"Dip into Something Different®" at The Melting Pot
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Before the cheese was melted and the food brought to the table, I caught myself wondering how soon I could return and who I must invite. Low-level lighting and music, private booths, and small tables with communal fondue pots established an alluring atmosphere seldom matched. (The only way to dine in a more intimate setting would be to stay at home- and what would be the adventure in that?)

My server, Robin, had a very pleasant and friendly manner and guided each step of the meal. While elaborating on the history of fondue and the Melting Pot, he prepared the food and made me feel as if I was the only customer. Very high marks go to the service at the Melting Pot.

If you are in the mood to start dinner with a glass of wine, your server would be more than happy to assist you to sort through their ample selections, which cover every variation between your basic Californian Zinfandel to the finest Bordeaux. Proud of their ample wine list, the folks at the Melting Pot have earned the "Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator three years in a row. Specialty drinks served from the bar include a festive assortment of martinis, margaritas and a mojito.

On recommendation I ordered the Fiesta Cheese Fondue, made with cheddar, Mexican herbs, jalapeño peppers, salsa, and a splash of beer to get things started. After opting for a "medium" level of spiciness, the cheese was prepared quickly and came complete with a variety of breads with tortilla chips, vegetables, and apples. Eating fondue is not something to do in a hurry, and as a naturally fast eater, it was nice to take the time to sample all the food and search for that perfect ratio of cheese to bread. (Personal favorite: pumpernickel completely soaked.)

Other cheese fondue choices include Cheddar Cheese, Traditional Swiss and the Wisconsin Trio Cheese fondues.

Choosing an entree, with a choice of salad, is the next logical step, and the Melting Pot doesn't cut any corners with their selections. Sirloin, filet mignon, chicken, lobster and more are available, served with vegetables and paired with a variety of freshly prepared dipping sauces. There are four cooking styles to choose from, three bouillon-based fondues as well as the classic fondue bourguignonne in oil. A little bit of France, Switzerland and even the Caribbean are represented in these fondue cooking styles. As always, I suggest trusting your server's recommendation during your first visit.

Before trying dessert, I relaxed and enjoyed the surroundings. And then it hit me. The privacy and warm ambience coupled with the pleasure that comes with the process of eating fondue made the afternoon timeless. Not seeing a table next to me being cleared and other patrons come and go stifled any impression that I needed to finish, pay up, go and make room for the next customer. There's no sense of urgency at the Melting Pot. And on the heals of that thought: could there be a better place to take a date or loved one?

Robin, my server, explained that kids love coming to the Melting Pot just as much as adults do. The act of dipping and tasting little bits of "this and that" is just plain appealing at any age.

Well, the kid in me couldn't wait to try the chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, marshmallows, brownies and more are served up along a choice of chocolate fondues (including liqueur mixes, flambéed fondue, and pure white, milk or dark chocolate). I must admit, the decadence of trying a brownie cube dipped in rich chocolate was too tempting not to miss in spite of my full belly.

The courses are set at very reasonable prices, especially considering the portions are ample for two. Apart from wine and gratuities, a couple dining at the Melting Pot could do so for about the same price or lower than they would at any other nice family restaurant in Tampa.

The history of fondue traces back to Switzerland, where it developed as a necessity out of cold winters and frugal uses of cheese and bread. It spread throughout Europe, with the French providing the name "fondue" (meaning "to melt"). An in-depth history can be found at the Melting Pot's website, www.meltingpot.com.

The Melting Pot, nested at the northwest corner of Dale Mabry and Fletcher, is part of a chain of nearly 100 restaurants that got their start right here in Florida in 1975. Back then, the original Melting Pot featured a menu with just three items. Nowadays, patrons can expect a large sampling of fondue cheeses, entrees, desserts, salads, and wine. The Melting Pot proudly boasts that it has taken the dining experience of fondue to a new level, and indeed they have.

-D. Marvin