Going to the Melting Pot for the first time tonight

[kimisabella]

We're going there for dinner tonight w/three other couples (no kids) and we've never been before. What's good, what's bad - I don't think DH is thrilled w/the idea of the whole fondue sharing thing with other couples, he won't even let ME drink out of his glass :rolleyes:

[MODisFan]

DH and I ate there for our first anniversary. It was yummy. Be prepared - it's an experience to eat there and it takes a while. We were there for over 2 hours. I can't remember the exact item we ordered but it was one of the options with a cheese course (with bread), a veggie course, a meat course and then dessert. All the food was good. It was lots of fun. Have a wonderful time!

BTW: for your husband's sanity, you may want to request no double dipping at the table :)

[jcb]

My family greatly enjoyes the Melting Pot in town. DW generally has the same concerns as your DH but she enjoyes the Melting Pot. She just threatened to stab me with the fondue fork if I double dip.

Seriously, the food is cut up so that someone would really have to try to double dip into the fondue pot itself. However, the meals come with sauces so he may want to spoon the sauces onto his plate before someone "contaminates it."

Everything is good. Just remember to cook the meats for the time they tell you but don't overcook the shrimp. (It bounces if you do.)

You won't believe this until you have had a dinner there but it will look as if you are not getting a lot of food even if you order an appetizer (cheese fondue) and one of the main courses. But by the time you finish these (if you eat everything), you will probably be stuffed. So, the biggest concern with eating at the MP is that it is hard to SAVE ROOM FOR DESERT. The chocolate fondue deserts are incredible.

Let us know how it went.

[kimisabella]

Thanks guys - it's kind of an akward night, my dh's best friend is bringing his new girlfriend (he is just divorced and we've been friends w/him and his now ex wife for over 10 years) so it's going to be interesting to say the least!

[DVCsince02]

Tell us all about it when you get back! The Melting Pot is my favorite.

[wdwscout]

We've been talking about going here for a couple of years now! Haven;t quite made it yet.
There are 3 of them pretty near us- we really have no excuse not to go!

I would love to hear how you liked it. :thumbsup2

[halliesmommy01]

I hope you have a wonderful time. We just went a few weeks back and loved it. We splurged and did the big night out. So yummy. We had a Chocolate Cherry fondue for dessert. It was great.

[storybookmum]

I just love the Melting Pot - and I agree, it looks like you're not getting much, but we've yet to have room for dessert. The cheese course is what does you in (but it's worth it).

It's a lovely, lingering, intimate meal. I really hope you've enjoyed it - in somewhat awkward circumstances.

We've eaten twice in Fort Myers and once in Chicago. If we had one near us (I don't think they're in Canada at all), I'd be there ALL THE TIME.

[kimisabella]

We had a great time last night - our reservations were at 8:30 and we got out of there at midnight!! There was eight of us and there were three of the melting stations that we shared - we started out w/the spinach artichoke cheese and cheddar - we all agreed that the spinach/artichoke was the better one - then we had a salad course and the main course then of course the best course, the chocolate!!! Luckilly someone in our group had found a coupon in a local paper which was for the big night out or whatever it was called for $75/couple which was really good.

There was no double dipping or slobbering in the fondues - they cut everything up pretty small so you only can dip it once, so that turned out well

As far as the company, at first it was a bit akward, but when we actually sat down at the table it became more relaxed and everyone had a good time - and is planning on getting together again.

[klam_chowder]

I hadn't heard of the Melting Pot before but btwn this and the podcast cruise thread, I was intrigued. :idea:

Someone on the other thread even conveniently added a locations link :thumbsup2

There's one near us so I'll take DH there for his b'day. Thx to you and other for sharing your experiences - e.g., it is great to know you can order a la carte since I can't really eat cheese. Of course chocolate - no probs there :rotfl2:

cheers,
:flower3:

[wildeoscar]

at melting pot, it is often a good idea to let the server guide you through it the first time... it is good, but not a traditional restaurant experience

[two-foxes]

It really is a great special occassion restaurant. We have one just about 10 minutes from us and we haven't been there since Christmas Eve of 2005! Gotta go soon! It is not inexpensive if you get the Big Night Out, but it certainly is a nice treat every now and again!

