Originally a Swiss peasant meal, fondue has since evolved into a delicacy worthy of its own day of celebration. National Cheese Fondue Day on April 11 is the perfect excuse to gather a group of friends and sample some of the best fondue dishes the city has to offer.
Heidi Swiss Restaurant | 6 Extra Place
It is only fitting to celebrate this pseudo-holiday with some classic Swiss fondue. Comprised of Appenzeller, Gruyere and Vacherin Fribougeois cheeses, Heidi’s Fondue Moitié-Moitié ($39) has the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors for dipping their white and wheat bread cubes.
Home Restaurant | 20 Cornelia St.
Tucked away in the West Village, this cozy spot features Pennsylvania Amish bleu cheese fondue ($12). Served with crostini (“little toasts” in Italian), green apple slices and salami, this rich appetizer is a crowd-pleaser.
Sprig | 885 Third Ave.
Celebrate the cheesiest day of the year by sampling tomato fondue with Humboldt Fog goat cheese ($13) served with toasted baguettes and micro greens. With the creamy texture of bleu cheese and a hint of citrus, this dish brings a taste of Humboldt County, Calif. to Midtown Manhattan.
The Smith | 55 Third Ave.
This East Village hotspot is typically acclaimed for its brunch menu, but you should take this opportunity to sample their bleu cheese fondue ($8) served with a generous portion of hot potato chips.
The Jakewalk | 282 Smith St.
Jakewalk’s One Cheesy Fondue ($16) tastes exactly as it sounds. Made with five-year-old cheddar and cave-aged Swiss cheese, this flavorful blend is served with apples, bread and salami to satisfy all your dipping desires.
Brooklyn Buschenschank | 320 Court St.
This Brooklyn tavern takes an Austrian spin on fondue with their Tyrolean cheese option ($20) imported from Zillertal, Austria. This aromatic concoction is served with apples, pears, grapes, bread, cauliflower and broccoli. For a little more money you can also dip steak tips ($10) or farmhouse bratwursts ($8).
Aspen Social Club | 157 W. 47th St.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Times Square you can enjoy Aspen’s four cheese fondue ($15) served with asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and pretzels. Stick with the fondue theme by trying their chocolate adaptation ($12), which is served with bananas, strawberries, marshmallows and pretzels.
Swizz Manhattan | 310 W. 53rd St.
You can truly indulge with the all-you-can-eat Raclette cheese fondue ($38) at this Uptown location. Blended with boiled potatoes, gherkins and silver onions, this sweet and nutty mixture is served with cubed bread. For an additional $3 you can add your choice of spicy Italian sausage, air-dried beef or tiger shrimp.
The Hill | 416 Third Ave.
Celebrate by sampling Vermont white cheddar fondue ($25). It is mixed with shallots and Dijon mustard and served with vegetables, artisan bread cubes and walnut raisin bread for dipping.
Taureau | 558 Broome St.
Branch out from the usual fondue mix by sampling the cheesy blend of Taureau’s smoked Dutch Gouda and Monterey cheddar ($24.75), which comes with plenty of house-made, soft-baked garlic croutons.
Deborah Lubanga is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
