Hot cocoa an admirable goal

<p>For that snuggly sensation of sipping cocoa by the ski lodge fire you could battle the I-80 overload and make your way up to the Sierra. Don't forget the chains, just in case.</p><p>Or you could skip the four-hour drive and mosey down to the Warm Puppy Cafe at Snoopy's Home Ice -- aka the Redwood Empire Ice Arena -- one of the most atmospheric places to warm up with a hot chocolate.</p><p>"It's one of our favorite places to come together. We come here on many mommy dates," said Jen Paterson of Santa Rosa, who likes to bring 4-year-old twins James and Robby to watch ice skaters through the large plate glass windows that provide a picture-perfect view of the Alpine-themed arena.</p><p>With its large stone hearth and crackling fire and wrought iron chandeliers decked with pine cones and greenery, the spot telegraphs Christmases long ago.</p><p>The hot chocolate is good old-fashioned Nestle's. But as Anya Delarosa, who works in the cafe, is quick to point out, "We make it with TLC . . . a lot of whipped cream and lots of puppy love."</p><p>Tearful kids who fall down on the ice are often treated to a free cup to cheer them up. And the cafe takes care to make sure it's warm but not too hot for little tongues.</p><p>Visitors who come by at 7 p.m. Friday can catch the ceremonial tree lighting in which Snoopy skates out with a big plug to turn on the 30-foot fir in the center of the ice. Free cookies and cider are served to all comers.</p><p>The cafe is open Sunday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, for warm drinks. Food is served 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1667 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.</p><p>-- Meg McConahey</p>