Basie Bytes: Basie Bytes: A Dining Experience at The Melting Pot

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A Dining Experience at The Melting Pot

Frequenters of Red Bank are well-familiar with The Galleria, the large brick structure built in 1907 which used to be a textile factory, that now houses some of the best dining and shopping options in the area. But what you may not know is that it also houses one of the most unique yummy experiences in town! If you haven't "dipped" into The Melting Pot yet, "cheese it" over there right away! Ok, we'll stop with the fromage jokes...

So as you might have guessed, a full meal at The Melting Pot can be a little pricey but they do have special packages and discount events fairly frequently which you can learn about by signing up for their email list, Club Fondue. Eating here is something we do on special occasions, and ideally, by fasting for a day before we do so! It is also not a meal to rush through... you should make reservations and allow yourself at least 2 hours to spend there to play it safe.

With an extensive cocktail and wine menu to start things off, you're sure to find something to whet your whistle before you start your meal. One of the more unique libations (for adults!) here would have to be the Yin & Yang martini... the perfect balance of Godiva White Chocolate liqueur, Stoli Vanil vodka, and ice cream topped with chocolate shavings:

And c'mon, how badly would you want to snap a cell phone picture of that and send it to all your jealous friends?!

As you move through the dining experience, it will come time for you to choose a cheese fondue for the table. There are always many to pick from but our favorite continues to be the Cheddar Cheese fondue: aged, medium-sharp Cheddar & Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic and seasonings. Yum! It is prepared table-side by your server and comes with hunks of bread, apples slices, and fresh veggies.

Next comes the entree selection. We recommend the Land & Sea option: a combination of New York Strip, Chicken Breast, and White Shrimp -- served raw and with a plethora of veggies, ready for you to cook yourself in your choice of 4 different cooking styles ranging from a Court Bouillon broth to a Bourguignonne oil. A selection of batters and dipping sauces also accompanies the meal.

Here's a tip: Fill a fresh mushroom cap with their delicious gorgonzola sauce, dunk the whole thing in fresh tempura batter and drop it into the fryer. You've got a handmade stuffed mushroom that will blow you away! (Downside: The rest of your table will be asking you to make one for them, too...)

Lastly (if there's any possible way you're still hungry at this point), comes the vast dessert offerings. Choose your favorite chocolate fondue for the table, which all come with an array of "dippers" from strawberries and bananas to marshmallows and brownies (and more). We recommend the Chocolate S'mores fondue: Milk chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambeed and garnished with crushed graham crackers.