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The Melting Pot is located in the heart of downtown Darien and wonderfully situated in the elegant Grove Street Plaza. This plaza is a haven of old-world charm with its beautiful courtyard fountain, illuminated trees and classic gas lights. The restaurant’s interior provides an intimate and warm atmosphere with its cozy booth seating, soft lighting, eye-catching original artwork by world renowned artist Yuri Tremler, and a beautifully crafted walk-in wine room.

The Melting Pot of Darien offers its guests open table service as well as private dining rooms which are suitable for large parties, celebrations and group functions. For those individuals looking for a more “private dining experience,” you may request to be seated in our romantic dining area which is aptly nicknamed "Lover's Lane." Whatever the size of your group, you'll be delighted in knowing that our fondue meals are a perfect way to slow down, relax and enjoy the company of friends, family or your significant other.   For a celebration that has to be special like a Sweet 16, Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Batchelorette Party or Anniversary we are a Fairfield County favorite.  

The Melting Pot of Darien’s General Manager, James Layfield, and Restaurant Manager, Will Marty, look forward to welcoming you as their guest for all your celebrations and special events. Their staff members are experts in the art of fondue and have a thorough knowledge of wine and food pairings to suit all of your tastes and dietary preferences. The restaurant also offers a broad variety of flights of wines for you to compare and contrast, as well as award winning specialty cocktails such as the “Yin and Yang,” the “Love Martini,” and a long-time favorite, “The Springtini.” As sign of our dedication and commitment to your wine needs, The Melting Pot of Darien was one of only two restaurants in southern Fairfield County to receive the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine and also receive the designation "Inexpensive". We want you to enjoy your celebration and serve great wines at great prices. 

We thank you for your loyal patronage and look forward to serving you soon!

“Fondue-ly” Yours,

Will, Carol and James Layfield

Owners, The Melting Pot of Darien

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Upcoming and Past Events

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The Melting Pot is Raising Awareness for Food Allergies - March 1-4, 2010

We have partnered with The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) to help them in their quest of raising awareness, providing advocacy and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. Allergies affect millions of Americans (especially children) and have become a major focus for us here in Darien.  Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable dining experience for all our guests.  During this special week, we will offer gluten-free, egg-free and nut-free menu options to our allergy-conscious guests.  The price per meal will be $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children 16 and younger.  We will also donate a portion of the meal proceeds to the nonprofit organization.  As an extra precaution for our guests, we will be substituting corn starch for flour and will not be serving peanut butter, peanut oil or any form of nuts for the duration of the week.  In addition, we are delighted to be working with two allergy-conscious bakeries for this event.  We will be serving gluten-free cheesecake, brownies and bread from Three Dogs Gluten Free Bakery in Briarcliff Manor, NY and allergen free (free of gluten, soy, egg, nut, wheat and dairy) cupcakes and pound cake from Izzi B's Allergen Cupcakes in Norwalk, CT. 

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Dine at The Melting Pot and Help PAWS! - March 25, 2010

Please join us on Thursday, March 25th between 5 pm - 10 pm for a special evening of fondue and furry friends! PAWS, a nonprofit shelter dedicated to rescuing homeless animals, recently requested our assistance in helping them raise funds and placing a few of its animals in loving new homes.

During this event, we’ll have information on display about the pets currently available for adoption.  Any guest who decides to adopt a cat or dog will receive a free chocolate fondue!

This fundraising dinner is priced at $45.00 per person, and a portion of the meal proceeds ($10.00 per meal) will be donated to the nonprofit organization.  Please click here to view the special menu. 

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National Cheese Fondue Day - April 11, 2010 (Starting at 2pm)

Please join us with your friends and families for a celebration of Melted Cheese to help our friends at the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut.   The House helps over 500 families every year by providing safe and comfortable accommodations and a caring environment while their children undergo treatment for various illnesses including cancer, premature birth or transplants at local area hospitals.  Ronald McDonald House allows families to find a strong support system, establishing friendships with other families facing similar anxieties, hardships, and uncertainties.  For every cheese fondue sold on this day, the Ronald McDonald House of CT will receive $10 to help them care for these families in need.

We will be offering a selection of new cheese fondues and bringing back a few old favorites in addition to our regular selections.  We also will be trying some new dippers, many of them requested by our guests over the past few years.  Please check this space for our cheese and dipper selections at  a later date.  Please make your reservations today as space is limited.  For more information on the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, please visit 
www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse-ct.org

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Thank You For Helping Us Help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

A big thank you to all of our guests who helped us exceed our goal this year.  The Melting Pot-Darien raised $17,709 for St. Jude, a tremendous achievement and one we are honored to have been a part of.  A special note of recognition to Sandra Annuzzi who personally raised over $2,900 and will be traveling to the hospital in Memphis as our representative and serving chocolate fondue to the children, parents and staff.


