Do the Fondue

As the US celebrates National Chocolate Fondue Day today, THE GUIDE decided to ring in the festivities with five must-try fondues available in Mumbai

Bread and cheese. The Adam and Eve of the food world, a match made in heaven, competition for Brangelina, you get the drift. Which makes one wonder how civilisation managed before fondue came around? What is its USP? The fondue is all about oozing-with-creaminess melted cheese served in a communal pot over a small burner, and eaten by dipping long-stemmed forks into it.u00a0

MOCHA'S GOT THE MOJO

Well, they serve just about everything else your heart may desire so it's no surprise they added yet another chocolate-y delight to their already delectable dessert menu. Introducing Mocha's Yin and Yang fondue. Yes, it is just as the name suggests, a perfectly balanced bowl of dark and white chocolate. Just when you think it might be a bit bitter, the wonderful milky sweetness of the white chocolate rushes to the dish's rescue. If you're not in the mood for something different opt for the Hazelnut Fondue, rich milk chocolate infused with Turkish hazelnut paste. Almost like a bowl of warm melted nutella.
Our recco The Yin and Yang Fondue for its delicious dark and white chocolate combo.
At Mocha, 82, Nagin Mahal, Churchgate.
Call 26433098
Price Rs 210
Serves 2

MANGII GETS NUTTY GOOD

On top of serving a wide variety of tantalising Italian food, it seems Caf ufffd Mangii's owners thought the menu would be incomplete without an accompaniment from it's Swiss counterpart. Their menu includes many sweet and savoury fondues ranging from Three Roasted Pepper Fondue with lebon, emmenthal to cheddar and roaster bell peppers; scrumptious Jalapeno and Sun-Dried Tomato Fondue. Dippers include varieties of bread and crunchy sesame sticks.
Our recco Trial and testing brings us back to a deliciously nutty fondue delight -- the divine Basil and Pine Nuts Fondue with fresh basil and roasted pine nuts in emmenthal, gruyere, cheddar and lebon. This well-blended meal has a unique flavour and fresh aroma that must be experienced.
At Caf ufffd Mangii, Shop No 1, Trans Ocean House, Hiranandani Business Park, near Fabindia, off Adishankaracharya Marg, Powai; Cafe Mangii, junction of Khar Pali and 14th Road, off Linking Road, Khar (W).
Call 25705136 / 37 / 26498100
Price Rs 545
Serves 2

MOSHE'S MAGIC

Perhaps Mumbai's first ever provider of this traditional Swiss delight, Moshe Shek designed his own natural clay fondue pots and has been serving out this signature starter from these very pots for nine years now. Their fondues mostly use a blend of emmenthal, Gruyere and other flavourings. Wonderfully light, these make for great starters. Dippers include a variety of breads and sticks, not to mention their lovely sesame-laden lavache. You could opt for any one of their fondues ranging from pickled mushroom and onion to Jalapeno and Parsley oil.
Our recco The Black Sheep is their Dukka Fondue. This Egyptian spice mix of almond, sesame seed, coriander, pepper and paprika can't be missed!
At Moshe's, 7 Minoo Manor, Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, near Badhwar Park, Cuffe Parade.
Call 22161226 / 22161266
Price Rs 350-Rs 390
Serves 2

FISHING FOR FONDUE

Just when we thought it couldn't get more interesting, Ambassador Hotel's restaurant Society knocks all other fondue contestants out of the ballpark with this inviting variety. Each has it's own zesty flavour ranging from Fondue Savoyard's (A Classical cheese fondue, Rs 625 (+ tax)) and it's wholesome goodness to Fondue a la Bourguignonu00a0 (A do-it-yourself fondue of assorted juicy, marinated tenderloin cubes dipped into hot oil and relinquished with an assortment of in house sauces, Rs 625 (+ tax).
Our recco Introducing the star in pink -- Norway Pink Salmon Fondue. A do-it-yourself fondue -- marinated cubes of fresh salmon with loin cubes can be dipped in hot oil and relinquished with an assortment of in house sauces, Fondue was never this classy.
At The Ambassador Hotel, VN Road, Churchgate.
Call 22041131
Price Rs 750 (+ tax)
Serves 4

GET GOOEY AT OUT OF THE BLUE

This restaurant not only serves the traditional Swiss fondue, but also takes it to the next course -- Dessert. The chocolate fondue is a bowl of decadent dark chocolate on a slow burner melted to perfection. Dip some Exotic Fruits, Brownies or Marshmallows in the chocolate, for a perfect end to the meal.
Our recco The adventurous can try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue. It's crunchy, and the flavour is different from the typical dessert fondues!
At Out of the Blue, Le Sutra Hotel, 14 Union Park, off Carter Road, Khar (W).
Call 26003000 / 26003001 / 9324839393 / 26058227
Price Rs 395
Serves 2