For those who aren’t planning ski getaways abroad, gather the group and indulge in a few European food experiences right here in Manhattan. Several New York City hideaways offer delish, cheesy dishes of fondue and raclette. These European-style food experiences are meant to be shared. Fondue, the fun Swiss melted cheese dish experience, involves the communal dipping of breads, veggies, and fruits, while the raclette experience involves heating a wheel of semi-hard cheese and scraping that oozing goodness into potatoes, veggies, and other foods. Spread some warmth and be sure to put one of these melted cheese restaurant experiences on the calendar.
The Lavaux
Located in Tribeca, Lavaux is a cozy spot that keeps its menu focused on fondue, offering a variety of choices with wine pairings (and cocktails), all from the Lavaux region in Switzerland. Fondues range from the more traditional (Gruyere, Vacherin), to more experimental, such as Szechuan Peppercorn with notes of lavender and citrus that offer a slightly bitter twist, or bolets (porcini mushroom). Their choices wouldn't be complete without delectable Swiss dark chocolate fondue. Friends or singles might want to spice things up and partake in Lavaux's Secret Message Party. Slip a guest an anonymous message and see how things go from there! 630 Hudson Street, 646-692-3328, thelavauxwinebar.com
Le Fond
Le fond, French for 'stock', is the key building block in most French cuisine. Located in Brooklyn, Le Fond offers a four course menu, as well as an a la carte menu, which changes daily. Their customer favorite, the fondue, is available for $30; the restaurant must be notified a day prior to reservations for preparation. Top the evening with a dessert flight. 105 Norman Ave, 718-389-6859, lefondbk.com
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
A Union Square staple since 2006, Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, while first and foremost a chocolate shop, does offer a menu of 'shared experience' dishes, including a variety of fondues, from more a more traditional European take (with strawberries, chocolate, and toffee sauce), to a little different spin, such as churros. Max Brenner also has a separate retail shop location in Times Square. Max Brenner is open seven days a week at 10am. 841 Broadway, 646-467-8803, maxbrenner.com
Taureau
Located in Hudson Square, Taureau (an extension of La Sirène) offers two pre-fixe menus for fondue, with several meat options (filet mignon, hanger steak, pork tenderloin, or chicken breast), in a French bistro setting. Sides include salad and baked potato. A plus for families-children under seven years of age get 50% off their meal. Open seven days a week, Taureau opens daily at 4pm. 558 Broome Street, 212-228-2222, lasireneny.com
Mondrian Terrace by Club Med
Photo credit: Mary Marguerite.
Cozy up your significant other or your fave crew at Mondrian Alpine Terrace by Club Med. Enjoy some Swiss raclette fondue and a cocktail while unwinding in a stylish terrace environment that is decked out in ski chalet décor. The Swiss raclette fondue is made with roasted garlic and black pepper. The cheesy treat is served with focaccia and grissini. 444 Park Ave. S., 212-804-8880, igchospitality.com/restaurants/mondrianterrace
Kashkaval Garden
Several different fondues are also on the menu at Kashkaval’s Mediterranean eatery in Hell’s Kitchen. The lineup includes the signature Kashkaval Fondue, made with Bulgarian kashkaval (sheep’s milk) cheese; truffle fondue, made with gruyere, truffle peelings, and truffle oil; and the classic fondue, which features nutty gruyere and pungent raclette. 852 Ninth Ave., 212-245-1758, kashkavalgarden.com
Café Select
You can't go wrong with the casual Swiss eatery Café Select. They're ideal for indulging in fondue, raclette and other late-night temptations. Several fondue varieties are offered—ranging from classic Swiss style to South of the Alps to wild mushroom, white truffle oil, and fresh herbs to dark beer. Enjoy them all with cubed bread, vegetables, potatoes, cornichons, pickled onion, or fruit options. Served with potatoes, vegetables, pickled onions, and cornichons, the raclette offerings include a DIY option for parties of four or more. Let Café Select’s experts install an electric raclette grill at your table and get creative. 212 Lafayette St., 212-925-9322, cafeselectnyc.com
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