete sugar overload)"

Ehh - I don't really need my pancreas! I'll have make two visits then.

FYI, it's called "takeaway" there : )

I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Angelina's famous hot chocolate yet. I did try the mont blanc at Laduree and wasn't feeling it. Have a great time and be sure to share with us when you get back.

Aloha Dewtrell!

small world! ...are you planning a trip to France?!

I am alive and very well - I've been living in Europe the past 3 years. am now living in Paris - and am getting the Sh*t kicked out of myself when I make a mistake in these France TA forums. or, as Hillary would say, when I "misspoke".

I agree with you about the Croque Monsieur at Angelina's - totally fantastic.

Don't worry nyla, there are a lot of people eating/drinking alone at Angelinas (also at Ladurée) and it is never a problem! If you don't like talking with waiters or neighbours, just take a book or a magazine with you.

Hey MKL,

Unfortunately, I am not planning a trip to France at this time, but if all goes as planned, I'll be in Paris June of '09. I was just there in November of '07, and my first visit was in July of '06. I loved it so much, just like Hawaii, I had to return a year later.

Now, how on earth did you go from the Big Island to France? Details! You have the life, let me tell ya.

Oh, and I know about getting the s*** kicked out of you on the Paris TA forum, it is one of the reasons why I've ceased posting. Whether you get something wrong, or express your own opinion, it can get brutal, and I don't have time for that nonesense.

I'm headed to Calgary tomorrow and I was checking up on info about the hotel my boyfriend reserved. Another TA poster sent me a message asking for some help in regards to Italy. I felt bad becuase the message was sitting there for 3 weeks. So, I responded and stopped by to see what's going on in the forums.

I probably won't stay too much in the longrun, work is busy and I've just started my travels for all these weddings; last month was Cancun, Calgary tomorrow, Vegas June (bachelorette), back to Mexico in July, Santa Barbara in August and ANOTHER bachelorette in Vegas, and finally San Francisco in September. My friends are taking away all of my vacation time and money, LOL!