Fondue Restaurant Experience: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Fondue restaurants offer a unique dining experience centred around the Swiss dish of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot. The dish was popularised in North America in the 1960s and has since evolved to include other varieties, such as chocolate fondue and fondue bourguignonne, where pieces of meat are cooked in hot oil or broth. At a fondue restaurant, you can expect to find a variety of fondue options, ranging from traditional cheese fondues to more creative dessert fondues. The dining experience is interactive and social, as guests dip pieces of bread, vegetables, meat, or fruit into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks. In addition to the fondue, these restaurants may also offer salads, fine wines, and other entrée options. The Melting Pot, a well-known fondue restaurant chain, offers a Complete Fondue Experience For Two, which includes four courses of cheese, salad, entrée, and chocolate fondue. Fondue restaurants provide an unforgettable dining experience that encourages interaction and creates lasting memories.

Fondue types: cheese, chocolate, meat, and more

Fondue is a Swiss dish that typically consists of a blend of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks. However, the term "fondue" has been generalised to other dishes as well, where a food item is dipped into a communal pot of hot liquid. Here are some of the most common types of fondue:

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is the traditional Swiss version, which consists of a blend of cheeses, wine, and seasoning. The cheese is usually grated or cut-up and melted with wine, and bread is dipped into it. The cheese used is typically Gruyère, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Emmentaler, Appenzeller, or a combination of these.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a sweet version of the dish, where pieces of fruit, pastry, or other sweets are dipped into a melted chocolate mixture. This version was invented in the mid-1960s as part of a promotion for Toblerone chocolate.

Meat Fondue (or Fondue Bourguignonne)

Meat fondue, also known as Fondue Bourguignonne, involves cooking pieces of meat in hot oil or broth. The most commonly used meats are filet mignon, chicken breast, pork tenderloin, veal cutlets, or shrimp. The meat is sliced thinly and cooked in the hot oil or broth until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Broth Fondue

Broth fondue is similar to meat fondue, but instead of oil, a rich broth is used as the cooking liquid. This can be made with vegetable, chicken, beef, or pork stock. Various types of meat and vegetables can be cooked in the broth.

Other Types of Fondue

There are also some less common types of fondue, such as the Big Apple Fondue, which is a savoury cheese fondue with apple flavours, or the Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue, which combines the classic cheese fondue with spinach and artichoke.

Fondue equipment: pots, extension cords, plates, and forks

When it comes to fondue equipment, there are a few key items you'll need to ensure a successful fondue dinner. Firstly, let's talk about the fondue pot itself. You can choose between electric fondue pots or those warmed by candles or gel fuel. Electric pots offer better temperature control and are generally easier to use, but they do come with the inconvenience of a power cord. If you go for a traditional pot, you'll need to purchase gel fuel separately.

Now, let's discuss the other equipment you'll need:

Extension Cords

If you opt for an electric fondue pot, you'll likely need an extension cord or two to run the pots to your outlets safely. This is especially important if you want to place the pot in the middle of your dining table.

Plates

Each guest should receive a fondue fork and a regular appetizer fork, along with a small appetizer plate. If you're serving a side salad or a more substantial meal, you may want to provide dinner plates instead.

Forks

Fondue forks are long forks designed to spear chunks of food and hold them while dipping. They usually come with the fondue pot set and are typically colour-coded, with two forks per colour. It's important to note that you should never eat directly from the fondue fork to avoid cross-contamination and for sanitary reasons. Instead, use your fondue fork to cook or dip your food, then transfer it to your plate and eat with a regular fork.

When shopping for fondue forks, look for ones with grippy handles that are easy to hold. Also, if you're using a pot with a non-stick coating, be careful not to scratch the surface with the fondue forks.

