Steve and I were a tiny bit tardy celebrating our 42nd anniversary but we got ‘er done!
As I’ve written before, we don’t go out to eat a lot, and even more rarely do we splurge on a nice meal. But Steve found a lovely meal for us at the Melting Pot. They have dubbed Thursday nights as “Thursdates” and they offer a package for special occasions which includes rose petals and candles on the table . . .
a signed card . . .
and a beautifully presented message.
In addition to a cheese fondue, salad, and chocolate fondue, we had two kinds of beef, chicken, salmon, shrimp, and lobster.
Just so you know, we did not eat all this food; we boxed up a lot of it and took it home to enjoy the following evening.
I’m not a big lobster eater but I was fascinated with the shell and the fancy lettuce they put underneath it. I rearranged those two elements to make an interesting photo.
I also was inordinately amused by the fact that the lemon looked like it was wearing a little bonnet. I know. I don’t get out much.
Our server was a young woman who had just gotten engaged so Steve shared with her bits of pastoral marital advice throughout the meal. Once a pastor, always a pastor! She was very appreciative of our interest in the exciting things happening in her life and even pulled out her phone to show us pictures of her family and her fiancé. It’s always a good feeling to be further down the road and reach back to help someone who is just beginning.
The last eighteen months have been so full of challenges and changes; it was good to step back from it all and take time to remember the most important thing after our faith which is our marriage.
I’m grateful for the forty-two years I’ve had husband shoes in my house and for all the years to come–maybe not another forty-two, but a couple more decades, at least.
In closing, let me just say that I’m fond of fondue-ing and I’m more than just a little fond of my fellow fondue-er.
What about you?
Do you like cooking and/or eating fondue-style? Have you been to a Melting Pot?
What is a memorable dinner (either anniversary or birthday) that stands out in your memory?
If you had to give advice to your newly married self, what would you say?
Have ever mentored someone in a particular area, whether in marriage, teaching a skill, helping in a career. Was it a good experience?
Happy anniversary!
We went to a melting pot, probably 15-20 years ago. We could never have afforded to go, but some friends of our gifted us the dinner. It was SO good! My daughter and her husband have been 3-4 times since they’ve been married – when they’re near home for their anniversary, they go there. 🙂
A memorable dinner? I’m fortunate enough to have several good memories, but I think my favorite would be a meal we had in Paris a few years ago. We had all sorts of food: beef, chicken, fish, escargot, and moules, and our waiter was incredible – encouraging my daughter and son-in-law to try new things. He was so much fun and entertaining – and taught me to use empty mussel shells to scoop the meat from the “still occupied” shells, instead of using a fork!
What advice would I give my newly married self? Hmmm. I guess I’d tell myself to try to be kinder with my words. That’s something I’ve always struggled with – but it’s not so much what I say, but how I say it. I like to think I’m better at that now, but I know I have my moments.
Stefanie,
Okay. I had to look up mooules because I had never heard of them. And how clever of your waited to show you how use empty mussel shells for meat-scooping. A memorable meal, indeed, especially since it took place in Paris!
A big part of making progress in a particular habit is simply to be aware of the fact that change is needed. I admire tht you are of what is needed and are making a conscious effort to work on it. Good for you!
I haven’t been to The Melting Pot, but after seeing your photos, it is definitely going on my list!! A couple years ago, our (adult) children took us to Fogo de Chao for our birthdays (3 days apart) and it was delicious. I’m glad you and Steve got to celebrate 42 years as husband and wife!!
Sue Ellen,
Yes, the Melting Pot is a unique experience and worth doing. It is the furthest thing in the world away from fast food which I think is part of its appeal.
We do have a Melting Pot in our area but have never been there. Our daughter has. That looks like a wonderful meal and enough to take home as you did. Have a feeling you left feeling very special. Yes, a pastor always a pastor and when there is an opportunity . . . The anniversary I remember the most was about 1968. We went to a place that had lobster (my expensive favorite – in fact when I was pregnant with our first child – that was my craving. Fortunately, I did not take care of it except one more time). and we went to see Sound of Music = If memory is serving me correctly. He also bought me a couple blouses. It was a special anniversary even though it was only our 2nd. It has now been 57 years and a few more tails since then. I must tell you we have an Outback Steak House here and we go once a month. We don’t need a menu because we get the same thing – Steak and Lobster – he’s gets the steak I get the lobster tail (very small but tasty) and we share the 2 sides. Definitely save money when we share meals!!
Sharyn,
Steve and I love to share meals too; portions are so big that it’s a logical thing to do. The Steak and Lobster meal is perfect for the two of you!
I think it’s funny that your craving during pregnancy was lobster; that’s the first time I’ve ever heard that! And how fun to get to see the Sound of Music on your anniversary; love that musical.
Happy Anniversary Kids!
Lesley,
How nice to be called “kids.” I’m feeling very youthful now!
What a lovely way to celebrate! It’s been a while since I’ve been to a Melting Pot, but now it will be on my mind! We enjoy eating out on occasion, but I would much rather spend the money cooking “fancy” at home and entertaining others. God has blessed me with the gift of hospitality, and although we have moved from our long time home in Maryland to Connecticut and now to Hickory, NC, we’re hosting our first dinner here for 3 other couples from church this Friday!
Kristy,
So great to hear that you have the gift of hospitality; and what a gift it is! There’s something so special about being invited into someone’s home for a meal. Once you eat a meal with someone, it seems to really deepen the relationship as opposed to just chatting casually after church or at a ballgame. Keep on doing that and enjoy your meal on Friday!
