“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz
I don’t care what anyone says, but chocolate is an absolute necessity in any healthy diet. Ok, so it may not be conducive to a slim and trim waistline, but that is totally beside the point. It tastes good and it is the cure all to PMS. That's good enough for me!
Whether it's Valentine's Day or Saturday, there's never a better time to give the gift of chocolate. But rather than popping into your run-of-the-mill See's Candies for a standard box of assorted chocolates, it's time that you take notice of the unique boutique chocolate shops right in your backyard. From bon bons and hot chocolate, to truffles and nut clusters, discover new and notable chocolatiers in San Diego.
Eclipse Chocolat in North Park
In the autumn of 2003, sculptor William Gustwiller began combining dark chocolate with exotic herbs and spices. After months of experimentation with the finest couveture chocolates, all-natural ingredients, and organic spices, William introduced the first two dozen unique truffle infusions featured in exotic chocolate bars, caramels, and other chocolate confections. Eclipse’s delightfully sinful selections of Chocolate Rocco are comparable to a box of exotic rocky road, each flavor studded with hand-crafted vanilla bean marshmallows and a variety of other delicious goodies. Order a box of Toasted Coconut Toffee, made with vanilla bean marshmallow and milk chocolate rocky road studded with toasted coconut and burnt caramel toffee; or the Citrus Honeycomb, a unique combination of vanilla bean marshmallow and dark chocolate rocky road studded with honeycomb candy, bee pollen, and candied citrus peel. Chocolate lovers will rejoice over the ample selection of exotically infused chocolate bars such as the Kyoto Green Tea made with Matcha green tea infused white chocolate, flecked with ginger and toasted rice; the dynamic Gingerbread Crumb, made with cinnamon spiced chocolate flecked with muscavado sugar and gingerbread crumbs; and the Mango Masala, hand-molded with Masala-curry spiced milk chocolate studded with candied mango pieces. Aside from chocolates, Eclipse also carries a mouthwatering assortment of caramels, all made from fresh cream, butter, and crème fraîche, and cooked to a smoky finish. Each begins with the finest all-natural ingredients, is enrobed in fine couveture chocolate, and garnished with exotic sea-salts infused with ginger, espresso, serano pepper, lavender, green tea, merlot, and rosemary. If their delightful selection of tasty treats isn’t enough for you, be sure to check out Eclipse’s all-new Sunday brunch menu, filled will delicious comfort food items such as Buttermilk Aged Cheddar & Chive Biscuits, Cocoa-Glazes Bacon & Chive Waffles, Gouda-Stuffed Sausage, and Spinach & Parmesan Quiche. For more information, please visit eclipsechocolat.com.
Mayesa in Encinitas
Mayesa (pronounced my-es-ah) is brought to you by Jane Adolph, Abby Hanneman, and Karel Guardado, three close friends from Encinitas who are equally passionate about healthy living and, of course, chocolate. The three women formed JAK Native, Inc., in 2007 to share an exciting discovery with the world” an exotic and indulgent chocolate beverage made from roasted and ground cacao with origins dating back to the ancient Mayans. Over the course of the following two years, the trio worked on improving and refining their drink formulation to bring the best possible product to market. They chose natural, dairy-free ingredients, delicious spices and even selected environmentally-friendly, biodegradable Tetra Pak for drink containers to make their drink as eco-friendly and organic as possible. Whether you prefer the Cacao Original or the Cacao Mint, each Mayesa is packed full of healthful nutrients and immunity boosting antioxidants, including iron, magnesium, hemp protein, anandamide, theobromine, and fiber, providing the perfect pick-me-up whenever you need a boost of energy, a handy snack when you’re on the go, or a wholesome treat to enjoy any time. Drink to your health and pick up Mayesa at a local Albertson’s, Henry’s or Ralphs. For more information on Mayesa products and other retail locations, please visit mayesa.com.
Chi Chocolat in Liberty Station
Chi Chocolat, located in Liberty Station, specializes in Fresh Artisan Chocolates, perfect for unique gifts that satiate any sweet tooth. The entire range of Chi Chocolat’s delectable kitchen runs from Artisan Truffles and Bon Bons, to chunky slabs of premium chocolate. They boast a selection of fine chocolates that compare to fine wine: rich, delicate and full of complexity. At Chi Chocolat, they can group packages to make a “Flight of Chocolates” each with a distinctive theme, such as handcrafted bonbons with exotic spices or organic infused tea ganaches. Many of the products are hand-rolled and molded using quality, authentic ingredients and a fundamental ethos that bans the use of additives such as hydrogenated vegetable fat and artificial colors in order to let the pure chocolate flavors and aromas through. Stop in and grab a box of chocolates, brownies, dark chocolate pretzels, full espresso bars, and personabe, friendly service. For more information, please visit chichocolat.net.
