Pot de Chocolat

Sometimes called pot de creme au chocolat, this is chocolate in one of its most luscious incarnations: a rich, creamy chocolate custard or mousse, often served in a little pot.

* Le Petit Cafe: At this popular, very French neighborhood cafe, the pot de chocolat is made with just a few cherries and, as if it weren’t already rich enough, served with creme anglaise. (Pot de chocolat, $4.50.) Le Petit Cafe, 2842 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 829-6792.

* Le Marmiton: Eat your pot de chocolat for dessert in the restaurant (preferably seated at one the coveted sidewalk tables) or buy it to go in little plastic cups from the gourmet counter. Either way, the dark, dangerously delicious mousse is topped with shaved chocolate and powdered sugar. (Pot de chocolat, $4.50; to go, $3.) Le Marmiton, 1327 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 393-7716.

* Mimosa: This Beverly Boulevard bistro’s pot de chocolat, served in a stoneware crock, is one of our favorites: dark, rich, smooth, cool and very chocolaty. Resist the urge to split one between two people, because you’ll never get your fair share. (Pot de chocolat, $5.95.) Mimosa, 8009 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 655-8895.

* Le Petit Bistro: Now there are two of these pretty and popular Parisian-looking bistros, and both serve a classic chilled bowl of rich chocolate mousse. (Pot de chocolat, $4.50.) Le Petit Bistro, 631 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 289-9797; 13360 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 501-7999.

* Pastis: Another excellent pot de creme au chocolat can be found on Beverly Boulevard at this terrific little French bistro. Whipped cream available on request. (Pot de chocolat, $5.) Pastis, 8114 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 655-8822.

* Paul’s Cafe: At this new Cal-French neighborhood spot, the rich, fluffy chocolate mousse is served removed from its pot, but since the dreamy substance retains its pot-like shape, we’ll include it here as pot de chocolat sans pot. It comes with whipped cream! (Pot de chocolat, $5.) Paul’s Cafe, 13456 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 789-3575.

* Les Freres Taix: Some of us had our first pot de chocolat decades ago at this landmark French restaurant in Echo Park. What to look for on the menu is chocolate mousse--it’s a pot au chocolat served in its traditional little pot. (Chocolate mousse, $3.95.) Les Freres Taix, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 484-1265.

* Say Cheese: At this ever-busy Silverlake gourmet store/cafe, the enticing little cups of rich chocolate mousse are true French pots de chocolat. (Chocolate mousse, $3.) Say Cheese, 2800 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 665-0545.