Friday night we spent some time getting purdy and dolled up to go out to dinner with friends.
Since we were doing something other than the standard “Go to Chilis, have a margarita, go to bed at 9pm” we put in some effort for once.
The plan was to go to Simply Fondue with our friends Katie and Merrick. I had never been to a fondue restaurant so I was like LiLo in a Porsche, out of control (excited).
So many choices… I had to have the whole menu explained to me like 7 times because I wasn’t picking up what they were putting down. …Do I get my own bowl of cheese? I have to share the chocolate? Can I have one of everything?…
There was a special that I think is going on all month: the four course fondue sampler was $25 per person instead of the regular $43 so each couple ordered their own own and then we all shared.
I tried to put a Lisa Frank trapper keeper up around our dishes so I wouldn’t have to share, but it didn’t work so well with the hot stovetop.
We started with the Aged Whiskey Cheddar and Champagne Gouda; you can guess which was the boys’ and girls’ choices.
I learned that all of the cheeses have an alcohol base and the waitress mixes them up at your table which is fun and guarantees that those plastic-wrapped American cheese slices aren’t one of the ingredients.
The guys loved the cheddar; it had bacon and garlic in it and was how I like my men: really rich. ha, joke’s on me.
I tried a little of everything but tried to keep the main goal in mind: dessert. Eyes on the prize, baby.
{Cheese dippers}
The salads were surprisingly good; I had the strawberry spinach with a spectacularly awesome vinaigrette dressing and the husband had a wedge salad with more bacon. Boy loves the bacon.
And then it was on to the main course:
{We each received one of these plates}
We ordered bacon-wrapped filet mignon, coconut shrimp and ahi tuna and chose a skillet to prepare it. You can also get a pot of oil or broth to boil it like traditional fondue, but boiled filet sounded about as appealing as any of my cooking.
The main course came with 6 different sauces, everything from a peanut thai to a curry sauce. The chocolate martini was not one of the sauces, but that’s one special sauce I should have ordered.
The main event: chocolate fondue.
There’s 15 different chocolate options, everything from Kahlua Heath Crunch to Banana Foster. We let the dude choose and he decided on Campfire Chocolate (S’mores) and Reese’s Peanut Butter. Stevie Wonder coulda seen that one coming.
Cely, we dipped in your honor.
{Before they were mixed up}
Oh hot geezy, so good. I was pretty full by this point even though I had tried to apply some marathon training and pace myself.
It was a really fun evening. I liked that it was an event and not just a meal; we were there for about 3 hours. We’d talk and eat a course and then relax for awhile and then order the next one.
It was like dinner and entertainment together.
The food was all really good too. I couldn’t join in on the comparison, but everyone said that they though Simply Fondue has better and fresher ingredients than The Melting Pot.
And our waitress was great, super informative and really nice and didn’t even roll her eyes when I pulled out a spatula and Tupperware container and took the chocolate remants home.
A smashing time all around.
Have you ever been to either of these places or a different fondue restaurant? Ever had a 70’s style fondue party?
I think we should bring it back in style… who’s with me?
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{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
We have a Melting Pot near us that I love. But it’s so darn expensive, so we save it for special occasions. I have never heard of Simply Fondue before but it sounds awesome. I like how you can cook on the pans instead of in broth. I wish Melting Pot did that.
I was given a retro fondue pot with an old school fondue cook book and that picture is no joke – on the first page! LOVE IT!
I want every food item in every picture you posted. We don’t have fondue places around, but I love the idea of a meal out as more of an “event” that lasts the evening. And, your hair looks awesome, and your hubs is looking very slim and trim in those pics!
Oh my god, that food looks SO GOOD. I have been dying to go to a Melting Pot-esque restaurant for years. Pots of melted cheese and chocolate …count me IN!!!!
I love fondue! I’ve only been to the melting pot restaurants, but have never been disappointed. The boyfriend and I attempted to get creative and buy our own fondue set..after almost setting our apartment on fire with burning cheese, we decided we’re better off having the pro’s do it.
Love your husband’s outfit!
