Morgantown, WV — The Fondue Factory
I love fondue.
I mean, it’s not just that I like it. I mean that I really, really love it. I love the taste, but more than that I love it as the epitome of social dining. The point of fondue is to eat slowly and spend time with the people around you! You may want to scarf it all down, but you’re forced to take small bites and actually converse while you eat (after all, not much fits on a fondue fork!).
It has been my luck that a new fondue restaurant has opened in Morgantown, WV. As it so happens, it is the FIRST fondue restaurant in the entire state. Wow. I’ve been very spoiled in the past having a Melting Pot nearby in Columbus, Ohio, so it was hard for me to grasp that fact. Of course, my expectations as I went into The Fondue Factory was for a similar experience. I’ve had my own fondue parties at home, but as far as restaurants go, I’ve become used to the dimly lit, romantic scene of the upscale Melting Pot food chain.
Ultimately to my delight, The Fondue Factory is something refreshingly different.
My first impression of the grand entrance was luxury. This is a place you go because you don’t want the same boring food down the street. This isn’t your good ol’ neighborhood Subway, but something fancy. Something important. Walking in, I felt like an old fashioned upscale citizen from the early 1900s…and to my delight, I was met with the same enthusiasm for style on the inside.
The restaurant is decorated in a bright, 1930s style mural–very reminiscent of Al Hirschfeld’s cartoons and Disney’s Rhapsody in Blue scene in Fantasia 2000.
To match the impressive mural, all of the waiters and bus boys are dressed in black slacks, white shirt, and black vest–and to top it all, FEDORAS. Haha. How classy is that? I could see immediately that this is my kind of place! Way more fun and fitting for the excitement that is…”FUN”DUE.
Yummm…crab fondue!
Factory Coffee, with a kahlua base, will warm you right up!
Alone (I know…who goes to a fondue restaurant alone?! But I promise it was a last minute decision), I could only order and try an appetizer of the crab fondue. It was a cream cheese with crab meat, broth, and heavy cream. It was heavy, but divine (as only crab can be), and I know I’ll be back soon for a taste of something different. The prices were very reasonable and comparative to the Melting Pot, if not a bit cheaper. The selection itself is impressive and varied, and I hope to see it grow.
As soon as you get the chance, take yourself and a group of your friends here. Plan to eat a lot, because I’m already sad I couldn’t fit in the 3-course meal.
Check out The Fondue Factory’s website and their Facebook page for their menu, daily hours, and to make a reservation.
I look forward to making the drive with Sarah and whomever else we can convince to come with us. Would a lunch date work out? Parents can leave their wee ones at home for the afternoon, zip down to dip and dine, then be home for bedtime stories.
It sounds like a marvelous place, doubly so if we dress the part to fit their ambiance’s timeline.
I think it would be great if you would come down with a group! =D Although, looking at their website I think a lunch date would be difficult:
Tuesday through Sunday
4pm to 1am
Monday ~ Closed
They seem to be open for the late-night dwellers.
Sunja, Thank you so very much for your complementary blog about my business partner and I’s restaurant. Your description of the atmosphere as well as the feeling you had while at our establishment is exactly what we were going for. I am so very pleased that you had an enjoyable experience and grasp of our concept. This review means a great deal to me! Please come dine with us again!
Sincerely thank you,
Travis Tracy (co-owner)
Anytime! I’ll be sure to come in again soon. I’m especially intrigued by the Asian-thremed entree. It reminds me of the Nabe restaurant I’ve been to while living in Japan…I don’t suppose you have quail eggs as a meat option? Haha. =)