I also love eggplant, and have been so discouraged by flea beetles over the years that I had just about given up. This year though I am trying a shiny silver mulch I got from Pinetree Seeds. So far it is doing a great job--very few holes and very lush growth. Those of you who don't have flea beetles have no idea how lucky you are! Not only do they destroy the leaves of the biggest plants and kill small ones, but they also spread diseases from plant to plant, and also between species.
Anyway, my favorites are Listada, Rosa Bianca, Neon, and Ichiban. (what a surprise,
)