First....
Happy Birthday Pops! <3
Secondly, I know this was intended as a "product" post, but let's just be a little spontaneous and throw out those rules for a bit. Just think of food as a "product" and you'll be good to go. As you all know Monday was Valentine's day. Because of this, and thanks to a family friend and a very generous and wonderful gift, the Hubster and I spent the weekend in downtown San Diego. We had a briliant little plan to take our fonue pot with us and have our own fondue in the timeshare room, however... we both tend to be space cadets, were a little behind schedule and left it at home (along with our Zoo passes and gift card which we drove back to get on Monday...anyways not the point). We didn't realize until we got there that the fondue pot was still back at home - 75+ minutes away. We were tired, it was getting late and we just didn't feel like turning around for a kitchen appliance. But, apparently we were still supposed to have fondue because little did we know that this hot number had taken up residency a few months ago RIGHT NEXT DOOR to where we were staying...
Mmmm. Neither of us have ever been to The Melting Pot, and we had little hope of actually being able to get in. We checked in on reservation schedule for Sunday night and guess what? Totally booked. Not surprising, but the host gave us a ray of hope and let us in a little secret - the bar area contained 2 high tables and there was 1 fondue pot per 2 chairs actually at the bar and if we got there when they opened we had a good shot of being able to get it. BINGO.
We arrived around 4:30PM (they opened an hour early because of the holiday) and were able to choose between which of the 2 non-reservation tables we wanted. Perfect. And then the experience began and let me tell you, I have never experienced restraunt service such as this! As my cousin would say it, it was PHENOMENAL, but you do have to be prepared for the price [it's a bit up there, but not totally unreasonable] and the time. Most nice sit-down dinners are usually around the 45 minutes to an hour duration, and when you hit that mark you start feeling the pressure from the server for you to stop talking, pay your bill and leave. Not so much here. The usual dinner duration is 2 hours and includes a cheese fondue, salad, main entree fondue and chocolate fondue. The staff is incredibly nice and they encourage you to take your time. We did not feel rushed at any moment and the way the reservations are staggered allow for your server to give you the full attention you may (or may not need). While their reservations were completely booked (except the 930 PM slot), their dining room was not. We never felt crowded, there was not commotion, in fact it was relatively difficult to hear the other tables. The atmosphere is very nice and soothing and you definitely don't feel like you're in a busy restaraunt like Cheese Cake Factory or P.F. Changs.
The selections were great and they are VERY accomodating to food allergies. I've been to more than my fair share of places that wouldn't let me substitute something because of an allergy - but you definitely won't have that issue here. Both Hubster and I can't have nuts and that wasn't an issue removing almonds from the salad (no pre-made salads here) and Hubster can't have shrimp and they had absolutely no problem giving us extra chicken instead. So course 1 was a delicious cheddar cheese fondue with sun-dried tomatoes, chives, and garlic with the 3 plates or dippers - breads (3 different kinds), fresh veggies, and applies. This last one surprised us, but it was surprisingly good. Course 2 was a yummy salad. Course 3 was the main entree. We got the "Big Night Out" entree - consisting of the prettiest raw meat to cook (if you know me this is a big deal) - duck (I was too chicken to try it, but Hubster said it was good- the texture of chicken but with a fuller taste), chicken, filet mignon, & NY steak, and cheese ratatouille ravioli. Cooking style: Coq au Vin, with flavors of fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices and burgundy wine. Honesty, the burgundy wine was a bit strong for me - but I'm not a real wine person anyways. And the last, and most anticipated part of the meal....
The chocolate fondue with the largest variety of dippers. We had the Milk Chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, marshmallows coated in graham crackers, marshmallows coated in oreos (this one was rich), pound cake squares, brownie squares, rice crispy treat squares, and cheese cake. DELICIOUS!
Guys, if you're looking for a great date night dinner and are willing to spend a little extra money - take her here! I know this is a one time a year deal for us right now and I personally think it was well worth it!! Nice, soothing, romantic atmosphere, excellent food, even better dessert, great service and the best company (my husband) I could ask for!
We will be returning again (and again...and again..... and....)
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