Chocolate in San Diego

[kalypso]

Every city needs a couple of places to hit for a chocolate fix. San Diego has a growing number of respectable and delectable choices. There's always been See's and Chuao made the scene a few years ago. Three new places have opened up over the last year or so.

Chi Chocolate in Little Italy offers upscale chocolates at upscale prices.

Eclipse Chocolate on El Cajon Blvd. around Alabama grew out of an artists vision. Unusual flavor combinations along the lines of Vosges all seem to work. Who knew you could successfully use sage in a chocolate bar. The chocolates were previously sold through retail gourmet shops and coffee cafes, Eclipse Chocolates opened their own shop last Fall. In addition to the chocolates, there are a few pannini sandwiches, cheese plates, desserts coffee drinks and David Rio teas. A Mother's Day chocolate extravaganza brunch is coming up this month and will be followed by a BBQ & Chocolates deal for Dads.

The Elegant Truffle in Point Loma is the newest addition, open only 6 weeks. Dense, rich and very decadent the large truffles come in a lot of flavors from German Chocolate to Jalapeno. Jumbo cookies dipped in chocolate, brown sugar shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate and the OhMyGod Chocolate Cheesecake are other options. Caramel and chocolate are naturals together. The chocolate covered caramels here are about as good as it gets, buttery, silky soft and smooth. I thought they were better than the truffles which are pretty darn good. If there is a better chocolate covered caramel in SD I haven't yet found it, plus the portion size is generous.

There's also the Peruvian chocolate lady at (some) of the local farmer's markets (try Hillcrest on Sundays). And if chocolate desserts are more your speed, try Elizabethan Desserts in Encinitas, or Heaven Scent in North Park. Hiring Tina Luu was the best move HS has made; try her Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart for a satisfying afternoon treat. Every Saturday Con Pane in Point Loma (Rosecrans & Canon) sells chocolate bread, which is ideal to use in the Chocolate Bread Pudding recipe in The Essence of Chocolate by John Scharffenberger.

If you find yourself in San Diego in need of a chocolate fix or urge to treat your sweet tooth, we've got you covered.