Our favorite thing to do is get coffee with the chocolate fondue dessert and mix some of the chocolate in the coffee.....YUMMY! Hmmm, maybe we'll have to get there this Christmas Eve!

[wishspirit]

I am guessing this experience is centred around cheese! Yuck! Not my cup of tea! The chocolate sounds good though!

[DVCsince02]

I am guessing this experience is centred around cheese! Yuck! Not my cup of tea! The chocolate sounds good though!

There are 4 courses, cheese, salad, main, and dessert. Some people only go for dessert. There are many choices for each course so there is something for everyone. The cheese comes with apples, bread, and veggies to dip. We enjoy the Fiesta cheese fondue (cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and salsa with a beer base).

:yay:
I'm glad you had a nice time!

[two-foxes]

I am guessing this experience is centred around cheese! Yuck! Not my cup of tea! The chocolate sounds good though!

Just the appetizer....then you pick a flavored oil (Mojo is the best!) to cook your veggies, meat and seafood in. They give you a number of very very tasty dipping sauces and fresh lemon for your cooked meats and seafood. Then, you pick your dessert fondue....

So, it isn't cheese centered....it has a good all around flair to it!

[DVCsince02]

Just the appetizer....then you pick a flavored oil (Mojo is the best!) to cook your veggies, meat and seafood in. They give you a number of very very tasty dipping sauces and fresh lemon for your cooked meats and seafood. Then, you pick your dessert fondue....

So, it isn't cheese centered....it has a good all around flair to it!

If you aren't into eating with oil, you can choose a bullion to "boil" the meat and veggies in. This can also be flavored (coq au vin).

[chirurgeon]

If you aren't into eating with oil, you can choose a bullion to "boil" the meat and veggies in. This can also be flavored (coq au vin).
We had the coq au vin when we went for my birthday. It was good. I liked the fact, if the group of protein you order has something you don't like, you can substitute something else. We got the one with the filet mignon, chicken, shrimp and a couple of other things. It included fish filet and Mom and I didn't want that. We got the pot stickers and they were very good. We are planning on going back after the holidays. When we need a pick me up in the dead of winter.

Kim

[peacelovemickey]

This thread is about to cost me a bunch of money. I have been craving Melting Pot forever.

BTW can anyone compare the cheddar cheese fondue to Le Cellier's Chedder Cheese Soup? I have not been to Le Cellier, but if the soup is anything like the fondue I will splurge!

[kimisabella]

This thread is about to cost me a bunch of money. I have been craving Melting Pot forever.

BTW can anyone compare the cheddar cheese fondue to Le Cellier's Chedder Cheese Soup? I have not been to Le Cellier, but if the soup is anything like the fondue I will splurge!

The cheddar cheese fondue last night had a very strong beer taste - I prefer the taste of the cheddar cheese soup at Le Cellier to this. But, the fondue is only a "dip" and isn't meant to be drunk, so it's "stronger".

[disneymom8589]

My DD and her boyfriend went a few weeks ago. They had the cheese, meat, and dessert courses. They loved it! She said they were able to substitute on the meats. They substituted the honey chicken for duck as it was something new for them to try.

[Annette_VA]

We were just there for DH's birthday last week. Yum! The best part is the dessert - we always do the Yin & Yang (white chocolate and dark chocolate)

[DVCsince02]

We were just there for DH's birthday last week. Yum! The best part is the dessert - we always do the Yin & Yang (white chocolate and dark chocolate)

So do we!:thumbsup2

[LeesyUD]

I love getting the lobster and filet...yum and they have some great big night outs too!! And I am not a huge chocolate person but I love the Smores chocolate fondue - milk chocolate, a bit of marshmallow and some graham cracker crumble in, yummy. We always ask for a few extra graham crackers on the side to dip in and they seem fine with bringing them and it is soo good. Love the chocolate with the poundcake and cheesecake and strawberries.

[kafitty]

soo jealous, i've been DYING to try MP foreeeever, but unfortunately i don't have friends who have money to go/are motivated to travel great lengths for food. fools! :laughing:

[UrsulasShadow]

soo jealous, i've been DYING to try MP foreeeever, but unfortunately i don't have friends who have money to go/are motivated to travel great lengths for food. fools! :laughing:

Maybe our next Boston meet should be MP!

