The Melting Pot, Tampa Bay

$5 red and white sangria -- proceeds donated to breast cancer research

Many great restaurant franchises have started in Tampa Bay, including The Melting Pot. The Melting Pot is a unique dining experience – a four course fondue meal in a relaxed environment. A full meal takes about 2-3 hours and allows you to savor every bite.

For the full Melting Pot experience, you will want to order the “Big Night Out” selection. This includes cheese fondue, salad, main entrée (fondue), and chocolate fondue dessert. With a changing theme every quarter or so, there is likely to be a new theme on each visit. Most recently we had the French themed meal. Starting November 5th, the Big Night Out theme will change to a Central America theme. 

Salad Nicose, featured salad (Yum!)

The French cheese “Fondue a la France” exploded with flavor. A hearty blend of brie, fontina, gruyere, and raclette danced in my mouth. The flavors blended nicely and were accented with a hint of bacon and truffle. The cheese was then topped with fresh chives. A variety of breads and vegetables are served alongside for dipping. The Salad Nicose was superb! I was very impressed with the fresh Shallot Vinagerette. A little zesty, it popped served with black olives, and haricots verts in the salad. I am sad that this salad won’t be available on my next visit to The Melting Pot. We chose classic Court Bouillon for our cooking style and were not disappointed with the peppercorn crusted New York Strip, roasted garlic shrimp, and chicken provencal. Not big fans of white chocolate, we elected to stick with the always delicious Cookies and Cream chocolate fondue. Overall, the French themed big night out is one of my favorites, to date.

Our Tampa Bay Melting Pot restaurants host a monthly “Ladies Night Out.” Ladies can take advantage of a great evening of delicious fondue for just $35. October’s Ladies Night was hosted by Estee Lauder. For $45, diners got a four course fondue meal and a gift bag full of goodies from Estee Lauder. $10 from each diner’s bill went directly to breast cancer research. (Tax and tip were also included in the $45!) 

Variety of items for dessert - to be dipped in chocolate fondue

Check out www.meltingpot.com to sign up for their Club Fondue – members receive e-mails with special offers and info about events, such as Ladies Night Out.

2221 4th Street North - St. Petersburg,

13164 N Dale Mabry, Tampa

3689 Tampa Road, Oldsmar

(For a complete listing of locations, in Tampa and throughout the US, visit meltingpot.com)

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Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza

I once worked with a lady who would drive 25 minutes (each way) on her lunch break to pick up a Cheesesteak from Toby’s Little Italy. Seeing her dedication to Toby’s made me curious. Was it really worth the 25 minute drive at lunchtime? Once I saw that Toby’s had been open for more than 37 years, I knew it had to be good!

My favorite thing at Toby’s is their garlic knots. The knots are drenched in a buttery basil sauce and served with marinara sauce. Those garlic knots ($3.58 for 6) are worth every penny. They are also very addicting. The pizza is good as well. A “small” 16-inch pizza starts at $10.99 (plain). Cheese slices are served for $2.04. I enjoy 2 slices of cheese pizza, an order of garlic knots, and a Coke. A heavenly combination of Italian goodness!

Little Italy also has a variety of salads, cold submarine sandwiches and Italian classics. The Stromboli and meatballs are also great. Overall, the menu might be small compared to some places – but is high in quality!

Oh, and that cheesesteak? It’s good, but not worth the 25 minute drive. The garlic knots, however, are worth every minute!

Toby’s Original Little Italy Pizza
3523 49th Street N
St Petersburg, FL 33710

Congratulations to Toby's who recently celebrated their 38th anniversary!

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