Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day Jan. 27 at Benny’s Chop House

Are you one of those people who crave chocolate? You'll be happy to learn that Jan. 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day.

"What is America's favorite chocolate dessert?" you might ask. According to The Learning Channel (TLC), chocolate cake is America's second overall favorite dessert, with fudge coming in first place. But fudge is really a confection, not a dessert, so in our book, chocolate cake is the clear winner.

At Benny's Chop House (444 N. Wabash, Chicago; 312-626-2444), chocolate cake is not simply a dessert, it is a passion. Benny's pastry chef Aaron Lindgren likens his chocolate cake to the one originally created by his grandmother, Flo. "Our chocolate cake is made from scratch, using a non-traditional devil's food cake recipe. Cocoa is heated with vanilla bean and water before adding it to the cake batter. The result, he says, is the richest, luscious , and most delicious chocolate cake.  Presented as a hearty three layer slice, it's topped with a rich sour cream frosting made by blending the finest French and American chocolates - Valrhona and Guittard; it's impossible to pass up. It's heaven for chocolate lovers."

So on Sunday, Jan. 27, enjoy Benny's marvelous American cuisine, amazing specialty cocktails and a bottle of wine from Benny's Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence" recognized 1,500 bottle list. Savor your meal in their comfortable conversation-friendly dining room or enjoy dinner in the swank Bar Lounge, and enjoy live jazz (every Wednesday through Saturday) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. And don't forget to leave room for the perfect finale, Benny's Chocolate Layer Cake.