LaFondue - A Dip Worth Taking

La Fondue in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County California is bound to become a destination location for not only couples in search of romance, but for parties who would like to have new taste/dining experiences as well.

For my husband and I, it all started with a test drive at an Infiniti dealership. Really. Being former owners of two of those fine vehicles, we are always being offered "incentives" to come and try out new models. A few months ago, it was a cocktail party-we received t-shirts, blankets and a gift certificate to the Outback Steak Restaurants. This time it was a certificate for the semi-new LaFondue, which opened up last summer in the historic main drag's former IHOP.

We received the card a few days before Valentine's Day. Okay, it was pretty silly of us to think we'd get reservations, but we tried. They had been booked for over a month, so we went the next evening instead. We looked up the venue's website and had a pretty good idea of what to expect in the way of looks, prices, menu, etc. What we weren't sure of was how the night would play out since I have an allergy toward anything from a cow. Would I even be able to "dip"?

It turned out not to be a bit of a problem. We were seated in a cute little ornate nook. The decor is quite gothic-dim lights, crystal chandeliers, zebra/leopard upholstery, chairs carved like snakes, or ladies dresses-painted in silver. Beads, granite topped tables. Very heavy looking, but also romantic (and believe me, I am more of your stream-lined girl).

Our server, a very personalable young woman, took excellent care of us. She arranged with the chef to have our dinners made so I could have everything-except for the cheddar cheese fondue for our appetizers and one dipping sauce for our main course. Which means I was able to enjoy every bit of the bittersweet chocolate/frangelica fondue for dessert!

The evening started with a veggie/fruit/bread platter (which we were told if we wanted more, to just ask), a little of mineral water and watching the cheese sauce (of my husband's chosing) being made right at our own little stove. We chose the Fondue Feast which allowed us to chose 6 of 18 choices of proteins. We chose teriyaki chicken and sirloin, buffalo, sushi grade yellowfin, alligator and wild boar. It was suggested we use the "grill" (you get to chose one of 4 cooking methods), since the meats would taste the best. It was a great choice. We got to cook our meal, which came with yet more and different vegetables, and were given 6 very delicious dipping sauces.

Before I go on to the wonderful dessert, I must mention that we had our choice of two salads. I took the spinach, my husband took the chefs. We realized, very quickly, if we did more than take a quick taste-we'd never have room for our main course or the anticipated dessert! The bus staff boxed up our salads so we could take it home and put them in the refrigerator until our departure.

On to the last "dip"-very high grade chocolate with that wonderful hazelnut liqueur. To die for! It was served with a platter of various goodies: strawberries, grapes, pineapple, oranges, marshmallows, bite-sized rice krispie balls, snickers slices, pound cake and little tiny balls of cream cheese balls rolled in graham crackers. I know I said I could eat everything, but obviously, it was pick and chose, and I had a lot to try. Trust me, I didn't feel deprived!

Now I have to admit, our "going out" budget would never have allowed us to partake of this restaurant normally-our gift certificate was for $100. With the tax our bill came to $99.13. We left a very generous tip, because our wait staff truly deserved it. Dinners range from $65 for a straight vegetarian menu on up to $150 for what is termed Le Lux. That menu includes Kobe Filet Mignon and 2 lobster tails. These are full "soup to nuts" orders for two. A la carte orders are available.

Would we go back? You bet. I would also recommend (and already have) making reservations for an evening. I hope we get to go back for maybe an anniversary, or birthday celebration.

LaFondue is truly a restaurant to savor.