I’ve been to the Melting Pot twice. It was okay, IMO. The thing I hated the most was that I needed to have my clothes and my coat dry cleaned afterwards. They smelled like a fast food restaurant. Gross!
And I just wanted to add, when you are back in NYC, you should try the fondue at Taureau. Yum!
I love fondue! Ive been to the Melting Pot a few times & Forever Fondue in San Diego once. They were both pretty much the same to me!
The Turtle Chocolate is my absolute favorite!! Soooo good.
Pacing is totally necessary when it comes to fondue
Dear God I would have eaten everything at that table.
Jaymo is looking really good!
your husband is a stud.
We have what is called The Melting Pot in Virginia and that is were we have gone once. We totally enjoyed it and thought it was the best thing ever. Of course it is super expensive, so we have not been back yet. Hopefully we will again. I loved it all, especially the chocolate!!!
I have never been to a fondue restaurant. My cousin made chocolate fondue once, and that was amazing.
I’ve been to Melting Pot multiple times and LOVE IT. ALL THE COURSES MUST BE EATEN. We also have talked about bringing our own pretzels for the cheese and/or chocolate.
I’ve never had fondue, but holy hell, it looks amazing. Like your hair. It’s ombre in reverse, I love it.
Never been to either (pretty sure they aren’t in Canada, at least not near Whistler).
We do have two pretty kick ass fondue restaurants here in Whistler, though. Bavaria and Crepe Montagne (this place also offers Raclette – melted pads of cheese that you pour all over your food), and there’s also a fabulous fondue dinner out at the Nicklaus North Golf Course which you can follow up with a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter.
Crap I’m hungry for fondue now. And I don’t even eat dairy….
Tupperware?! That is so my husband, he’s always taking every last bit of food & drink home. The best is at Red Robin when you order the bottomless fries and then ask for a check and a box, with a side of ranch. . . . and a to-go cup for your shake.
ok so i didnt bring any chocolate home but sitting on the couch right now, i really wish i would have!
For sure! Gotta get the leftovers!
Fondue was all the rage in the 70s? I had no idea. Learned something new today!
Dude, that stuff looked both gross and awesome. I think San Diego has at least one of those fondue places – might need to see what this is all about!
I have had fondue once and would only go back for dessert. The food wasn’t great for the price.
I haven’t been to a fondue restaurant in years. Your experience sounds so fun. I do have a fondue set at home but haven’t used it in a few years. Hmm…maybe it’s time to break that baby out!
i LOVE the melting pot! my friends aren’t crazy about it so I rarely get to go
I love fondue restaurants…when I’m in the mood to sit around for a long time!
I try to pace myself too but leave stuffed to the rim!
We got a fondue set for our wedding but still haven’t opened it after four years!
I LOVE your wedges!!! Where did you get them..?!!?
the brand is italian shoemaker from nordstrom rack for less than $40.
I would just skip the starters and mains and dive straight for the dessert!
Please give JayBob a high five for me. He is looking really healthy and I know he’s been trying to eat healthier. Congrats to Jay!
thank you!
Been to Melting Pot and it was good… but I’m with you on bringing the fondue party back. I’d rather save the money and pick out my own cheeses and dipping items, plus if I can keep guests (and myself) under control after a few cocktails, I might actually spare myself the expense of a sitter!
I’ve been to the Melting Pot 2x and it was really good. The first time we just ordered 2 appetizers and 2 desserts and that was pretty filling. When I went with my hubby recently we ordered a main course as well and it was alright. The hubby thought the price was kind of ridic (especially since we have to “cook” our own food, lol). It was a neat experience though but that’s the only fondue place that I know of around me. It is the longest dining experience I’ve ever had in my life which made me feel that at least I got my money’s worth and for a rare moment I felt like I couldn’t eat anymore, ha!
looks like a fun evening!! Katie & Merrick make a great couple.
I’ve never tried fondue but, have always wanted to give it a whirl. looks great! I’ll have to put this on the list of “things to try.” I love that you can cook your own food too! 
I LOVE FONDUE!
