3.5/5 stars
Beware: long, casual, fancy dinner review
I've been to this Melting Pot 3x. Was not impressed the first time... second time was better (the Banana Fosters chocolate was to die for)... and third time was just about perfect! Still not La Fondue-level but satisfying enough.
ATMOSPHERE: Reservations were easy to make. Only had to call 2 to 4 days in advance (unlike La Fondue where you have to call at least two weeks in advance). I was also able to call day of to move our reservation up. Came here for a *special* occasion and told them so. The girl who picked up the phone (right away) said she would do her best. She did pretty good! I didn't even know they had booths that secluded. Only thumbs down was that it got fairly warm tucked up in the corner... a touch too cramped. Parking wasn't bad, but be careful of going on Sharks night and bring cash! Our waiter, Steven, was really nice and uninvasive, and the owner or manager came to check up on us twice.
FOOD: Big Night Out (approx $100)!
- Traditional Swiss with white wine, lemon, (extra) garlic, German cherry liquor (Kirschwasser), and nutmeg was deeelicious. It tasted like wine... really hit the spot. Served with 3 kinds of bread, cauliflower, carrots, celery (yuck), and green apples (yay).
- I'm sorry, the House Salad was decent with its sweet dressing, boiled egg, and swiss cheese BUT I am such a big, big fan of La Fondue's salad that nothing compares.
- I got lobster for my anniversary! woot! We ordered the Fondue Fusion with LOBSTER TAIL (it wasn't big, but it wasn't pathetic either, fresh tasting, and so darn good dipped in the galirc butter... drool), tender FILET MIGNON the Balsamic SIRLOIN (a favorite of the night), the surprisingly very flavorful Garlic and Herb CHICKEN, the way too citrusy Citrus PORK the firm, fresh SHRIMP, and the (also) surprisingly tasty Wild Mushroom RAVIOLI, and Roasted Red Pepper RIGATONI.
- Vegetables included mushroom caps, broccoli, zucchini, and potatoes (beware: they take the longest to cook, so just dump 'em in when you start and fish them out later). Sauces included terriyaki (my favorite), blue cheese, sweet n' sour (waaay too sweet), curry, green goddess (very yummy), cocktail-horseradish sauce (it was good! didn't just put it on the seafood...), and a chunky tomato sauce for the pasta.
DESSERT (or "the reason you go to Fondue"): Melting Pot's chocolate selection is... dare I say... better than La Fondue's. We got the Yin & Yang (perfect for "you love dark chocolate and I love white chocolate") AND was able to add chunky peanut butter to the mix! Score! Came with rice krispies, banana slices, really sweet strawberries, cheesecake, pound cake, marshmallows dusted in graham crackers and oreo cookies, and brownies. Only complaint, Melting Pot is kinda stingy when you ask for more dippin' stuff.
DRINKS: At least they're not stingy with their alcohol. Even though my Yin & Yang was pretty and delicious (Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Stoli Vanil Vodka, and ice cream topped with chocolate shavings) - it cost way too much for a drink, IMO ($12).
IN A MOUTHFUL: It couldn't have been a better night!
(2008)
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