San Diego Convention Center Unveils Limited-Edition Chocolate Bars for Comic-Con

The San Diego Convention Center is introducing a special selection of limited-edition chocolate bars for the upcoming Comic-Con International, running from July 24 to 27, 2023. A total of 7,500 handcrafted bars will be available for attendees, with a unique twist: four lucky buyers will discover a golden ticket inside their bar, redeemable for a $100 Starbucks gift card. This initiative aims to enhance the Comic-Con experience with delightful culinary creations.

To bring these chocolate bars to life, the Convention Center’s culinary team, led by Sodexo Live! Executive Chef Sufi Karaien and Pastry Chef Molly Pease, developed new flavors that incorporate various ingredients. This year’s range includes one dark chocolate, one white chocolate, and two milk chocolate bases, a notable improvement over previous years which relied heavily on overly sweet options. Ingredients for these treats vary widely, featuring items such as fortune cookies, potato chips, and brownie brittle, blending them into imaginative confections.

Creative Flavors Reflect Comic-Con Themes

After finalizing the chocolate recipes, a creative team consisting of Hailey Adams, Grayson Van Loon, and Dylan James, crafted themes and names for the bars. Each flavor is designed to resonate with the spirit of Comic-Con. Attendees can choose from the following selections:

– **Flying Saucer**: A milk chocolate bar filled with coffee beans, toffee, and brownie brittle, offering a blend of dark and light flavors.
– **Home Run Bar**: A dark chocolate treat that incorporates salty game-day snacks like pretzels and potato chips, perfect for those preferring less sweetness.
– **Saga of the S’mores**: A nostalgic milk chocolate bar featuring toasted marshmallows and graham crackers, accented with sea salt.
– **Pop Star Party**: A white chocolate bar dusted with pink glitter, reminiscent of pop tarts and strawberry ice cream bars, appealing to non-chocolate lovers.

The Times of San Diego newsroom conducted a taste test of these limited-edition bars, ranking them based on flavor profiles. The consensus highlighted the unique balance of flavors in the Flying Saucer and the satisfying crunch of the Home Run Bar as standout features.

Availability and Economic Impact

These chocolate bars will be sold at the Craft Chocolate Bar booth in Lobby 20 for $10 each during the Comic-Con event. City officials anticipate that the convention will generate an estimated $160 million for the local economy over the long weekend. This influx not only supports local businesses but also promotes San Diego as a vibrant hub for events and culinary innovation.

As Comic-Con enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, the introduction of these specialty chocolate bars adds a unique flavor to the experience, merging the worlds of culinary art and pop culture.