10 Reasons to Visit The Melting Pot

So last week, some 'social media' friends of mine gathered for a brainstorm/networking session at The Melting Pot in White Plains.   It was a Monday, which offers a Ladies Night Out package for $19.95 a person.    This package includes cheese fondue (appetizer), a choice of salads and dessert.   We chose The Melting Pot for its central location, variety of food choices and were happy to learn about all that The Melting Pot has to offer.  

Here we are, tweeting, status updating, doing our social media "thing" from our table.    We were lucky enough to land the waterfall room.     The photo might be unclear, but the back wall is a glass wall that appears to be a waterfall-- and the chandelier provided a perfect amount of light to see our food choices.   There are two burners on a table our size so we chose two appetizer cheeses to start, followed by excellent salad choices, followed by AMAZING desserts.    

Our two cheese appetizers:   a spicy cheese with jalapeños and a spinach artichoke dip.     We were given unlimited amounts of bread for dipping as well as veggies.    Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and apples too.   

We had a choice of salads.   Mine was the traditional iceberg with tomato, cheese, croutons and hard boiled egg.    Other choices included a Ceasar Salad and something like a Waldorf Salad, with cranberries, blue cheese, etc.     I went for the plain choice.    

Last but not least......Dessert:  My favorite part of any meal.      Ying/Yang (dark chocolate and white chocolate)   or S'Mores (chocolate w marshmallow and I think some graham crackers too)    The items to dip into these chocolates were amazing enough.    Rice Krispie Treats, pound cake, cheesecake, brownies and fruit items such as bananas and strawberries.   

Look at this platter!      I admit, I sampled everything!!!    When we ran out, they brought another platter of dipping items.   Heaven!   

After our amazing dinner and dessert, we were taken on a tour of the restaurant and I was amazed at all that it had to offer.  

10 Things I Learned on my visit and tour of The Melting Pot:

1.   Ladies Night is every Monday.   For the above pictured meal, the cost was $19.95 a person.     Scheduling Monday nights out with friends so I can enjoy this experience once again.  

2.   The Melting Pot does birthday parties for kids!!!   When your kids are too old for the usual parties at the gym/sports type places, what a nice culinary experience this can be for them.   I did not get info on pricing but I did see the room where a party would be held-- and I was impressed with their movie screen that pulls down, for parents who want to show a movie while their kids have their party.   Brilliant.    

For moms like me, who want to have a theme for a party, it's as simple as bringing a movie, serving the meal and of course finding a favor that goes with the film or the fondue.   The possibilities are endless.    I am envisioning a "Sam and Cat" (New Nickelodeon Show) 30 minute episode as the theme for my 7 year old.   How about a MINECRAFT party.....with free wifi, the kids can bring their ipads and play against each other!   Or for those who want to go old school, maybe something different like Little House on the Prairie.....the Jetsons....Not every girl likes princesses and not every boy wants a sports party.      Besides birthday parties they even do Sweet Sixteens!   The party room holds up to 56 people.     Many party packages available.   

3.    Kids with stellar report cards eat for free!     This is a year round event.     Straight from the website.    This was one tidbit I felt the need to share:    

Straight "A's" Club

Hey kids! Did you get good grades this semester? If you did, we want to reward* all elementary and secondary school students with a free meal! Simply bring in your all "A's" report card, and we'll serve you a three-course dinner, including our famous chocolate fondue!  (Each free child's meal must be accompanied by the purchase of an adult four-course dinner.)

4.       Eating in a restaurant is not easy for those who are dieting, as we all know.   We diet for a 

wedding, a vacation or after our precious babies are born and we give up all the things we probably 

overindulged in before the diet began.    (Things like cheese and chocolate!)   

 The Melting Pot is going to introduce a Weight Watchers Menu!  Of course, the target date is 

January2014....because really, diets naturally begin after the new year, right??   

 Here is a sample of what it will look like.  

 “Skinny Dipping” three-course menu   

 The points value ranges – from 14 to 18 points.

Weight Watchers members have a daily points target of 26-32 points 

plus given 49 discretionary points per week. 

Salad (Choose One)  

California Salad and Black Raspberry Vinaigrette - - 6 points

House Salad and House Dressing – 3 points

Entree (Choose One)

Petite Seafood Trio – 4 points (pair with seasoned court bouillon – most vegetable broths have 0 points)

Shrimp and Sirloin – 5 points (pair with seasoned court bouillon – most vegetable broths have 0 points)

Filet and Chicken Duo – 4 points (pair with seasoned court bouillon – most vegetable broths have 0 points)

Dessert (One Option)

Dark Chocolate Fondue and Dessert Dipper Plate – 7 points

This menu looks too good to be true-- limited carbs, rich in protein and fiber.   

