places to go…

Eclipse Chocolat website | Eclipse Chocolat BLOG!
2121 El Cajon Blvd., (North of) North Park, (but not University Heights) San Diego

This place was one of the first places that caught my eye over on this very blue collar commercial El Cajon Boulevard area. It’s just down from “Lusti Motors” and “Subway” and up from the “McDonald’s” and “Denny’s“. In short, it’s a bit oddly placed. Fortunately “Mama’s” is just around the corner, and comes recommended by the owner (+1), more on that another time, but a perfect segue into the fact that this street has a lot of little gems like this. They are, typically pretty far apart.

I’ll also start this off with a bit about myself and chocolat(e). Hershey’s is not chocolate. The fact that they make Cadbury in America makes it inedible, and a travesty… If this is a statement you can agree on, we may be able to effectively review chocolate.

I just left NYC, where at any time, I could traipse my happy-ass up to Vosges, Pierre Marcolini, or any number of utterly fantastic chocolate shops with creative additions to their fine chocolate. Moving to San Diego, I was a bit apprehensive. One stop at the Carlsbad Farmer’s Market to this guy selling truffles cured me of that…and this place sealed the deal.

Eclipse sells truffles, bars, caramels, marshmallows, and the deepest, darkest, chocolate brownie you have ever had. Drinks and specialty production desserts are also available.

Right now, homemade s’mores are being served, but I haven’t got to them yet. Truly something I hope not to miss.

Since discovering Eclipse, I’ve had their (signature) Lavender Sea Salt Caramel truffle and bar; the Pink Peppercorn topped Balsamic, Raspberry truffle; the Aztec Cocoa truffle with cayenne and paprika; the Key Lime infused, toasted coconut flecked dark chocolate bar; one tasting section of their White Chocolate bar with Lemon zest and Candied Ginger; a couple marshmallow marcona almond brownies and chai’s.

That’s all from memory, I’m sure I missed a detail or two… But to sum it up, it’s all memorable and absolutely delicious. The flavors marry and contrast perfectly to create a really fun experience for your mouth. It’s not every day you eat something where you feel like your mouth has expanded its horizons for flavor, but this place does it.

On the whole, this place is a chocolate fusion lover’s dream. I suppose a purest would not approve whole heartedly, for a few reasons. But this isn’t about them. This place is for those wanting to mix chocolate with lavender and not be grossed out, but entirely wow’d at the awesome flavor it creates, just ’cause.

Oh and super bonus. Wi-fi! Their blog website looks like it’s sure to keep you up-to-date on all the latest! I know I’ll be checking in.