The Melting Pot - Westwood, NJ Review

This past weekend my husband and I had the fabulous opportunity to try the new Latin America Big Night Out menu at the Melting Pot in Westwood, NJ. Every time I dine at this location I know that I am in for more than a meal... I am going to be taking part in a dining experience. This is a big deal to parents of a toddler! I knew that we were about to experience a well paced meal that would allow us the time to talk and reconnect while enjoying exceptional food in an intimate environment. I was not disappointed!

The Latin America Big Night Out is a 4 course meal that truly introduces your taste buds to the Latin cuisine. My husband is an adventurous eater, while I am bit more reserved in my typical selections and willingness to try new things. I was grateful that we were dining together, as he encouraged me to step outside my usual comfort zone and try this menu as it was intended.

Our waitress was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and walked us through each step. She was ready and willing to answer any questions we had and made the dining experience even that much more enjoyable.

First Course – Cheese Fondue
A fondue version of the classic Mexican dish, the first course, “Queso Fundido,” combines Fontina, Gruyere and Gran Queso cheeses with crumbled Chorizo sausage, fresh lime juice and fresh jalapeños. Chips are also included as dippers.
This was by far my favorite course. This cheese was to die for! You are able to choose whether you would like your cheese mild, medium, or hot in terms if spice. We opted for medium and it was the perfect balance. The chips complimented it very nicely. I  feel that this cheese should be added to their regular menu.. it's that good!

Second Course – Salad
The Shrimp Ceviche salad is a blend of citrus-marinated shrimp, avocado puree, tropical fruit pico de gallo and mixed greens tossed with lime vinaigrette. The citrus marinade that coats the shrimp consists of lime juice, jalapeños, lemon juice and cilantro.
The salad was light and refreshing. The dressing had a bit of a tang to it, but it all went together very nicely. I said to my husband, it's amazing how they can make a salad taste so good and so much not like a salad!

Third Course – Entrée
This dish features fresh meats and marinades including Chimichurri sirloin with influences from Argentina and Brazil, garlic Piri Piri shrimp, mole-marinated chicken breast, citrus-marinated pork tenderloin and fire-roasted corn salsa ravioli. The featured sauce served with the entrée is the Salsa Verde which is a green sauce consisting of tomatillos, jalapeños, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper and cilantro.
Mmmm... I love this part of the meal. The vegetables cooking, trying a variety of meats, the incredible selection of sauces. We chose the Mojo cooking style to try and stay with the theme. This was first time trying this cooking style and we enjoyed it very much! You could smell and taste the garlic and citrus combination. 

Fourth Course – Chocolate Fondue
For dessert, Chef Shane created a new dark and dulce chocolate fondue. This is a classic flavor combination featuring bittersweet dark chocolate and sweet dulce de leche accented with coarse sea salt.
This comes in a close second to my favorite part of the meal. I am not usually a dark chocolate person, but I am glad I gave it a shot. The hint of sea salt really added to the flavor. We devoured all of our delicious dippers.

While we truly enjoyed the Latin Fusion Big Night Out, this menu option is only available for a limited time. You can take a look at the dinner menu here. Also, regular menu items may serve as substitutions in the Big Night Out menu to help you create your ideal meal.

The proprietors of the Westwood, NJ Melting Pot, Will and Carol Layfield, are also the proprietors of the Melting Pot restaurants in White Plains, NY and Darien, CT. While providing this fantastic style of dining for the tri-state area, they are also active in the community raising funds for several New Jersey based organizations. On this list is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which you all know is near and dear to my heart. I am thrilled to support the Layfield's restaurants due to the exceptional dining experience, as well as their contributions to deserving causes.

GIVEAWAY: FIVE Lucky Readers will receive a $25 DIP Certificate! These DIP Certificates are redeemable at the Westwood, NJ; White Plains, NY and Darien, CT locations.
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Like their Facebook Page and leave a comment letting them know Momma Drama sent you!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways(1 entry per giveaway)
2. Follow my blog
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)

6. Follow The Melting Pot on twitter (2 entries)

7. Take a look at the menu and tell me one thing you would love to try!

This giveaway ends on June 2, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!