5.   The Melting Pot offers packages for Girl Scout Groups!     Some are offered as fundraisers, called Fondue-Raisers.    Some are cooking classes, where the girls can earn a cooking badge, learning to cook something different than they usually cook.    And other events incorporate a tour and/or power point presentation all about fondue.    Very informative, regardless of which option you would choose.    

6.   Lover's Lane.   There was a small section of cute, private 

"nook" tables for 2.    Tucked away from the larger tables,

this section offers quiet and private dining as well as  special 

romantic packages for special occasions.    


Here is a link to all of them.  

http://www.meltingpot.com/white-plains/packages  

Lover's Lane Packages at The Melting Pot


There is one that starts at just under $50 per couple but of course, 

this one is right up my alley-- I had to share.    

Evening Under the Stars Package ($199/couple)

Let us help make your special evening for two even more romantic by purchasing our “Just For Lovers” dining package. Your evening will begin with a bottle of either Moet or Veuve Champagne waiting at your private table in "Lover’s Lane." This intimate dining area for two comes equipped with a view of the “stars” above and plenty of privacy. Our chef will then prepare a special four-course fondue meal for the two of you (of your choice - a custom menu will be at your table). A single long stem rose in a bud vase, two champagne flutes and commemorative photo in a silver picture frame will be presented upon your departure.

7.    Family Fondue Sundays (every Sunday from 12-4 p.m.) 

 Parents can enjoy a three-course meal (salad, entrée and 

chocolate) for $28 and kids under 14 can eat for just $16 (entrée 

and chocolate).

**Celebrate Your Kids Return from Camp (now through August 31, 2013)**

And.....The last 3 "reasons to visit The Melting Pot" are special 
events that are not being made totally public until today.

8.     Special Princess Luncheon – Sunday, October 27, 2013

Enjoy “Royal” Entertainment at The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is hosting a special princess luncheon on Sunday, October 27 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Participants will be able to enjoy a delicious fondue lunch, join in a parade as well as take part in numerous craft activities.  This popular affair draws many children, their families and the young at heart. In previous princess events, many guests got into the spirit of things by wearing the attire of the time period.

To help guests remember the special day, photographs will be taken at each table with the princess and will be given to the participants.     

9.    Flappers, Fellas & Fondue* – September 29-October 3, 2013 AND October 6-10, 2013

Step back in time and celebrate the Roaring 20s with a special three-course fondue dinner, specially crafted cocktails, trivia, prizes and more! Join us for Flappers, Fellas & Fondue September 16-19 only at The Melting Pot of White Plains!

*Dress in your 1920s finest!

10.   Best Fondue Friends Forever – September 16 – 19, 2013

Love bonding with your besties over fondue? The Melting Pot of White Plains presents Best Fondue Friends Forever from September 16-19, 2013. It’s a weeklong event of fondue and drink specials! Because cheese ‘n’ chocolate besties are the best kind of besties. 

Emma's Fab Finds: Summer 2013

I know, I know.....I bet you are going to think I'm going to promote Rainbow Loom!     Nope, they need no advertising.   That product sells itself!!   I can't count how many times I have heard mothers in the stores say, "I wish I had invented this."   Yes....we all wish we had invented the Rainbow Loom, the silly bands a couple of years ago....we know.    Plain old plastic making someone millions of dollars.     

While I was out buying Rainbow Loom bands at the Learning Express in Scarsdale, I came across this awesome toy for my kids.    It is SAND!    But not real sand.   It is kind of like a cross between sand and play dough.  Has a nice consistency and doesn't spoil, harden or get ruined if left out.   It doesn't dry out like play dough and it is made with all natural ingredients.    Kid can build with it, mold it, drive their cars over it, through it....or (if you have a daughter) pretend to cook with it.   Costs about $25 and comes with about 3-4 tools to use with it.   

