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Fond of Food? Celebrate Fondue At The Melting Pot

Vicki Briganti – CW50 Writer / Producer / Editor

The average American citizen might never think about dipping a metal fork speared with raw meat into a hot pot of bouillon. That is, unless word spreads about the Melting Pot, one of the most interesting and delicious dining experiences available in metro Detroit.

The Melting Pot of Novi recently had Fondue Days and gave patrons a discount on the four-course dinner. For one week only, you and a guest could enjoy a creamy cheese fondue, individual salads, a meat platter with chicken, shrimp, sirloin, filet mignon, pot stickers, and a chocolate fondue dessert, all for $59 per couple. The regular price is $77.

Hmm? Yummy food AND value? It didn't hurt that the couple I'm a part of was celebrating two birthdays within three days of each other. There's always a reason to celebrate when it comes to food. It's our birthdays. Time to celebrate! It's our anniversary. Time to celebrate! It's Friday before a holiday. Time to celebrate!

Melting Pot Novi
Celebrating Fondue Days at Melting Pot in Novi (credit: Vicki Briganti)

Our amazing waitress, Autumn, said they offered the deal because it was their sixth year in business, but Doug and I think they must have wanted to celebrate our birthdays, because Autumn brought us a plate with 'Happy Birthdays to You' written in chocolate with a blue and a pink candle lodged in pieces of fattening pound cake.

The customer service in Novi is outstanding. Even though we (I) were very specific about our order, Autumn was always sweet, friendly, and upbeat. The manager on shift that night, Natasha, came over to our table a few times to make sure we were enjoying our meal. They even remembered that during my last visit, I had preferred table #35. Classy. I felt special. Or maybe I felt like a fondue stalker freak.

Big Nights Out

I discovered the Melting Pot when the Troy location first opened. They held a media event on December 7, 2004. I went and sampled their melted cheeses and chocolates and took a tour of the restaurant. It appeared a cozy place for couples to celebrate milestones, perhaps at a private booth to get engaged. Some guys pop the question in a dirty dark alley; some do it at the Melting Pot while drinking a glass of wine. If you tell the restaurant in advance you're celebrating an anniversary, you might get a greeting card and two glasses of champagne.

Not just for couples, what I've found over time is that Melting Pot is a great choice if you want to spend a leisurely meal with loved ones or a large group. My mom and I took my sister to the Novi location to celebrate her 40th birthday. A few years later, we celebrated my birthday at the Melting Pot in Ann Arbor. On both occasions, we hung around for at least three hours, eating, relaxing, and talking.

The only drawback may be the utter decadence of feeling overfed. Doug and I ordered the spinach artichoke cheese fondue dipping with nacho chips (or bread); I got the California salad with candied pecans and Gorgonzola; we shared the four-course classic which includes not only the meats, but potatoes, broccoli, and mushrooms; plus a dark chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, and pound cake.

fondue
Dark chocolate fondue dessert (credit: Vicki Briganti)

After eating all this, here's what we had to say:

Doug: "I'm so full I feel like crying."

Vicki: "I'm opening up my hollow leg to stuff down more pound cake."

Our advice to you if you decide to embark on the fondue voyage: You will eat past capacity. Wear loose clothing.

I joined Club Fondue for exclusive announcements and coupons. Right now, you can join and receive a complimentary box of signature chocolate-covered strawberries with purchase.

To find out more about the menu, make reservations, or join Club Fondue, go to meltingpot.com.

>> More Motor City Musing With Vicki Briganti

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