Eclipse Chocolate founder and chocolatier Will Gustwiller of San Diego will appear as a contestant on the competitive Food Network television program Guy’s Grocery Games in a special "Guy’s Chocolate Games" episode airing on February 12 at 8pm. The owner of the South Park chocolate shop and bistro filmed the episode in Santa Rosa in November 2016, but has remained silent about show details and outcomes.
Episode details displayed on Food Network’s website reveal that four contestants will use chocolate to create a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Episode challenges include transforming a German chocolate cake into a lunch, making a chocolate dessert with a budget determined by an arcade game and, in the final game of the episode, two chefs will use surprise ingredients to make a romantic chocolate dinner. Contestants have the chance to win up to $20,000.
"There are definitely chefs who use chocolate in a savory scenario, but I feel like nobody has executed it as fully as me," says Gustwiller while reflecting on Eclipse Chocolate’s unique sweet-savory concept. "I haven’t seen the episode. Before we filmed I tried to make a mental list of things I might apply to the competition, but the format of the show, you can’t prepare for it."
Gustwiller established Eclipse Chocolate in 2004 after completing his Masters in Sculpture at San Diego State University. In 2007, he opened a dessert cafe on El Cajon Boulevard, and in 2013 relocated his company to South Park, which allowed for a 400 percent increase in production and a 70-chair dining concept. Today Eclipse Chocolate offers more than 100 different confections, a few dozen pastries, and a full-service restaurant featuring daily brunch and dinner. Eclipse Chocolate also hosts private parties, chocolate tastings and Build-A-Bar Workshops where chocolate lovers can create their own custom designed chocolate bars.
Viewers can watch Gustwiller’s episode on Food Network on Sunday, February 12 at 8pm. Fans can also attend a re-airing of the episode at Eclipse Chocolate on Saturday, February 18 at 5 or 8pm. featuring a multi-course tasting for $40 per person. Additional details will be available on EclipseChocolate.com as the date draws near and reservations are available by calling Eclipse Chocolate at 619.578.2984.
