The Melting Pot on New Year's Eve Eve

D and I decided to celebrate New Year's Eve a little early and went out to the Melting Pot in Irvine last night. Our leisurely meal took about two hours and a quarter hours! It was the first time having fondue in a restaurant for both of us, and it was fun. I didn't think D would enjoy cooking his own entree, but he got into it. His stopwatch actually came in handy to keep track of the recommended two minute cooking time. It was a good thing that we were able to leave k with my parents, because bubbling pots of chocolate, broth, and cheese and a two year old would not have been a good combination.
We ordered the Wisconsin Trio cheese fondue, California salad/House salad (comes with the entrees), French Quarter/Shrimp & Sirloin entrees, and Flaming Turtle chocolate fondue. We were able to pace ourselves, making sure to save room for dessert! The cheese fondue came with bread chunks, granny smith apples slices and carrots/cauliflower. Although the busboy wanted to take everything away when we were done with the cheese, I asked if we could keep the bread and apples. That was nice, because we were able to have a little more bread with our entrees (it's hard for me to eat meat without some carbos!) and finish the apples with the chocolate.
Even though we used our Entertainment Card (1 free entree), it was a bit spendy, but it was a meal we'll remember for a long time. We were able to discuss our goals for 2009 and reflect a little...it was nice having a nice private booth towards the back. It was also funny overhearing the couple next to us swearing at their bubbling pot of oil (one of the entree cooking options). I thought they were going to start a grease fire!