Fondue's Popularity In The Usa: A Culinary Adventure

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and 1970s. The dish consists of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks. While it is typically considered a Swiss delicacy, fondue restaurants can now be found across the US, with some specializing in the dish and offering a multi-course experience. The exact number of restaurants serving fondue in the USA is unclear, but there are several notable fondue restaurants in different cities, including The Melting Pot, which has multiple locations across the country.

The Melting Pot, a fondue chain with locations across the USA

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant chain with locations across the USA. It was the first fondue restaurant when it opened in 1975, and today there are around 93 locations in the United States, 15 of which are in Florida. The Tampa, Florida-based company also has one location in Canada, in Edmonton.

The Melting Pot offers an interactive dining experience, inviting guests to enjoy conversation, laughter, and good food. The menu features various cheese fondues, wines, salads, meat and seafood entrees, and chocolate fondue for dessert. The four courses are offered individually or as a "4 Course Experience". The main courses are fondues but also include meat, poultry, pasta, or seafood. The Melting Pot also offers special-occasion packages for events like anniversaries and weddings.

The restaurant's interiors are designed with dark red and black decor, with dim lighting and seating mostly in booths. The Melting Pot has a semi-private dining experience, helping guests to socially distance. The restaurant also offers a fondue experience to-go, allowing customers to enjoy the fondue at home.

The Melting Pot is a great place for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, providing an unforgettable, interactive dining experience.

Geja's Cafe, a romantic fondue spot in Chicago

Fondue is no longer just a 1970s fad, and independently owned fondue restaurants are thriving across the US. One such spot is Gejas Cafe, a romantic fondue restaurant in Chicago that has been in business since 1965.

Gejas Cafe offers a unique and fun fondue dining experience with dim lighting, live flamenco and classical guitar music, low ceilings, and cosy booths. It is the perfect place for a date night or to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends. The restaurant has been voted the most romantic in the nation in a USA Today poll.

The fondue at Gejas Cafe is crafted from Swiss Gruyère and spiked with Kirsch cherry brandy. It is served with a variety of dipping options, including bread, vegetables, and fruit. The fondue is included with each of the four surf and turf dinners, as well as a vegetarian and plant-based option. For those who want to indulge, the "Prince Geja's Combination" features cold-water lobster tail, beef tenderloin, shrimp, scallops, and boneless chicken breast. Guests can also order the cheese fondue à la carte, which can be a filling meal depending on how much one dips.

In addition to the fondue, Gejas Cafe offers a selection of wines, including six sparkling wines and Champagne from Laurent Perrier, Taittinger, and Dom Perignon. The restaurant is located in Lincoln Park and is open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations are accepted, and valet parking is available.

Kashkaval Garden, a New York City restaurant serving fondue made with Bulgarian sheep's milk cheese

Fondue is a Swiss delicacy that became popular in the US in the 1970s, and it is still served in many restaurants across the country. One such restaurant is Kashkaval Garden in New York City, which serves fondue made with Bulgarian sheep's milk cheese.

Kashkaval Garden is located in Hell's Kitchen and takes its name from the Bulgarian sheep's milk cheese, Kashkaval, which is used in one of its signature dishes. The restaurant has been in business since 1997 and moved to its current location in 2012. It used to be a marketplace selling cheeses with a small dining room, but now it is a full-fledged restaurant.

Kashkaval Garden offers an eclectic Mediterranean menu, including four types of fondue: Kashkaval, made with Bulgarian sheep's milk cheese; Classic, made with Gruyere and Raclette cheeses; Truffle, made with Gruyere and truffle oil; and Cheddar, made with cider and caramelized onions. Each fondue is served in a cast-iron pot with a baguette for dipping and costs $21 per person. Additional dipping items, such as roasted potatoes, fruits and vegetables, or sausages, can be added for a small fee. The fondue portions are generous, and the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a cozy atmosphere.

The restaurant also has a happy hour, during which customers can enjoy discounted drinks, such as a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for $8, which pairs well with the fondue. Kashkaval Garden stands out from other fondue restaurants by offering fondue per person with no minimum order requirement, making it a great spot for solo diners or groups. It has received positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.5 on Trip Advisor, and the fondue has been described as "fun," "fabulous," and "impressive."

La Fondue in Saratoga, California, where you can find exotic meat selections and pricey meals

La Fondue in Saratoga, California, is a fondue restaurant with a difference. With 11 cheese fondue options, the choices are extensive and varied, ranging from a sharp Wisconsin cheddar with mustard spice and Worcestershire sauce to a Four Cheese blend of Emmentaler, Gruyere, Fontina, and Raclette.

The main course is where La Fondue really stands out. Diners can choose to cook their food fondue-style or on a tabletop grill. The meat selections are exotic, with options such as Louisiana alligator, Japanese Kurobuta pork, ostrich, and American Wagyu beef. These options don't come cheap, however, with prices ranging from $80 for a basic chicken, pork, beef, and turkey combination, to a staggering $350 for a sample of everything, including some of the more expensive meats.

La Fondue also offers a four-course tasting menu, including a choice of salad, cheese fondue, an entrée, and chocolate fondue for dessert. This option is priced per person and has a minimum requirement of two people.

The restaurant has received positive reviews, with OpenTable users awarding it 4.5 stars. Diners have praised the food and the ambiance, although there have been some minor complaints about the service. La Fondue was also named the OpenTable Diners' Choice Award winner for 2024, proving that it is a popular destination for fondue enthusiasts.

The Little Dipper in Wilmington, North Carolina, which donates a portion of sales to local non-profits

The Little Dipper in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a fondue restaurant that offers a unique dining experience to its customers. The restaurant has built a reputation for itself by donating a portion of its sales to local non-profits, an initiative called Community Night. This initiative has been a source of pride for the owner, Jason McGhinnis, who is passionate about giving back to the community.

The Little Dipper provides a range of fondue options, including seven cheese varieties, such as the Baja Cheddar with a hint of spice and the Smoky Gouda Bacon. The fondue is served with a selection of bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping, offering a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a Chasselas from Switzerland and Provins L'Alpinage, among others.

The Little Dipper is located in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington and has been a fixture since 2005. The restaurant's atmosphere is cosy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for special occasions and romantic dinners. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including being voted 'Best Special Occasion Restaurant', 'Best Dessert', and 'Best Overall' by Taste of the Town voters.

The Little Dipper offers a full dining experience with a creative menu that extends beyond fondue. Their main course options include premium meats such as filet mignon with a warm au poivre sauce, sashimi tuna with sesame ginger sauce, and shrimp with wasabi lime aioli. The dessert menu is a highlight, featuring decadent combinations of chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and marshmallow, accompanied by fresh fruit and an array of sweet and savoury dippers.

The Little Dipper has received mostly positive reviews, with many praising the food, service, and atmosphere. It is considered a great choice for couples seeking a romantic evening or groups looking for a unique dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to community involvement, combined with its delicious food and attentive service, makes it a standout fondue destination in the USA.

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