A friend of mine and I went to Melting Pot when we went to see Plaza Christmas lights a few years ago. We really enjoyed it. I think my cousin and I tried to go to one in Fort Walton Beach about 10 years ago and they were closed due to electricity being out.
A memorable meal would be lunch at Cheesecake Factory for my parents’ 70th anniversary. All 3 kids, daughter-in-law and 2 of 3 grandchildren were there. The youngest granddaughter has just moved to California the month before.
A couple years ago, I was training two people to be lead offering counters at church. The woman caught on quickly, she had been a bank teller. The man struggled and fortunately came to the decision himself that the role wasn’t an ideal fit for him.
Phyllis,
Cheesecake Factory is definitely a delicious restaurant; I’ve only been a couple of times but enjoyed it each time.
Kudos to the offering counter guy for deciding on his own that he wasn’t well suited for that job. Volunteers need to love their tasks and feel confident with them; I’m sure he went on to find a different place to serve. And good for you for being a trainer/mentor to people in that role. So important to handle gifts to the church with integrity.
I’ve never eaten at a Melting Pot but I’m sure I would enjoy it. My mom used to prepare fondue for us once in a while when we were kids and we loved it! All types: sweet, savory, you name it. It was so good and so fun! I don’t have my fondue pot anymore. Gave it up when we moved.
All of our anniversary dinners are memorable because we celebrate them with our dear friends who share the same anniversary date. We always try to go to a different place and have been doing it for the past 37 years. SO much fun and so many great memories!!
Happy anniversary!!!!!
LeeAnne,
I think “back in the day,” people did fondue at home more. Steve remembers his mom mom doing it, too. Glad you have those memories–those sweet and savory members!
How fun to get to celebrate with friends for 37 years. You are blessed!
I haven’t been to a melting pot since moving to Saint Cloud and now after seeing the photos I am missing it. Tonight a friend and I are going out to a steak house. I am looking forward to it though I don’t eat steak usually, but they make a great burger without the bun. There are a lot of side dishes I enjoy as well. I always have leftovers to eat the next day. It is a funky place that is always loud and the waiters break out and dance every so often.
All the snow has melted, but it is still frigid outside. Yesterday my friend Dave steam cleaned my living room carpet which is still in the garage. I am so happy with the great jobs he does for me, he takes care of the snow and the grass among other things.
I am so ready for spring to arrive, this has been a long winter! I look forward to gardening once the ground thaws out! That’s a month or two away. In the meantime I am nice and cozy in the house.
Cindy,
It would be fun to have waiters break out and dance from time to time. I hope you enjoyed your night out.
I think Dave sounds like a neighbor in a million. He has certainly been a blessing in your life!
Happy 42nd Anniversary.
My family had fondue for Christmas Eve several years. It was a great way to visit over pots of hot oil and cheese. It is definitely not a hurried meal. I have not been to the melting pot, but we have one nearby. I have wanted to try it.
I would tell all newly married to enjoy and to give a little each day. Maybe that should read to give up a little each day. Since I married at 50 for the first time, I was somewhat set in my routine and that was difficult to change.
I don’t think I have really mentored anyone for anything specific. Hadn’t really thought about it, guess I am not the mentoring type.
Patti,
Definitely give the Melting Pot a try!
I like your advice to newly married couples and kudos to you for learning to do that at the age of fifty. I love that you got married at age; such an interesting story!
We have never been to a Melting Pot but my niece has told me how much she enjoys eating there.
Mentoring was probably the most rewarding part of my time as a supervisor in VA. I was a certified mentor and enjoyed the time I spent with my mentees. I still get messages from some of them and enjoy keeping up with their successes when posted on social media.
I would probably pass on the advice our pastor gave during our meetings when preparing for our wedding… Never go to bed without saying, “I love you”. 41 years later… we still follow that advice!
Happy Anniversary!
Ginny,
That is truly one of the joys of mentoring, knowing you made a difference in someone’s life and more importantly, in their future. And also to think of all those people that they will go on to influence. It’s like you have mentee grandchildren!
I love the advice your pastor gave you and that you’re still following it 41 years later.
We love the Melting Pot. Several have closed near us so we are nervous they might go out of business. We have one an hour away and it’s a Christmas Eve tradition for my boys (adult, 21 and 25) and I to go there to celebrate. We love the spinach artichoke cheese fondue more than words can describe. And we cook with oil not broth. Then we inevitably argue over dark vs milk chocolate. :). We love our fondue and I especially love the slow pace and long car ride with my two very busy young men.
Paige,
How wonderful to have a Christmas Eve tradition with your sons–long car ride, leisurely meal, good conversation, arguing over chocolate . . . perfect!
I just love the Melting Pot. We don’t have one near us, so whenever we get near one, we always try to go. It is a special occasion restaurant for sure! After one of our trips, I bought a fondue pot and tried to do it at home. We only used the fondue pot the one time, if that tells you how it went. I think with a little more practice we could probably do that successfully. But that one time was so time intensive and messy, that I was hesitant, obviously, to do it again.
Happy Anniversary! Forty-two years is certainly a cause for a grand celebration!!
Lisa,
Steve and I have talked off and on about getting a fondue pot but never did it. You were brave to give it a try at home! I think I’m happier just leaving it to the professionals. 🙂