Due It Right at Forever Fondue

Formerly located in a cramped, second-story La Jolla suite with a glorious view, Forever Fondue has taken residence where Il Fornaio used to be, and has expanded its waistline threefold. The restaurant’s new streetfront location may be both a benefit and a drawback, but the marvelous menu remains the same, and thus Forever Fondue still reins supreme as the perfect place to bring a date.

How do you do it? (Or “due” it? Okay, that wasn’t funny). Although many patronize the restaurant for the cheese and chocolate courses alone, the four-course All-Inclusive is the best way to really savor the fondue experience. First, salads are brought out, either house, pear or Caesar. Second is the cheese course, concocted from an array of ingredients right in front of you, and served with bread and veggies for dipping. Third is the main course. An iron pot of bubbling broth is the Jacuzzi for raw meats such as filet mignon, salmon, and shrimp, served with every possible dipping sauce under the sun.

The best course, of course, is the grand finale: milk, white or dark chocolate fondue, now enhanced with goodies like Butterfinger chunks. If you and your partner can’t agree on the variety, the chefs will gladly serve half and half. Dippers are delightful; besides typical pairings like strawberries and pound cake, you’ll also be provided with cheesecake, marshmallows and pineapple. And remember: if the bite falls off the fork, kisses are compulsory.