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Top fondue spots for retro dining


METRO VANCOUVER
July 17, 2009 8:25 p.m.
       Text size          
It’s summer (sort of) and digesting a multi-course feast occasionally feels a bit much. Fondue was way popular back in the 70s, and—like every other trend from that campy decade—is set to make a comeback today. Sure, you could invest in the pot and skewers and DIY, but why? There are enough places in town that offer a great cheese—or chocolate—experience without you having to worry about burning the Callebaut. Here are a few places to try out for a bit of hippy-dippy communal dining.

 

The Place: Au Petit Chavignol

The Fondue: Savoyarde cheese blend

The Price: $20 small / $38 large

Comes With: Cornichons, silver onions, bread; optional kielbasa, fingerling potatoes.

Savoyarde is a typical French blend of three cheeses—Gruyère, Emmental and Beaufort. The good folks at Au Petit like to mix things up now and again, so the blend can change from week to week. The only consistent part is the taste—rich, aromatic and dee-licious. Comes in two sizes. The small is perfect for two, and make sure to order the grilled kielbasa.

845 East Hastings St.

604-255-4218

aupetitchavignol.com

 

The Place: Afterglow Lounge

The Fondue: Smoked applewood cheese

The Price: $10 per person (minimum two people)

Comes With: French baguette, lamb chops, braised short ribs, yam fries, fruit.

It’s usually cheddar, but can change now again, according to the whim of the chef. This is not fondue for the faint-of-meat, so get your incisors ready. The yam fries are inspired, with or without the cheese, and you can order more if necessary. You just might not have room.

1079 Mainland St.

604-602-0835

glowbalgrill.com

 

The Place: Burgoo Bistro

The Fondue: Brie cheese OR Fonduemental

The Price: $13 each

Comes With: Bread, grape tomatoes, apples, grapes.

Blended with white wine, roast garlic, honey and thyme, the brie fondue might be the least calorie-conscious meal you ever have. But that fact is nicely balanced out by the sheer enjoyment of dipping anything into the big bowl of thick, gooey cream. If you run out of things to skewer, they will happily refill your bread basket. The Fonduemental is more traditional blend of Gruyere and Emmental, spiced with white wine and herbs, and almost as tasty as the brie version.

Multiple locations

burgoo.ca

 

The Place: Yew Restaurant

The Fondue: Milk chocolate OR Cheese

The Price: $10 per person (minimum two people)

Comes With: Almond-hazelnut biscotti, marshmallows, pineapple brulée, mini cranberry-cheese cupcakes, frozen grapes.

Possibly one of the most decadent and luxurious chocolate fondues in the city. And that’s without taking into account the impressive sides. The frozen grapes stay chilled after being dipped, and the combination of hot and cold is worth the potential toothache. The only thing sweeter is the price. The cheese fondue is usually served up with grilled chorizo, poached pears, potatoes and bread.

791 West Georgia St.

604-692-4939

fourseasons.com/vancouver

 

The Place: Mink a Chocolate Café

The Fondue: Milk or dark chocolate

The Price: $9

Comes With: Graham wafers and marshmallows.

Remember the taste of those s’mores you ate around the campfire as a kid? The gifted folks at Mink sure do, so they provide you with a mini hibachi so that you can toast the marshmallows before you mush them between your chocolate dipped graham crackers. Or you could mush first, and then dip…yeah, let’s do that.

863 West Hastings St.

604-633-2451

minkchocolates.com

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