(:
That looks seriously delicious, well jelly. x
We loves us some fondue! We’ve only ever made it at home, though. I’ve been Melting Pot-curious but the concept also kind of wigs me out for some reason. I’m not sure why. Your food looked amazing, though! Especially the cheese. And the chocolate.
Jaymo looks so much smaller!
I am totally coming to that 70s party! I’d even bring my pierrade (that the french hot plate thing you cook on – not that random a wedding gift – we did get married in the French alps, home of the fondue and my true home!)
♥ ThankFifi
I’ve been to the Melting Pot a few times and like it, but only if you have a few hours. My husband was more like “what the eff, I’m paying to cook my own food?” I know a lot of those places do happy hour specials too- I need to check one out.
I’ve been to the melting pot, but not simply fondue, so I can’t compare either. I will say I was a little disappointed in the melting pot, especially considering the price. But the dessert almost made it all worth it…i mean anything dipped in chocolate is win in my book! Looks like you had a great time!
I live in the French Alps, so fondue is really common (and much cheaper than in the States, yay for us!)
It’s not an oldschool 70s thing, its a daily post-ski meal… okay maybe not daily!
You could make your own chocolate fondue at home but beware, once you know how to do it you’ll have it far too often (speaking from experience!!).
If you like cheese, I recommend “raclette”. Its better than fondue imo, and its served with potatoes and charcuterie (cold cuts?).
In restaurants they give you a half roll of cheese and you scrape off the top melted part onto your plate. http://www.pourlacuisine.com/im/articles/raclette%2068.jpg
Or you could buy the home appliance, http://www.meubles-et-ustensiles-de-cuisine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/appareil-%C3%A0-raclette1.jpg but then again, problem with eating too often!
There’s a fondue place by us, but I usually end up just eating fondue, because I can’t resist all the cheese and fill up on it.
Well damn! I’ve been a Melting Pot commiter for way too long – I need to venture out and find me a Simply Fondue. Sharing the chocolate is for the birds
I went to the Melting Pot once and it was amazing! We got the 4 course thing as well and I couldn’t breathe when we left. I think next time I’d go and just get the cheese and the dessert… that’s all you need in life anyway
I’m all for bringing back the fondue!
I have to agree that going to a fondue restaurant really is entertainment and dinner in one. Nothing better. Too bad they’re a tad on the pricey side (at least they are where I am).
For a holiday party with family a few years ago, we did a cheese fondue for an appetizer and a chocolate fondue for dessert. It turned out okay, but the fun everyone had while dipping was definitely worth it!
That looks so freaking good. You should have just had the dessert fondue and skipped the rest of that stuff.
Haha, I have been to the Melting Pot, and it was the WEIRDEST experience I have ever had. Check it out, it’s too long of a story to tell in a comment: http://www.theweekdayvegan.com/?p=353
Growing up caramel fondue was a special treat my Mom made for just her and us kids on Friday nights since my Dad worked swing shift. I have so many memories around a fondue pot that they hold a special place in my heart. I continued the tradition in college with my roommates on special occasions. And with my only family. We do not have it often but every Valentines day we do both a homemade cheese and chocolate. I just recently found a brand new pot at a local thrift store with the wedding card to someone else still in box. I guess regifting when out after I got married cause we received a regifted vase and glass set. My old pot was kidnapped from a gathering by a coworkers sister and never returned. But hey that girl did not get my ramikins, cute plates, or pretty skewers. HAHA Wednesday. Her name I swear. I have never been to restuarant for fondue due to high price for a family of four but, am stalking groupon for a coupon. Someday!!!! I will have someone else serve it and do the clean up.
I totally went to Simply Fondue on Saturday night! Except we sat at the bar because the boy wanted to watch the hockey game. Also, you guys got ripped off, because they’ve been having a ton of those daily deals recently where it’s $40 and you get the four course meal for two. So you guys overpaid $5 each. It’s okay–live and learn
Jaymo must be working hard with his weight loss goals!!!
It looks like you all had a great time. The food looked awesome
My husband proposed at The Melting Pot! Well…in the parking lot. We’re so romantic. Nothing says forever like a belly full of cheese & chocolate!
I’m so hungry now.
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