TAMPA, Fla., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Melting Pot fondue restaurants (http://www.meltingpot.com) feature the spicy-sweet flavor of the South African Peppadew in the new Big Night Out four-course Caribbean-infused menu.

Fondue, Meet Peppadew; The Melting Pot Adds Spicy-Sweet Fruit to Fondue Menu
TAMPA, Fla., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Melting Pot fondue restaurants (http://www.meltingpot.com) feature the spicy-sweet flavor of the South African Peppadew in the new Big Night Out four-course Caribbean-infused menu. Typically found in gourmet grocery stores, the small, bright red Peppadew is the first truly new fruit to be launched on the world market since Kiwi Fruit 26 years ago.

"The Peppadew only seemed to pop up in trendy appetizers and specialty stores," said Chef Shane Schaibly, executive chef for The Melting Pot. "We wanted to introduce it to the mainstream and expose more people to its unique taste."

A key ingredient in The Melting Pot's Caribbean Cheese Fondue, the Peppadew is added to a base of white wine, pineapple juice and Gouda and Gran Queso cheeses. The special menu continues with a tropical salad featuring mangos, hearts of palm and coconut encrusted cashews in a creamy citrus dressing. The main course offers a choice of fresh meats and seafood with Caribbean rubs and flavors like vanilla rum chicken, peppered shrimp, lobster and jerk sirloin in a choice of cooking styles from Mojo bouillon to Coq au Vin herbs and burgundy wine.

For dessert Chef Shane brought back a guest favorite, Bananas Foster Chocolate Fondue, flambeed tableside with white chocolate, brown sugar and cinnamon.

"Fondue was a 70's craze that's really gaining resurgence," adds Chef Shane. "People are so busy now, it's hard to find time to slow down and enjoy quality time together. That's why we created the Big Night Out. It just encourages interaction and conversation as people take turns reaching for, nabbing and sometimes even rescuing food from shared fondue pots."

To make reservations, find locations or view the complete menu, visithttp://www.meltingpot.com.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.

With 130 restaurants nationwide and 36 currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. is the country's premier fondue restaurant franchise. The memorable four-course dining experience lets patrons dip into something different. Guests enjoy a choice of four cooking styles and a variety of entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. Founded in 1975, the corporate headquarters are in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visithttp://www.meltingpot.com.

SOURCE The Melting Pot