Reviewed February 11, 2011 by UTK Nutrition Graduate Student
5 out of 5 Forks
The Melting Pot is a chain restaurant that gives the diner the ultimate fondue experience. The diner can pursue the Big Night Out option, which consists of 4 courses: cheese, salad, entrée, and dessert. However, courses are also available separately in addition to individual entrées. Foods such as breads, vegetables, meats, and sweets are available for dipping, and various cooking methods can be chosen. Individual entrées cost between $18-$26, while the Big Night Out costs $74-$95 for two diners depending on which meats are selected.
Meals are designed for special occasions – it is a heavy meal that should not be eaten often. However, even within the 4-course experience, customization is possible. The meal is a very interactive experience – you can choose from multiple options within each course. In addition, the restaurant offers a gluten-free menu for diners with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Because ample fruits and vegetables are offered, and little to no fried food is available, the diner can eat a nutritional meal as long as he or she does not overeat. Within the cheese/entrée courses, focus more on the vegetables than the bread and meats. In addition, concentrate on your leaner meats (chicken and shrimp) than the more fatty steaks and pork. Choose a salad with greens, a variety of vegetables, and a nut or seed additive if available. Don’t overload on the dessert course, but enjoy a heart-healthy dark chocolate fondue. Up your fruit intake by concentrating on the fruits in the dessert course.
I ordered from the 4-course Valentine’s Day menu the basil pesto raclette cheese course, the strawberry almond salad course, the coq au vin entrée cooking method, and the dark chocolate mint dessert course. I asked to modify the amount of mint in the dessert course, and the waiter was happy to help at no additional charge. The food offered the opportunity to try out many different flavors and combinations. The atmosphere was great, and the experience a very interactive, exciting one. The service was excellent and made the evening even more enjoyable.
Meals are designed for special occasions – it is a heavy meal that should not be eaten often. However, even within the 4-course experience, customization is possible. The meal is a very interactive experience – you can choose from multiple options within each course. In addition, the restaurant offers a gluten-free menu for diners with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Because ample fruits and vegetables are offered, and little to no fried food is available, the diner can eat a nutritional meal as long as he or she does not overeat. Within the cheese/entrée courses, focus more on the vegetables than the bread and meats. In addition, concentrate on your leaner meats (chicken and shrimp) than the more fatty steaks and pork. Choose a salad with greens, a variety of vegetables, and a nut or seed additive if available. Don’t overload on the dessert course, but enjoy a heart-healthy dark chocolate fondue. Up your fruit intake by concentrating on the fruits in the dessert course.
I ordered from the 4-course Valentine’s Day menu the basil pesto raclette cheese course, the strawberry almond salad course, the coq au vin entrée cooking method, and the dark chocolate mint dessert course. I asked to modify the amount of mint in the dessert course, and the waiter was happy to help at no additional charge. The food offered the opportunity to try out many different flavors and combinations. The atmosphere was great, and the experience a very interactive, exciting one. The service was excellent and made the evening even more enjoyable.
Overall, I give The Melting Pot 5 out of 5 forks and would return again. While it is a heavy meal that should not be eaten regularly, it is great for special occasions. It is perfect for foodies who like to make dining an interactive experience and enjoy choosing a variety of cooking methods.
Submitted by:
UTK Nutrition Graduate Student
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