Big Night Out!

And so it came to pass that our group here in Jacksonville would be losing one of our finest to Macon, Georgia's, Mercer University. Bobby leaves Jacksonville on the 4th of August for real college. But thats neither here nor there. This all leads to a going away party. Reservations were set, plans were made, and a fabulous time was sure to come. And it did.

Reservations were made at 8pm for six at the Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant, on Gate Parkway. Bobby, Tanner, Allison, and myself all arrived a few minutes early and were promptly seated by one of three of the most attractive hostesses I've ever seen employed at a restaurant. Jenny and Adam were fashionably late as always. Our waitress kept refreshments coming until the full party arrived and once all were there she began to explain the extensive menu. Our waitress was born in Michigan, attended college in Louisiana, and relocated to Jacksonville after Hurricane Katrina devastated her town. She had one of the only Yankee accents I've ever found pleasing and had personality to boot! To say the least, she was probably one of the best waitresses I've ever experienced.

If you'd like to check out the inside of the restaurant click the link here and make sure you've got quick time!

http://www.meltingpot.com/jacksonvillemain.mov

Anyhow, back to the menu. There were many selections to choose from and some were even full packages with appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts. Since we were celebrating, we of course ordered wine. The party decided on a 2004 Beringer White Zinfindel, which worked well with everything. After selecting our wine from their extensive wine menu we decided to order the main course. Most of us selected what the restaurant called the "Big Night Out" selections. These were the all inclusive packages. We started with a mix of Butterkase and Fontina cheeses with sake. We were served green apples, pumpernickel and sourdough breads and assorted vegetables for dipping. To say the least, it was amazing. If you ever have the pleasure of dining here, don't skimp on the extras. They make the meal and the experience worthwhile. After we were done with our appetizers our waitress came back and we were brought our salads. I set my sights on the Mandarin and Almond Salad, which was an amazing blend of Asian cuisine all brought together in quite a sizable fashion. As our meal continued, we ordered more wine, the same, White Zinfindel. It was time for the main course. I had selected what they called the "Fondue Feast." They weren't kidding about the feast part. There was a broad assortment of Ahi Tuna, Filet Mignon, White Shrimp, Marinated Sirloin, Chicken, and many vegetables along with dipping sauces associated with all of them. The cooking style I was using was dubbed "Coq a Vin." They utilized a burgundy wine with fresh spices and herbs to flavor the cooking. If you've never had fondue, there is basically a heated stove on your table with an immensely hot pot of boiling magma. Oils and broths too! You skewer your meal and cook it right there. It gives you the opportunity to cook your food how you want it and to season it how you like it. It's a very engaging experience to say the least.

The last and most important part of the meal, dessert, was absolutely stunning. Our waitress brought out three full plates of chocolate decadence designed to fit nicely onto a skewer and be dipped in one of our two selected chocolates. We chose a Bailey's Irish Cream mixture and one made with an Amaretto base. I favored the Bailey's mixture as I have a sad craving for it most of the time. Served on those plates were strawberries, pineapples, brownies, cheesecakes, cherries, marshmallows, and finally what I think everyone in the free world can agree on to be the best tasting thing ever; A fudge dipped, Oreo covered, caramel layered marshmallow dipped in chocolate mixed with Bailey's... I think I heard Baby Jesus cry a golden tear of joy. This was one serious meal.

The best part about it was that the experience lasted over 2 hours making it an unforgettable night.

So, price-wise, for what we got, it was a fair deal. You'll end up with a 2 hour experience, wonderful food, and amazingly attractive serving personnel for around 50-60 dollars a person, with wine. I'm sure you could go in there and come out at 30 a person, but with nowhere near the food experience.

After we closed down the Melting Pot we took a trip over to Island Girl, a wine and cigar bar. We purchased a few top shelf cigars and relaxed in an establishment that I've never seen empty. I smoked a Java, the taste is medium-light, with a chocolate finish, as well as part of a Padron 1926 #1, which was quite flavorful as well. This place is amazing, the service is great, and they have a huge walk in humidor with most cigars you would want. Island Girl is known around Jacksonville for being the "Aromas with comfy chairs." If you like cigars and you feel like a glass of port and a smoke, take a trip on over there for a delightful time. We closed down Island Girl as well and decided to call it a night. It was a fantastically decedent night and worth every penny.