Because I was researching it for this entry, I found an 4 or 8 lb bin of it.    Now I am going to have to buy it!!    Check out the website.      Living Sand 

This is one for the mommies.     I started using this in March 2013.    It takes a good 4-6 or 6-8 weeks to work.    But when it works, it works!!    I was out to lunch with my cousin, who knows that I experiment with all the new things-- one of the first to switch from acrylic to color gel manicures, had tattooed lipliner done, laser hair removal a handful of times....so she looked at me and said, "Your eyelashes look great.   I saw that sign in the nail salon and said 'I'm sure Emma will try that."     I said, "Try what?"  She said, "The extensions."  I realized that she was referring to the $99 eyelash extensions at the nail salon that we both go to.    I was happy to confess that I did NOT have them done.  I told her about GrandeLASH and she was amazed that it made my eyelashes appear so long and fake!!   Sells online for $45-50.   Also available at Lola NY in White Plains (www.lolany.com for store hours)     People have mentioned that Latisse does the same thing, but from what I hear, Latisse darkens your skin.   That is available only by prescription and this does not require one-- and no darkening around the eyes.   Also works on eye brows for those who want to thicken their brows.  :-)     Check out this product as well as the others:      Grandelash

LEGOLAND: Legends of CHIMA

LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers 

Since it's opening, Westchester residents have always loved Ridge Hill's LEGOLAND Discovery Center.   It's been one of those places that always has a great crowd, great entertainment and fun for children and parents alike.   A sure standout spot at Ridge Hill.  

Last week was the opening weekend of the new Legends of CHIMA.    As we entered the facility, we were greeted by Laval, the Lion Price.     He is the character from the movie that is new to the Cartoon Network.   The premise of the show is that groups of animals fight to get the Chi and once they have it, it gives them special powers.    Apparently Laval is the prince of his group and he was once on the other side, making him a very important character.    

The 12 min film showed over and over so that everyone would have a chance to see it and of course the toys are available for purchase.      The film is 4D (warning) so prepare to be surprised by some special effects while in your seat!     A little scary for my 3 year old at first, but he quickly yelled out "again" once he realized it was part of the show.     

For those who have never been, or might not be interested in the movie, the NYC area called MINILAND is worth seeing.     Caught lots of dads and grandpas inside enjoying the sights of NYC made of all lego items.    The Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and the Empire State Building to name a few.   The surprise fireworks display was a nice treat too!    

Portrait Couture: Photo sessions to capture 'Moments in Time'

When I was pregnant with my last child, I had maternity photos done, at the suggestion of a very good friend who told me that I would want to "capture the moment."    I was not sure I wanted to do it, because that time in my life, as happy as I was, was not when I felt the most beautiful. She said, "Do the photo shoot w your daughter.  Make it a nice experience for both of you."    I did the shoot and the pictures came out beautiful.   I loved them three years ago.

Today, I love them even more.    I love looking back at my daughter at that age, and even at myself, as I realize that I will never be 7 months pregnant again and while it is not the best photo of me, it is something I will always have to reflect on and it was an experience that was truly special for my daughter and I.   

The added benefit was when I was changing back into my normal clothes and the photographer decided to snap a few shots of my daughter.  Those few shots are some of the best I have of her.     

We are all a work in progress and hopefully our wedding photo is not the only beautiful moment we have captured.  No offense to our mothers and grandmothers, but think about it.....how many women are defined by their wedding photos?  Women typically do not give themselves a chance to be photographed once they are married-- maybe because they become moms and have photo sessions of their children?   Who knows-- but why not take time for ourselves and capture our best selves?   

Below are some great mother daughter shots (before and after)
Many more on the link below as well.  

Who doesn’t want to capture a newborn’s first days or a toddler’s playful ways . . . or have a little fun creating a tastefully sexy series of photos for a husband or boyfriend?

These are just a few of the portraitures created by Silvana DeFrancis of Silvana DeFrancis Photography in Bronxville, New York.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting Silvana, and am delighted to offer you the following Portrait Session package—a $350 value—courtesy of her photography studio.

• A Gift Voucher valued at $250 redeemable for a complimentary makeover (hair and make-up session) at the Silvana DeFrancis Photography studio when used as an add-on to a portrait session.
•   $100 discount for a family/children's photography session.
• You can view Silvana’s impressive portfolio by checking out her website at www.SilvanaDeFrancisPhotography.com .   

 But don’t delay!  Although sessions can be redeemed at a later date, they must be booked by August 27.

Portrait Couture & Boudoir Photography

Be sure to check out the new Portrait Couture line featuring contemporary fashion inspired portraiture. Experience a pamper session, a girls day out & a perfect reason to celebrate you. We invite all women and the people who love them. Beauty is not on the outside it’s something that shines out from inside you. Experience your amazing self through a personal session with me…it will change the way you feel forever.

Portrait Couture, it's about you...STUNNING.