[OKW Lover]

Maybe our next Boston meet should be MP!

I didn't even realize there was an MP in Boston.

[UrsulasShadow]

I didn't even realize there was an MP in Boston.

http://www.meltingpot.com/location.aspx?q=140

[mejkjj97]

I didn't even realize there was an MP in Boston.

It just opened in September and we can't wait to go try it.

[mommyceratops]

Have fun!! I love the Melting Pot...

We went there for our girls night out before seeing Twilight...Oh yea and DH takes me there also for special nights...but Twilight seem to get honorable mention. ;)

I love their mushroom salad!

[kehouse]

our mp has a ladies night out every other wednesday. here is what the web site says about it. now i just gotta get a group of girls together, i don't think it will be too hard, lol.

Ladies’ Night Out
You won’t want to miss one of our popular Ladies’ Nights Out. Each
Ladies’ Night Out you have the opportunity to win fun door prizes,
and many nights you can receive mini spa services and luxurious
goody bags!
We celebrate ladies’ night by featuring a delectable four-course
fondue feast (which includes a savory cheese fondue, a fresh salad,
a succulent combination entrée, and a decadent chocolate fondue
dessert), and wonderful drink specials.

The cost is only $27 per person and required reservations

[goofeyken]

Love going to the Melting Pot. I was really skeptical about having to cook my own food but we had a great time and a really unique experience. The desert platter.... oh my... so so good. :worship:

[DVCsince02]

I'm surprised Kevin hasn't popped in here to talk about the Melting Pot. :)

[kimisabella]

I'm surprised Kevin hasn't popped in here to talk about the Melting Pot. :)

Somehow I don't think he would consider it a fine dining experience ;)

It was fun, there was a bachlorette party there - this location was huge - don't know how the others are and it was really cool inside w/one wall of the restaurant being an actual waterfall - I would imagine if you sat there all you would want to do is go to the bathroom all night - then there were alot of different "rooms" some being more private then others.

[magic2go]

What a timely thread! I tried to convince hubby to take me here for the first time this past weekend - no luck - YET! I'll work on him though!

Question: Is the communal style just with your party? Its not a family style table is it?? That'd be too weird for me!

[jcb]

I wouldn't call it family style.

The fondue pot itself is shared, but the main course itself comes on each person's plate. Like most restaurants, appetizers are shared, deserts usually are as well but only at the table.

Some photos (not mine) of an Atlanta Melting Pot - http://atlanta.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/melting-pot/551461/content (http://atlanta.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/melting-pot/551461/content)

[kimisabella]

What a timely thread! I tried to convince hubby to take me here for the first time this past weekend - no luck - YET! I'll work on him though!

Question: Is the communal style just with your party? Its not a family style table is it?? That'd be too weird for me!

You sit with your own party, not other people, if that is what you mean. You share only among the people you are with.

[DisneyKevin]

Never been to a Melting Pot.

we went to something similar called The Colorado Fondue Company and it wasn't very good.

There is a Melting Pot about 5 minutes from WDW on Sandlake Road. It's across from the Publix with the good fried chicken.

[DVCsince02]

Sounds like you need to "test" it out!

[UrsulasShadow]

Never been to a Melting Pot.

we went to something similar called The Colorado Fondue Company and it wasn't very good.

There is a Melting Pot about 5 minutes from WDW on Sandlake Road. It's across from the Publix with the good fried chicken.

New offsite review coming up!

[burberryplaid]

Never been to a Melting Pot.

we went to something similar called The Colorado Fondue Company and it wasn't very good.

There is a Melting Pot about 5 minutes from WDW on Sandlake Road. It's across from the Publix with the good fried chicken.

Oh Kevin, you must go and share your thoughts!

I LURVE the Melting Pot. It's pricey, but I'm worth every penny it costs to have the lobster tail!

[DVCsince02]

I think the whole Podcast crew should go the the Mellting Pot. It's so fun when you have a group and can get 2 or 3 burners and sample everything.

Hmmmmmm... segment idea?

[LeesyUD]

I wouldn't call it family style.

The fondue pot itself is shared, but the main course itself comes on each person's plate. Like most restaurants, appetizers are shared, deserts usually are as well but only at the table.

