South Park's New Eclipse Chocolat Opens

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Saturday, February 2 is the official opening of South Park's newest eatery, a brunch bistro, craft beer and wine bar and chocolate shop/factory from Eclipse Chocolat. Eater gave the space our Plywood Report treatment back in December and returned for a glimpse at the finished project, which is scheduled to debut to the public tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Will Gustwiller, Eclipse Chocolat's founder, is hosting a thank-you event for a hundred or so supporters who contributed to their Kickstarter campaign tonight and has a chocolate-filled day of activities scheduled for tomorrow, including a Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory costume contest (first prize wins a brunch voucher). It'll also mark the culmination of Eclipse's Platinum Ticket competition; the last remaining contender will be selected and a winner chosen to receive a free, 20-year supply of chocolate.

From 11 a.m to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Gustwiller and his staff will be tray passing samples (ex: cinnamon sugar churros with dark chocolate, blood orange olive oil fondue) from their new weekend brunch menu. The sweet and savory brunch dishes (each includes a touch of chocolate, vanilla or caramel) will be served daily starting March 4. A Build-Your-Own chocolate bar activity, held in their new production kitchen, will allow people to craft their own trio of mini Eclipse bars for $10.

In the evening, Eclipse will keep their bar and cafe open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, serving soup, panini and dessert, plus wine and eight draft beers. Their 45-seat main dining room will be used for community events, pop-ups with guest chefs and their own special dinners, including an upcoming four-course Valentine's Day Sweetheart Dinner

By summer, an outdoor patio should be completed, and Gustwiller plans to expand their product line with a selection of chocolate-enrobed wine and fruit gelée; he also told Eater that he hopes to eventually open mini Eclipse Chocolat cafes throughout San Diego.
· SD's Willy Wonka Builds New Chocolate Factory [~ESD~]
· Eclipse Chocolat [Official Site]