***The Melting Pot - Darien would like to help you raise money for your charity or non-profit group.  Please contact General Manager James Layfield at meltingpotct@optonline.net for more information. ***

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Other Things "Fun-Do"

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Shecky's and The Melting Pot 

We are going to be at the Shecky's Girls Night Out Event in New York City on Thursday, March 11, 2010.   Buy tickets now and visit us that night for great promotions and sampling from The Melting Pot!

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Introducing Our Guest Rewards Program - Dip Rewards

As a thank you to our wonderful guests, we have just launched a guest rewards program that earns you points for every dollar spent on food and beverages in the restaurant.  Guests will earn one point for every dollar and you will receive your introductory reward of a $25 gift certificate after 200 points.  Please ask your server for an application on your next visit or sign up ahead of time by clicking here.  For guests that register online, you are able to accrue points using the phone number listed on your account until your card arrives.   You will be able to track your points and certificates by visiting www.myrepeatrewards.com  and signing up using your account number.   Wednesdays are double point days!  Program is valid in the Darien location only.  Please feel free to contact us for more information at 203-656-4774.

 

The Melting Pot Caters to People with Food Allergies and Celiac Disease

Please let us know upon making your reservation of any food allergies and sensitivities.  Our staff is regularly trained to handle questions about food allergens and will provide you with a complete list of the foodstuffs in our menu to help you select your meal.  Many of our menu items can be modified or substituted to be gluten-free, tree nut-free, garlic-free, seafood-free, fish-free, egg-free and soy-free.  We are also a member of The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). 

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The Melting Pot Now Offers Tasty Vegetarian Options

We are recommended by The American Vegetarian Association.  Besides our cheese, chocolate and salad choices, we also offer a very popular vegetarian entree that includes fresh vegetables, tofu, artichoke hearts, portobello mushrooms and ravioli.  Please also note that all of our cheeses are made with rennets of non-animal origin (vegetable and microbial only).   

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Plan a Special Birthday Party for the Teenager in Your Life at The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is the perfect place to celebrate both Quinceañera and Sweet Sixteen events!  Fondue dining is the perfect way to enjoy a great time with friends and family and create long lasting memories.

Click here to see our new teen party menus!

Reserve Your Table Online

Please click on the ReServeIT logo above to make your reservation today.  When you make a reservation via ReServeIT, your name will automatically be entered in a monthly drawing to receive a $50 gift certificate from The Melting Pot!  Good luck!

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Give a Gift Card

Why not give a gift certificate from The Melting Pot?  They are available in all denominations.  More than likely there is now one of the 140+ Melting Pots not too far from your relatives and friends.  We are confident that your friends, relatives and favorite college students would like a change of scene and an evening at The Melting Pot.

They never expire or reduce in value and do not attract sales tax on purchase.

If you prefer, call the restaurant and we will mail the gift certificate.

 

 
Click here to sign up for Club Fondue!!
Club Fondue offers fantastic fondue features, including wine tastings, food samplings, invitations to special events and advanced holiday reservation privileges. As a member of the Club, you’ll receive a free Chocolate Fondue for two when you sign up and for your special occassions! Just click the link and put CT for your state and Darien for your home store.

Reservation Policies
Please be aware that we can only hold scheduled reservation times for
a maximum of  30 minutes. If you are more than 30 minutes late for your
reservation time, you will be seated at our next available open
reservation time for a party of your size.

Small Party Room (12 to 16 guests) - For bookings in our small
party room, we require a minimum of 12 guests to hold the entire room.
If your party drops below 12 guests we may have to move the table to a
different booth or place another party in the room. Reservations for this
room for Fridays and Saturdays are available at the following times (all
parties are booked for a three hour time period): 

Fridays - 1st Seating is between 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m, 2nd Seating is
8 p.m. or after. Saturdays - 1st Seating is between 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
2nd Seating is 8 p.m. or after.

Large Party Room (26 to 36 guests) -  For bookings in our large
party room, we require a minimum of 26 guests to hold the entire
room. If your party drops below 26 guests we may have to seat
another party in the room. Reservations for this room for Fridays and
Saturdays are available at the following times (all parties are booked
for a three hour time period):

Fridays - 1st Seating is between 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 2nd Seating is
8 p.m. or after. Saturdays - 1st Seating is between 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
2nd Seating is 8 p.m. or after.