Jer’s Chocolates in Solana Beach
Located in Solana Beach, Jer’s is applauded for their signature peanut butter chocolates as owner Jerry Swan takes charge of the kitchen and prides his company on their continual community involvement. Jer’s carries specialty Valentine’s Day boxes complete with hearts and pink designs, where as the standard boxes come in gorgeous shimmering blue and gold boxes. It’s Jer’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars that keep fans coming back for more, but the Peanut Brittle Bites and Jer’s Squares also have many loyal sweet-tooths stopping through. In creating irresistibly unique, handcrafted confections, Jer’s strives to not only offer an all-natural product made with the highest quality ingredients, but also remain passionate about perfecting combinations for the absolute best taste. Though they’re known as the “Pioneer of Gourmet Peanut Butter & Chocolate,” they are progressively exploring other products and ingredients to add to the Jer’s collection. The variety of sizes and selections makes Jer’s Chocolates an ideal gift. For more information, visit jers.com.
Chuao Chocolatier in Carlsbad
Chuao Chocolatier (pronounced chew-WOW) is the first Venezuelan Chocolatier based in the United States. As the premier artisan chocolatier in all of Southern California, Master Chef Michael Antonorsi and his brother Richard Antonorsi have pioneered “fusion chocolate” through a commitment to creating unusual, unexpected and delicious flavors using their secret blend of premium chocolate and fresh natural ingredients. Founded in 2002 as a tiny boutique in Encinitas, the menu initially featured a one-of-a-kind confectionary menu of chocolate bars, bonbons, truffles and hot chocolate. Their signature flavor was Spicy Maya, a modern twist on the Mayan’s ancient hot chocolate recipe made with pasilla chile and cayenne pepper, and has since extended into a chocolate bar, ChocoPod, rolled almonds and gelato. Other unique and snusual flavor combinations include the Firecracker, a chipotle caramel fudge truffle with popping candy, a hint of salt, and dark chocolate; the Pan Con Chocolate, a dark chocolate bonbon filled with roasted Panko bread crumbs and olive oil ganache with a touch of sea salt; the Panko Chocolate, a combination of panko (rough cut breadcrumbs), a bit of sea salt, and a premium blend of dark chocolate to create a creamy, mouth-watering crunch in every bite; and the Caracas Chocolate, a delicious blend of all-natural California grown hazelnuts, pistachios, and almonds to reach a delicate balance of velvety chocolate intertwined with the crunchy texture of nuts. For retail locations or to order your very own Chuao Chocolate online, please visit chuaochocolatier.com.
Patisserie Du Soleil in San Diego
Chef Michel Morlas brings the art of chocolate to life, with the joy of unique creations that include cakes and creative, artful arrangements of chocolate. Chef’s Chocolate Art specialties include a Cro Quem Bouches Mountain, a “Be Mine” heart-shaped cake drizzled with hearts and other sweet treats, and more hand-made, specialized artful creations. Patisserie Du Soleil is primarily known as a European bakery making and distributing cakes, mousses, tarts, cheesecakes, quiches and other European pastry products as well as Mediterranean salads for wholesale markets in the San Diego area such as hotels, restaurants, open-air farmers' markets and individuals. To pick up your box of unforgettable desserts, visit them on Sports Arena Blvd. For more information, visit sandiegocake.com.
OB Chocolate Company in Ocean Beach
Using only the freshest and finest quality ingredients, Ocean Beach Chocolate Company sells high quality organic, Fair Trade products and believes that you can feel secure that eating their chocolate doesn't harm the eco-system.If you like spicy chocolate, the Habanero is a must try. This two layer truffle is created by infusing habanero pepper in cream, and mixing it with dark chocolate and dark rum, then combining it with white chocolate and fresh mango puree. This extravagant truffle combination is then dipped in dark chocolate and topped with Fleur del Sel for a delightfully sweet finish. For a softer mouth-feel, try a Lavender Vanilla Truffle, a combination of milk chocolate ganache infused with organic lavender flowers and Madagascar vanilla beans; or the classic Malted Milk Truffle that blends milk, white chocolate, and malted milk inside a dark chocolate coated truffle. Seasonal favorites include the Blue Cheese Truffle made with melted Danish blue cheese, cream, and dark chocolate then rolled in a thin layer of dark chocolate and finely crushed walnuts; the Lemon & Horseradish Truffle that combines dark chocolate, lemon zest and fresh horseradish for a surprisingly refreshing aftertaste; and the Raspberry Pate, a delightful combination of fresh raspberries dipped in dark or milk chocolate and topped with a hazelnut praline. For more information, please visit obchocolates.com.
