After a year of successful business in the Gaslamp, Chocolat Cremerie opened up an additional location in Hillcrest last December. Their new bistro sits on the busy corner of Fifth and University Avenues.
At lunchtime, patrons will find a relaxed atmosphere. The tables are small and intimate, with cow pattern faux fur stools. There is a flat screen TV on the wall showing a fish tank. The tank is not actually in the restaurant, but a projection from a mystery location elsewhere.
Though Chocolat appears to be a place serving only desserts and coffees, they actually boast an extensive menu with plenty of options for a more savory tooth, and with a price range of $5-$12 for the foodie on a budget.
The menu consists of fresh salads, cold plate appetizers such as carpaccio and cheese boards, Mediterranean delights from their mozzarella bar, and six unique kinds of bruschetta. There are also grilled panini sandwiches and flatbread options, a variety of pastas, brick oven pizza, and dozens of sweet and savory crepes.
Dessert, however, is clearly where Chocolat shines. They feature a wide selection of gelato flavors including pistachio, coconut, cantaloupe, rum raisin, tiramisu, spicy chocolate, pomegranate and caramel, just to name a few. The attendant at the gelato counter provides sample spoons with endless patience.
Chocolat makes biscotti in-house and they come in petite, cookie-shaped morsels for dipping. Cr