Two Burner and Lover Lane Tables - Due to a limited number of two
burner tables in the restaurant we must allocate these tables for our
larger parties (5 or more guests). We are happy to accept requests for
these tables for parties of 4 or under, but cannot guarantee the table
will be available at your reservation time. If you have dietary concerns

please let us know ahead of time so we can find the best solution for
your party. Lovers Lane tables (parties of 2) are also limited, please
place your request when making your reservation and we will do our
best to accommodate your party.

Magic at The Melting Pot!

Magician Stuart Palm entertains with his distinctive style of sleight-
of-hand magic, up-close and personal most Friday nights! Stuart is a
rising star on the New York City magic scene and we are delighted to
present his high-impact magic at The Melting Pot. You'll never forget the
experience of mystery, wonder and fun when Stuart performs right at
your table!  For more information about Stuart or to contact him directly please
visit www.stuartpalm.com

"Fondue On The Fly"
Cheese and Chocolate Fondues and a drink - $45 (for 2) in the Bar

If you love our delicious cheese fondues and adore a chocolate fondue but are
short on time, join us in the Bar any weekday. Reservations are not required.
This special promotion cannot be combined with other offers.

We are closed New Year's Day, Super Bowl Sunday, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.

Large Parties & Special Events
For that special occasion that has to be special, The Melting Pot in Darien is the
perfect choice. Fondue dining is fun dining and the perfect way to relax and enjoy
the company of friends, coworkers and family.  We are able to host parties ranging
in size from 8 to 50 guests.

We will open for lunch parties of 12 or more guests by prior arrangement.
Call James or Will at 656-4774 for details and reservations.

Click here to view our Large Party/Corporate Party menu

Small Party Room (12 to 16 guests) - For bookings in our small party room,
we require a minimum of 12 guests to hold the entire room. If your party drops
below 12 guests we may have to move the table to a different booth or place
another party in the room. Reservations for this room for Fridays and Saturdays are
available at the following times (all parties are booked for a three hour time period):

Fridays - 1st Seating is between 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 2nd Seating is 8 p.m. or after.
Saturdays - 1st Seating is between 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 2nd Seating is 8 p.m. or after.

Large Party Room (26 to 36 guests) - For bookings in our large party room,
we require a minimum of 26 guests to hold the entire room. If your party drops
below 26 guests we may have to seat another party in the room. Reservations
for this room for Fridays and Saturdays are available at the following times (all
parties are booked for a three hour time period):

Fridays - 1st Seating is between 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 2nd Seating is 8 p.m. or after.
Saturdays - 1st Seating is between 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 2nd Seating is 8 p.m. or after.

Corporate Parties/Holiday Functions
Looking for a unique and interactive experience to wow your clients or reward your
staff.  We are able to accommodate parties ranging from 6 to 50 guests.  Please contact
Will or James at 203-656-4774 for all the details.  We are always wiling to work with
you and within your budget to plan a successful event. 

Click here to view our Corporate Party Menu
Click here for our Party Agreement

Sweet Sixteen at The Melting Pot

A Fondue party is the perfect way to celebrate a Sweet Sixteen
birthday. We have thought of everything to make it special.

Click here to see our Sweet Sixteen Menu.

The Melting Pot, Darien is conveniently located 400 yards from Interstate 95 at Exit 11. It is also adjacent to Darien RR Station. There is ample free parking at the side and rear of the restaurant. 

Driving

From the North:
New Haven, Bridgeport, Westport.

From I 95 Exit 11, turn right off the ramp, go 150 yards and turn left into Brook Street opposite the Sunoco Station. The Melting Pot is ahead.

From the South:
New York City, Westchester County, Greenwich.

From I 95 Exit 11:
Left off the ramp, through 3 lights then turn left opposite the Sunoco Station into Brook Street. The Melting Pot is ahead.

From Stamford:

Take US Rt.1 North to Darien, pass under I 95 go 150 yards and turn left at the Sunoco station into Brook Street.  The Melting Pot is ahead

From the Merritt Parkway:

(Rt 15) locations take Exit 37 onto Route 124 South.  Turn right onto the Boston Post Road (US Rt 1), go 200 yards and turn right across from the Sunoco station into Brook Street. The Melting Pot is ahead. 

By Train:

Metro-North Commuter Railroad's New Haven Line. Darien RR station is approximately 100 yards from the Melting Pot. Call (800) 638 7646 for a schedule of the 200 daily connections from Darien to Coastal Fairfield County and Grand Central Station. The journey from Grand Central takes a little over an hour. The Metro-North website is www.mta.info

Note:
For those coming on horseback, 4 hitching posts are conveniently located by the fountain outside the restaurant.

The Melting Pot,

14 Grove Street

Darien, CT 06820

(203) 656 4774

Click here for a larger map and driving directions to this location