Some photos (not mine) of an Atlanta Melting Pot - http://atlanta.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/melting-pot/551461/content (http://atlanta.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/melting-pot/551461/content)

I think it depends on what you order, on whether to call it family style or not. They mostly feature menus like the "Big Night Out" where the cheese, entree, and dessert are all shared family style and you divide it up amongst yourselves. The menu has several other options for entrees for two people and the individual menu options, but to me it seems like they do promote the shared menu's the most. Really It just depends what you order. We always end up doing shared entrees when my df and I go.....it seems to enhance the fun of it by sharing.

[TommyTutone]

Be prepared to smell bad after you leave a Melting Pot. When the wife and I go, we prefer the coq au vin instead of the cooking oils for our meat, and even that way, our clothes smell like we've been working a double shift at Wendy's afterwards.

The easiest deal is to get the three course dinner, which actually includes a small salad, followed by a cheese fondue appetizer of your choice, followed by the entree collection of meats, and then a chocolate fondue dessert of your choice.

Here in Atlanta, I think we paid about $100, inlcuding a couple of drinks for two people, which, for that money, I can eat a much nicer meal elsewhere. I'm not poopooing Melting Pot, it is a unique experience that should be enjoyed at least once, but if you are going under the pretense of fine dining, keep looking.

Edited to add that normally I'm not a big fan of 'sauces'. If the cook intended a sauce for a dish, then so be it, but I hate the little sides that accompany the entree because if the meat is good, it doesn't need anything else. That said, they include a Green Goddess dressing with the entrees that is absolutely perfect with a hot cooked mushroom. Even when the meat is long gone, we will often get a refill of veggies for just that tender bit of divine morsel.

[kimisabella]

Be prepared to smell bad after you leave a Melting Pot. When the wife and I go, we prefer the coq au vin instead of the cooking oils for our meat, and even that way, our clothes smell like we've been working a double shift at Wendy's afterwards.

The easiest deal is to get the three course dinner, which actually includes a small salad, followed by a cheese fondue appetizer of your choice, followed by the entree collection of meats, and then a chocolate fondue dessert of your choice.

Here in Atlanta, I think we paid about $100, inlcuding a couple of drinks for two people, which, for that money, I can eat a much nicer meal elsewhere. I'm not poopooing Melting Pot, it is a unique experience that should be enjoyed at least once, but if you are going under the pretense of fine dining, keep looking.

Edited to add that normally I'm not a big fan of 'sauces'. If the cook intended a sauce for a dish, then so be it, but I hate the little sides that accompany the entree because if the meat is good, it doesn't need anything else. That said, they include a Green Goddess dressing with the entrees that is absolutely perfect with a hot cooked mushroom. Even when the meat is long gone, we will often get a refill of veggies for just that tender bit of divine morsel.

That's so funny - I said the same thing to DH about the clothes we were wearing.... they stunk!!! How do the employees there take it??? It's like working IN a deep fryer. Your right, it's no gourmet meal, but it's a fun experience and I'm glad we did it.

[FairyGodmotherJen]

DH and I go once a year with a group of friends as our Christmas gift to each other. We really enjoy it. We also really enjoy the company, which makes a big difference since it is a much longer than average dining experience. Last year, DH and the other two hubbies decided to see how EVERYTHING tasted in the broth. We're talking the garnishes! They're joking about smuggling in a basket of various "other things" to try this year...heaven help us!! :rotfl2:

[Annette_VA]

DH and I go once a year with a group of friends as our Christmas gift to each other. We really enjoy it. We also really enjoy the company, which makes a big difference since it is a much longer than average dining experience. Last year, DH and the other two hubbies decided to see how EVERYTHING tasted in the broth. We're talking the garnishes! They're joking about smuggling in a basket of various "other things" to try this year...heaven help us!! :rotfl2:

The 1st time DH & I went, it was with another couple and we did the oil. The guys had so much fun putting everything in the oil to watch it fry...yep, even the garnishes. Boys will be boys!

We were there for 3 hours, but time flew.

[kimisabella]

The 1st time DH & I went, it was with another couple and we did the oil. The guys had so much fun putting everything in the oil to watch it fry...yep, even the garnishes. Boys will be boys!

We were there for 3 hours, but time flew.

