I found my old fondue pot tucked away in the closet this morning (harvest gold, circa 1970) and thought it might be fun to try fondue at Artisanal. Has anyone been there lately? Can you describe the atmosphere? I can't seem to find pictures of the restaurant online.

Also, I made a reservation for 5:30 p.m. (we're seeing a show at 8) - should I move the time?

Thanks!

Hi, seetheworld. I don't know anything about that particular restaurant. But the past few years, it's been our tradition to have Christmas Eve dinner at our local fondue place. We're always there at least a couple of hours. Depending on how far it is from the theater, you might want to allow yourself a little more time.

Artisinal is wonderful, although I've never had fondue there. Most recently we had lunch there in May. It's a great space which used to be An American Place restaurant -- very high ceilings, lots of wood, I'd say more of a "steak house" feel mixed with French Brasserie, if that makes any sense. It's also the best smelling restaurant in NYC (that is, so long as you love cheese).

Hi, CAPH. What a nice family tradition. I might have to actually crank up the old pot one night for the family, lol. It's a bit of a distance from the theater, we could hail a cab (but would prefer a long walk) -- I might have to move the ressie up. I want to make sure we have time to savor the cheese

Patrick, thanks for the description, it sounds great! I can smell the aroma already, lol.

Has anyone tried the fondue?

Any suggestions on what to order?

Thanks

I can't remember but it is something like the Chef's Choice or something else similar.

Artisanal has excellent fondue but it is stinky!

Artisanal is an excellent choice...noisy, but good! You should have no problem making at 8 p.m. theater curtain.

Artisanal is great. Noisy, but great. It is a huge, open space, with high ceilings. Be sure to tour the cheese cellar they have.

I love the fondue, although it's a little pricey when you start adding in all of the extras -- like extra dippers. They also have cheese course for dessert, too, and the waiter can help you with your selections.

Enjoy!

We went last Novemeber and loved it. I think they have 2 different kinds of fondue-- a "stinky" one and a "non-stinky" one. We ordered the non-stinky. It was delicious and we loved all the sides-- especially the kielbasa, the apples, and the fingerling potatoes. Yum! I can't wait to go back to NYC so I can take my husband.

The four of us a split a large salad and ended with a cheese plate. I can't remember the total bill as a friend of ours treated us to the dinner. I would definitely go back!

Have a great time!

Hi again, seetheworld. Reading through the responses you've gotten, I'm beginning to think that your meal may not take as long as ours do. The meals at our fondue place start with cheese fondue, then salad, then the sort of "hot pot" fondue where you cook meats and veggies in "broth" and the meal ends with chocolate fondue. Sounds like Artisanal may be more of a "cheese restaurant" than, strictly speaking, a "fondue restaurant". Since HowardR has actually been to that particular restaurant, I'd take his word for it that you'll have plenty of time with the 5:30 reservation.

Patrick,

Your description of the space at Artisinal is particularly accurate. Used as retail space for years, the space was redesigned (1980s?) for use as a restaurant. The first tenant--La Coupole. The designers replicated many of the details of the famous Paris brasserie. An American Place and Artisinal chose to keep most of the design as it was.

Thanks, ellenem. I couldn't remember who was there before An American Place. And I once got in a bit of argument with someone who insisted the orginal An American Place was not there, but rather at the Benjamin hotel where it moved to later.

Thanks for the feedback!

I was so happy to see the happy expression on my DH's face when I told him we were going out for fondue We both can't wait!