The Melting Pot

If you're looking for a different dining experience, a fondue restaurant might offer the excitement you're looking for. I recently visited The Melting Pot in Brookfield, Wisconsin. I didn't go for their full 4-course meal, just cheese and chocolate, but I didn't leave hungry! It was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and cozy.

The evening starts out with drinks. They have a wide selection of wines that go perfectly with any of their meals and if you're not sure which would be the best with what you've chosen to eat, your waiter or waitress will surely be able to offer suggestions. They also offer Coca-Cola products if you choose the non-alcoholic route. I had Coca-Cola with maraschino cherry added.

Image credit: JenwithFlash

They offer different varieties of cheeses that you can choose from. We had the original Cheddar Cheese Fondue. It's fun watching them put it all together right in front of you. The Cheddar Cheese Fondue was made with aged, medium-sharp cheddar and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic and seasonings. This is my absolute favorite part of the meal. I love dipping the artisan bread, vegetables, and apples into the cheese. Every single bite is so rich and savory.

My other favorite cheese is the Fiesta Cheese Fondue. It's made with cheddar cheese blended with lager beer, jalapeno peppers and salsa. They will make it as spicy as you like. I'm not real crazy about jalapenos but I like them a little so they just add a few bits. The last time I had this cheese, they brought out tortilla chips to dip too. It's been awhile so I'm not sure if they still do that or not.

They also offer Wisconsin Trio, Traditional Swiss, and Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondues. All delicious!

They bring the pot to your table and whip up the fondue recipe while you watch. It's fun to watch as they add all the ingredients. I love the cheese dips!

My favorite dipper is the artisan bread. It has a nice crust with a soft center. My favorite is the plain bread but the rye and seasoned are both delicious! There's also broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and apples to dip into the cheese.

Perfect for having friends over! Instead of boring burgers, try a fondue maker. You can use all different meats and treats to make a meal. It's something different to try.

Once you're finished with the cheese, Dessert Fondue comes next! Just like with the cheeses, there's many different ones to choose from.

I had The Flaming Turtle. It's milk chocolate, caramel, and candied pecans, flambeed right at the table. It's irresistible!

Another one of my favorites is the Banana Foster. If you prefer white chocolate, you might enjoy this one a lot. It's made with bananas and a hint of cinnamon swirled in white chocolate. It's flambeed right at the table, like the Flaming Turtle.

The other dessert fondues that they offer are The Original, Pure Chocolate, Chocolate S'mores, Cookies and Cream Marshmallow Dream, and Yin and Yang. You can also cream your own favorite by selecting from milk, dark or white chocolate and adding Disaronno, Grand Marnier, Chambord, Cointreau, Baileys or Tuaca.

All of the dessert fondues are served with fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, Rice Krispies Treats, marshmallows, brownies and pound cake. My personal favorite are the brownies. They are super soft and moist and go delicious with any of the dessert fondues.

The first time I went to a fondue restaurant, I was a little turned off by the price because I had the whole 4 course meal. Once I realized that I could go for my 2 favorites - cheese and chocolate - it suddenly became much more affordable for me. Now I can go more often and enjoy the ambiance without feeling like I'm breaking the bank.

Are you planning a party or event? Why not have a chocolate fondue fountain? It would definitely be something that everyone would remember. Cut up some strawberries and brownies for dipping and you'll have a beautiful and delicious display that everyone will talk about for a long time afterwards!

If you've picked out your fondue maker and you're ready to get started, try one of these great cookbooks!

My favorites are the original cheddar and the fiesta cheese fondue. What's your favorite?