A Beginner's Guide To Ordering At La Fondue

La Fondue is a French and Swiss fondue restaurant located in Saratoga, California. It offers a unique dining experience with over 50 types of fondues served tableside. The menu features a variety of cheese, meat, and chocolate fondues, as well as salads and vegetarian options. La Fondue provides a range of dining experiences, from a casual meal to a romantic dinner or special occasion. The restaurant has received mixed reviews, with some praising the food and service while others have criticised the quality of the food and the billing practices.

Choose your dining experience: Complete Fondue Experience For Two or Á La Carte

La Fondue offers a unique dining experience with a variety of fondue options to choose from. If you're looking for a complete fondue experience, the four-course menu for two is a great option. This includes a cheese fondue, salad, entree, and chocolate fondue, all for one set price. You can also upgrade your entree selections for a small additional charge.

On the other hand, if you prefer more flexibility, the Á La Carte menu allows you to order each course separately. This option is ideal if you're sharing an entree or not planning to have all four courses. Keep in mind that the cheese and chocolate fondue are priced for two servings, while salads and entrees are individually priced.

The Complete Fondue Experience For Two is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, offering a variety of fondue options to enjoy with your partner. If you want to indulge in a fondue feast, this is the way to go.

However, if you're looking for a more customised experience, the Á La Carte menu gives you the freedom to choose exactly what you want. You can select from a variety of cheese fondues, salads, entrees, and chocolate fondues to create your own unique combination. This option is also more cost-effective if you're not planning to have all four courses.

Whether you choose the Complete Fondue Experience For Two or the Á La Carte menu, La Fondue offers a memorable and interactive dining experience. With a variety of fondue options and cooking styles, you can create a meal that suits your taste preferences and budget. So, go ahead and take your pick!

Select your cheese fondue

When selecting your cheese fondue, it's important to remember that the quality and types of cheese you use will have a significant impact on the final product. Opt for good-quality, creamy, and buttery cheeses that melt smoothly.

The best all-around cheeses for fondue include fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you're unsure, using equal amounts of these three is a great option. For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda is ideal. You can also experiment with other Swiss cheeses such as Emmentaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette, depending on your preference.

If you want to add a unique twist, consider a cheddar fondue by mixing cheddar with a traditional cheese like Gruyère. Other cheeses that pair well with cheddar include Comté, Raclette, and Vacherin.

When preparing the cheese, make sure to grate it instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. Toss the grated cheese with cornstarch to thicken the mixture and prevent clumping.

Remember, the key to a delicious cheese fondue is in the quality of the cheese and the right combination of cheeses to create a complex and indulgent flavour profile.

Pick your salad and dressing

When ordering at La Fondue, you can choose from a variety of salads and dressings to start your meal. Here are some tips and options to help you make your selection:

Pick your salad:

• La Fondue offers a choice of fresh salads as part of their dining experience.
• You can choose from a variety of greens, including romaine or spinach as your base.
• Each salad comes with a variety of toppings, such as carrots, mozzarella cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds.
• You can also add protein to your salad, such as chicken or shrimp, for an additional charge.

Pick your dressing:

• La Fondue offers a variety of salad dressings to suit different tastes.
• Options include Sweet and Sour with Blue Cheese Crumbles, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Lemon Tarragon, and Balsamic Vinaigrette.
• You can also request additional dressings on the side if you want to try more than one.
• If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to ask your server about gluten-free or vegan options.

Remember, the salad is just the beginning of your fondue experience, so be sure to review the full menu and choose options that complement your main course selections. Enjoy your meal!

Choose your cooking style

When ordering at La Fondue, you will be faced with a choice of cooking styles. This is because La Fondue offers a choice of fondue cooking styles, including the new grill cooking style and a variety of entrées. The number of cooktops on your table dictates the number of fondue pots you can have going at one time. So, if you only have one cooktop, everyone at the table will need to agree on the same cheese and chocolate fondues and cooking styles. If you have two cooktops, you can have two different cheese fondues, chocolate fondues, and cooking styles going at the same time.

The cooking style you choose will depend on your personal preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some options to consider:

Cheese Fondue

If you are a cheese lover, you might want to opt for a cheese fondue as your cooking style. Cheese fondue is a classic choice and can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as Gruyère, Emmenthaler, or Cheddar. It is usually served with artisan bread, seasonal fruits, and vegetables for dipping. Alcohol, such as wine, champagne, or beer, can be added to the fondue to enhance the flavor and prevent curdling.

Broth Fondue

If you are looking for a lighter option, you might want to choose a broth fondue as your cooking style. You can choose a seasoned vegetable broth or a broth flavored with wine or champagne. This cooking style is suitable for cooking meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. It is important to use a consistent broth with the type of meat you are serving, such as beef broth for beef fondue.

Hot Oil Fondue

Hot oil fondue is a classic choice for cooking meat, seafood, and breaded foods. You can use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for this cooking style. It is important to preheat the oil to the right temperature (375º F) before adding your food to the fondue pot. This cooking style can be messy and leave your house smelling like a kitchen, so it might not be the best choice if you are looking for a neat and tidy dining experience.

Grill Cooking Style

If you want to try something new, La Fondue offers a grill cooking style that allows you to sear items like steak, chicken, and shrimp to perfection right at your table. This cooking style is perfect for those who want to show off their grill marks and enjoy a more interactive dining experience.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a popular choice for dessert, but it is important to note that it should not be served after a cheese fondue according to Swiss etiquette. Chocolate fondue is usually served with a variety of sweet treats and fresh fruits for dipping. It is important to chill the fruits before dipping to help the fondue stick better.

Order your chocolate fondue

Ordering chocolate fondue can be a fun and interactive dining experience. La Fondue offers a variety of chocolate fondue options, and here's a step-by-step guide to help you order:

• Check the Menu: La Fondue provides a range of chocolate fondue options, including different types of chocolate and additional ingredients. Before ordering, browse the menu to explore the available choices.
• Select Your Chocolate: Choose the type of chocolate you prefer, such as bittersweet, milk, or white chocolate. This forms the base of your fondue.
• Choose Additional Ingredients: Enhance your chocolate fondue by selecting from a variety of add-ins. Options may include liqueurs like amaretto, Irish cream, or Frangelico, as well as flavours like orange or Godiva. You can also opt for combinations, such as milk and bittersweet chocolate with espresso beans.
• Consider the Dippers: Chocolate fondue is typically served with a selection of dippers. La Fondue often provides sweet treats like marshmallows, pound cake, brownies, and Rice Krispie treats, as well as fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas.
• Place Your Order: Once you've made your selections, communicate your choices clearly to your server. They will prepare your chocolate fondue tableside, creating a delightful and interactive dining experience.
• Enjoy Your Fondue: Dip, savour, and indulge! Chocolate fondue is perfect for sharing and makes for a unique and memorable dessert experience.

Remember, if you're dining with others, you may need to agree on a single fondue if there's only one cooktop on your table. However, if there are multiple cooktops, you can enjoy different chocolate fondues simultaneously!

Frequently asked questions