The Melting Pot

[Rosie]

You can have a lot of fun at The Melting Pot, 250 Center Avenue, Westwood. Our problem was trying to decide what to order. Did we want the cheddar cheese fondue, the Wisconsin trio cheese fondue, the Mexican fiesta cheese fondue or the traditional Swiss cheese fondue? Since this was our first visit we went with the traditional Swiss cheese fondue and it was delicious. The table contains a heat source on which the fondue pot is placed. The waiter makes the fondue in front of you by putting in the Gruyere and Emmenthaler Swiss cheese, white wine, garlic, nutmeg, fresh lemon and Krischwasser. Bread, apples, and vegetables are served for dipping into the hot cheese. Next we had a chef’s salad containing greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced eggs, smoked ham and Emmenthaler cheese and a California salad with mixed baby greens, tomatoes, walnuts, buttermilk Bleu cheese and a raspberry black walnut vinaigrette dressing. Both were fresh and very good. Entrees came with a choice of broths to cook the food. We opted for the coq au vin broth which contained fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, and Burgundy wine. A plate of tenderloin, shrimp, teriyaki marinated sirloin, breast of chicken, salmon and vegetables were brought to the table and we started cooking. Loads of sauces were also placed on the table for us to dip the cooked meat into. It was a blast but we did get tired of cooking and threw everything into the pot and scooped it out with a slotted spoon. We were too full for dessert but next time there is no way I will bypass a chocolate fondue. There are nine choices and each one sounds divine. The restaurant also has a “Big Night Out” offering which include a choice of cheese fondue, choice of salad, choice of entrée and broth, and choice of chocolate fondue. For reservations call 201-664-8877.

[Double 0]

Sounds like fun. Prices? BYO?

[Rosie]

They have a liquor license. Wines were reasonable. You can get something in the $20-$30 range. Our dinner for two was $60. The "Big Night Out" runs $42 to $44 a person. A la carte fondues are $16 for two and $8 for each additional person. Salads are $7. Chcocolate fondues are $15 for small and $28 for regular which serves 3-4 people. Most of the a la carte entrees are in the low $20 range.

[Nutley Resident]

Hi, Rosie. My wife and I enjoyed our second visit to The Melting Pot in Westwood (only one in NJ, btw). Will Layfield, the owner, commented that you and Lowell were there the night before. We started to make our reservations 30-days in advance every time we go. The place is MOBBED (good for Mr. & Mrs. Layfield), but disappointing when you are "in the mood" for fondue and have to wait a month for your turn! LOL

Equally disappointing is their web site. I was hoping to write a "review" of what we had and refresh my memory by reviewing their online menu for spellings and such. Well, they have NO menu online. That is terrible!! Very, very disappointing.

The first time we dined there back in January we had a Swiss Cheese fondue appetizer and this time it was the Wisconsin. I prefer the former. The later was much too tangy for my tastes and my wife is in agreement.

The first time we had the small portion sirloin cooked in oil and the second time it was only chicken breast in coq au vin. The dipping sauces are fantastic. We preferred the hearty flavors of the beef over the chicken. Next trip will be seafood, I'm sure.

How else could we possibly finish dinner each visit than The Original Chocolate Fondue. Last visit we asked for extra crushed pecans and Will was even kind enough to bring over an extra plate of strawberries for the Mrs. He is the kindest fellow and he recognizes repeat customers! His personal visits just enhance an already wonderful experience. Their "Lover's Lane" seating (for two) is another great compliment.

We enjoy our visit each time to The Melting Pot. The hostesses and servers are incredible. The owner and his son, James, make you feel so very welcome. I only wish they had more of them so the wait would not be so long between visits!

[Rosie]

I heard that there might be a Melting Pot opening in Red Bank but don't have any definite info yet.

Best to go to the restaurant on a weekday if you can.

[kal]

Equally disappointing is their web site. I was hoping to write a "review" of what we had and refresh my memory by reviewing their online menu for spellings and such. Well, they have NO menu online. That is terrible!! Very, very disappointing.

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You can find their menus here: http://www.ardore.com/listing.asp?r=meltin...c=All&m=c&u=all