In addition to the essential equipment mentioned above, you may also want to consider the following:

• Fondue Plates: These are not necessary, but they can add a fun, retro touch to your fondue party. You can find vintage fondue plates on eBay.
• Ingredient Cups: If you're using an electric fondue pot, look for one that comes with attachable ingredient cups. These can be filled with items to dip in the fondue and make it easier for guests to access the pot while standing.
• Fork Rings: Most fondue pots come with fork rings that fit into the mouth of the pot and have notches to hold the forks in place. These are optional, but they can help keep the forks organised and prevent them from being knocked over.

Fondue etiquette: no double dipping and no eating from the fondue fork

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience, but there are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable meal for everyone.

Firstly, it is important to remember that fondue forks are not meant for eating. The proper way to eat fondue is to use the long fondue fork to dip your food into the cheese, chocolate, or oil, and then place it on your plate. Use your regular dinner fork to eat the food from your plate. This is not only more sanitary, as the fondue forks are placed back into the communal pot, but it also prevents you from burning your mouth on hot oil or cheese.

Secondly, double-dipping is a big no-no. To prevent cross-contamination and ensure that the food in the pot remains uncontaminated, do not place any raw meat on your dinner plate. Instead, transfer it directly from the serving bowl to the pot. This also applies to vegetables or other foods that will be cooked in the oil or broth.

Additionally, it is important to follow proper food safety practices. Do not serve too much alcohol with fondue, as it can cause guests to forget about food safety and proper etiquette. It is also a good idea to secure the cords of electric pots to prevent anyone from tripping and knocking over a pot of hot oil or broth.

Lastly, while fondue is meant to be a social and interactive meal, it is important to be mindful of others. Do not leave your food unattended in the pot, as this can affect the temperature and consistency of the fondue. It is also considered poor etiquette to eat directly from the fondue fork, so be sure to use your dinner fork to eat your food.

By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your fondue experience is enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.

Fondue dippers: bread, meat, seafood, and vegetables

When it comes to fondue dippers, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas for bread, meat, seafood, and vegetable dippers to get you started:

Bread

• Sourdough
• Rye
• French
• White
• Wholegrain
• Baguette
• Crackers

Meat

• Steak
• Chicken
• Meatballs
• Sausage
• Shrimp
• Salami
• Chorizo
• Prosciutto
• Hot dogs
• Prime rib

Seafood

• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Octopus
• Squid

Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Mushrooms
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Cucumber

Fondue restaurants: The Melting Pot, Chez Boët, and more

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is a successful chain of fondue restaurants that started in Florida and now has franchises across the US. It offers a unique, fun, tasty, and interactive dining experience. Guests can tailor their meals to fit their mood, from a luxurious four-course dining experience to a simple cheese appetizer or chocolate dessert. The dining experience can take up to two hours, and guests cook their meals at their tables. The restaurant has a chic and intimate setting, with warm hues and subdued lighting. The Melting Pot also offers special events and promotions, such as Ladies' Night and happy hour discounts.

Chez Boët

Chez Boët is a chic Parisian-style bistro located in Naples, Florida. It serves authentic, market-inspired French classics, including cheese fondue, Kobe boeuf bourguignon, bouillabaisse, and orange duck. The menu features gluten-free options, Kobe beef, organic spices, and healthy French sea salt. The restaurant has a full bar, and mixologist Philippe recommends French aperitifs, classic cocktails, digestifs, and scotchs. Chez Boët offers a welcoming ambiance perfect for intimate dinners or entertaining friends, with indoor and outdoor seating options. It also provides off-site catering and private party facilities for special events and celebrations.

What to Expect at a Fondue Restaurant

Fondue restaurants offer a social and interactive dining experience where guests can cook and dip small pieces of food into a hot sauce or cooking medium such as oil or broth. The fondue pot is typically the centerpiece of the table, with an induction heating element that keeps the contents warm. Guests can expect to find a variety of fondue options, including cheese, chocolate, and meat fondues, with a range of dippers such as bread, vegetables, and meat. It is important to note that fondue dining can be a leisurely experience, and guests may take their time to enjoy the different courses and socialise.

Frequently asked questions