The Recently opened “Melting Pot” Dining Adventure in Torrance, Ca. (1/09)
The Melting Pot Fondue restaurant recently opened in Torrance in the South Bay of Los Angeles. If you are in the area check out this unique experience. Chic design and lighting makes this a great first date experience or special occasion treat for a group of friends. This was an old bank building and the atmosphere is quite unique in this rounded establishment that the owners made look very fancy.
Upon arriving your knowledgeable server will go over the menu options and prep you for your Melting Pot dinner or four-course adventure. There is a full bar and signature drinks to choose from along with specials of the day. One can choose from any of the al-a-carte options, which includes four stages (Cheese Fondue, Salads, Signature Entrees and Chocolate Fondues). The way to go for dinner is the “Big Night Out” which is dinner for two and you choose one each from the four stages. Once you order the server will bring out a pot which will be heated right at your table.
The Cheese Fondue starts your meal. A variety of six cheeses including Cheddar, Swiss and our favorite, the Spinach/Artichoke. The cheese melts and then you dip your bread, fruit, and veggies in and enjoy. The wheat bread was far superior to dip than the other breads. If you need more of anything to dip into the cheese, the refills are endless.
Next is the salad course where you choose from a variety of choices such as Caesar, Spinach/Mushroom, House or California. Best to ask for the dressing on the side, as they tended to put a bit too much on ours.
The third course is your signature entrée with a cooking style selection liquid. Choose from Coq au Vin for meats, Mojo-Fondue Caribbean season bouillon, or veggie broth. You order your desired dish or meats or seafood as they come raw. The food is heated up on the table before you in the broth you have chosen and you cook it yourself. We tried a few items but our favorites were the lobster, shrimp and scallops along with veggies and potatoes. The veggies take at least 2-3 times longer to cook than the seafood so time it out if you want to eat them together. It is a great concept and gets a bit messy but that is part of the fun.
The chocolate fondue is your last course. We would recommend this restaurant for the dessert alone! We got to create our very own chocolate mixture in which to dip bananas, cheesecake, rice crispy treats, brownies, graham crackers and more! It was a dessert lover’s heaven! Some samples of the chocolates that we chose from were dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, cookies and crème mixture, bananas fosters, peanut butter chocolate, caramel and chocolate. We could go on and on about the chocolate. Be prepared to stay a long time at The Melting Pot as this is a dining experience that is not rushed and good for a couple or group. Remember, you are the Chef and have fun! Prices range from $16 for the cheeses & chocolates for a portion for two & about $20-30 for the entrees each.
21525 Hawthorne Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 316-7500