I'm so glad to hear other guys did this, the guys we went with put everything into the oil also, even the shrimp cocktail sauce - it started to smell so bad that my dh found the controls for the heat and turned it off

[DVCsince02]

John and Kevin.... the Melting Pot is calling you! They want you to come eat dinner there!

[DisneyKevin]

It's expensive.

You are there for 3 hours.

You have to cook my own food.

Your clothes are going to smell.

If I did a restaurant review and told you these same things....you'd tell me I was crazy.

This doesnt sound like my kinda place.

[Annette_VA]

It's expensive.

You are there for 3 hours.

You have to cook my own food.

Your clothes are going to smell.

If I did a restaurant review and told you these same things....you'd tell me I was crazy.

This doesnt sound like my kinda place.

But there's chocolate!! Really good chocolate that you dip strawberries, pound cake, cheesecake, rice krispy treats and other yummy stuff in!

[DisneyKevin]

You can do that at home with a can of frosting and a microwave.

Not that I ever have......

I'm just sayin....

And by the way....chocolate is not a controlled sunstance....even really good chocolate.

[DisneyKevin]

Be prepared to smell bad after you leave a Melting Pot. Our clothes smell like we've been working a double shift at Wendy's afterwards.

In all of the restaurants I've reviewed....good and not so good.....I've never left smelling worse than when I entered.

[DVCsince02]

It's expensive.

You are there for 3 hours.

You have to cook my own food.

Your clothes are going to smell.

If I did a restaurant review and told you these same things....you'd tell me I was crazy.

This doesnt sound like my kinda place.

1. Your meal will cost less than $100 dollars. You've paid a lot more than that before.:confused3

2. It's a dining experience.;)

3. Someone has to cook it if you are at home.:laughing:

4. Your clothes are going to smell anyway after the end of any day.:laundy:

5. You are crazy, you talk to us every week.:goodvibes

I'll mail you a coupon for FREE chocolate dessert.:hug:

[kimisabella]

It's expensive.

You are there for 3 hours.

You have to cook my own food.

Your clothes are going to smell.

If I did a restaurant review and told you these same things....you'd tell me I was crazy.

This doesnt sound like my kinda place.


I think they want you to go there so everyone can sit back and roll w/laughter when you review it on the podcast

[wdwscout]

We just went last night.
We chose the boullion cooking method instead of the oil.
I was worried about the "smell" we might pick up and chose to wear all washable clothes- no sweaters!
No problem...My clothes did not smell when we left! :)

Everything was very good- it was relaxing and fun!
We were there about 2-2.5 hours, which is a pretty typical time for us to eat and chat.

I will go back! :thumbsup2

[DVCsince02]

I just put a coupon in the mail for Kevin for free chocolate. Hopefully that will get them to try out the Melting Pot.

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I have to say, I don't ever remember my clothes smelling when I left. DH is pretty weird about that type of thing - I know he would have mentioned it. He's looking forward to our trip in January.

I'm sorry, Kevin - frosting from the fridge just ain't the same. ;)

[two-foxes]

For all you "maybe we should try the Melting Pot....", don't worry....your clothes won't stink from eating there. However, I gotta say, even though I love it, the rest of what Kevin says is true! However, it is an experience to be had, at least once, though! Cooking your own entree at an expensive restaurant is actually fun! You never know 'til you try it....

[NWOhioAngela]

Cooking your own entree at an expensive restaurant is actually fun! You never know 'til you try it....

Next thing ya know Victoria and Alberts will be trying this due to guest demand!

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

When we went regularly (pre kids), we always got the court boullion. IMO it's the tastiest and most lo-cal of the options. I never cared much for the oil.

I am partial to the package dinners with appetizer and dessert. I always was more fulfilled, not having to choose which one I left off.

We keep getting really decent coupons in mail - they are using a direct mail, biweekly mailer packet service to advertise here in Los Angeles - but that means driving to Old Town Pasadena and then paying for a babysitter, as well as parking.

Maybe next year after I'm well into the new job....

[burberryplaid]

I've never had my clothes smell after going to the Melting Pot.

And yes, it's expensive but I think it's nice for a special ocassion. Yes, you are there for 2-3 hours, but I like that you aren't rushed. You have plenty of time to talk, linger, and enjoy.