Simply Fondue;
A Review
By: Franciney Horodyski

Simply Fondue, located at 24 Great Neck Road, Great Neck, New York 11021, is a little oddly located.  It sits atop the Waldbaums in the shopping center.  You enter the doors, and have to climb two sets of stairs, or take the elevator to finally reach the restaurant.  But upon entering, you find a very nice ambience; some abstract art, serene paintings, and low lighting.  It is very clean, and the staff is very friendly.  The seating is very private.  The booths contain seat backs that are very high, and there are also some booths that are perfect for a romantic date.  There are also booths and tables for larger parties.  Once you get into your table, you will notice a flat surface stove with the Simply Fondue logo, right in the middle.

The menu contains amazing drink choices, from chocolate martinis, a drink called Wedding Cake, which contains Frangelico, Stoli Vanil and a splash of pineapple, and a Blue Snow Cone, containing blue curacao, Malibu, Midori, vodka, cranberry and pineapple. But do not let the names fool you.  They are adult drinks that contain alcohol, and are very tasty.  There is a martini to fulfill any of your likings.  There is also an extensive champagne and wine list, beer, and of course soft drinks and juice. 

The appetizer list consists of shrimps cooked several ways, potstickers, hummus, stuffed mushrooms and artichoke dip.  There are small plate choices to select from. However, if you come to this restaurant, the best way to enjoy the food is to order the 3 or 4 course meal.  This is the best value for your wallet and taste buds.  The 4 course meal deal consists of a salad, cheese fondue, meats and seafood and the chocolate fondue. 

There are four salads to choose from, and they are not chintzy, little side salads, they are hearty, delicious salads.  The cheese fondue consists of four different choices as well, and come with vegetables and cubes of bread for dipping.  The meat choices for the third course are extensive, with different chicken, beef, pork and seafood choices.  You have to cook the meats yourself, but that is all part of the experience.  You can choose to skillet cook it, or you can choose a cooking style, such as oil, Mediterranean Sangria and Caribbean Citrus.  The waiter will tell you how long to cook each meat, and give you the proper utensils and plates.  There are also dipping sauces; honey mustard, sweet and sour, yogurt curry to name a few.  Along with the pieces of meats and seafoods, you will receive a few kinds of vegetables and ravioli for cooking as well.  Then comes the chocolate fondue. No matter what kind you choose, you are truly in heaven.  There are choices like white chocolate amaretto, Reese’s peanut butter and rocky road.  These fondues come with a plateful of different fruits, little cakes and marshmallows for dipping.  Simply divine!

So what did I eat last night at the restaurant… The 4 course meal… I had a glass of water (saved room for the food!), gorgonzola field greens as my salad (simply delicious), Mediterranean cheese fondue (sharp cheddar, beer, tomato pesto, garlic and sundried tomatoes), six pepper beef, smoked beef sausage, herb crusted pork tenderloin, honey almond chicken, teriyaki chicken and roasted garlic chicken to cook in the Mediterranean Sangria (a mixture of sangria with spices, garlic, apples and oranges).  The meats come out so tender and juicy and again, delicious! For the chocolate fondue, we chose Snicker Fondoodle.  Enchanting!

There is also entertainment on certain nights; stand-up comedy acts, psychic readings, meet and greets and speed dating.

If you come just for the cheese or chocolate fondues, or for the 3 or 4 course meals, you will NOT be disappointed!  The regular price for the 4 course meal is $38 a person, which is quite reasonable for all the food you receive. However, if you sign up with your email, or on Facebook, you can get some great coupons.  This restaurant is Zagat rated, and I definitely give it 5 fondue sticks up! So come hungry and you’ll leave very satisfied. 

For more information, visit http://simplyfonduelongisland.com/ or call 516-466-4900.