When I think of October, I start to think of all of my favourite things. The spices of the season, the warm beverages, the comfort food. There isn’t any better way to celebrate the colder weather than with some friends and loved ones around some fondue pots.
There aren’t many restaurants in the Edmonton area that cater to fondue, but I think I have found a new favourite! Blue Flames invited me to experience how they make fondue different, and they are 100% local.
Blue Flames is located in a strip mall in Sherwood Park. They are right next door to a butcher that smokes their own meat. The smells can be a bit confusing when you walk in the front door. You get that lovely smell of wood smoke mixed with the delicious smells of food wafting over you.
You are greeted by the bar which is fully stocked, shiny and beautiful. There are some plain tables, but I really liked the look of the comfy booths surrounding the restaurant.
So any of the fondue that I have experienced has the little flame underneath the pot full of cheese, broth or chocolate. Blue Flames is closer to the “hot pot” experience that you would have in Chinatown. The “burners” are built into the tables, so there actually isn’t any “flames” in Bleu Flames except for the ones in the fire places. Likely a lot safer than pots full of flammable fuel everywhere!
The menu is unique as well. It is built to be a four course meal where you can pick and choose each course. A fondue is supposed to be an experience where you are taking at least a couple of hours to enjoy a meal. You can choose any single course that you would like if you are in a hurry, or can’t eat all four courses.
You start with the “Cheese Exposition”. The cheese fondue is made for you right at your table by your server. When everything is nice and melty, you have a selection of baguette, fruits and vegetables to enjoy. I tried the “Welsh Rarebit” as this is a dish that I adore. (Old Cheddar/ Mozzarella / Beer/ Dijon / Butter/ Garlic/ Blend of Spice $14). The fondue version of it was so tasty. The explosion of flavours in your mouth is just the right way to wake up those tastebuds for the rest of your experience.
Course 2 is “Bleu Garden”. This is your soup or salad choice. Since I have been put on a diet for high blood pressure, I am SO sick of salad that the Wild Mushroom Soup (A Creamy Rich Blend Of Wild Mushroom / Garlic/ White Wine/ Fresh Herbs $9) was the only choice that mattered. This was creamy and rich as described and so delicious I could have eaten a whole gallon of it.
Course 3 is “Fondue Frenzy”. Here is where you power out. SO MUCH FOOD. I had the “Bleu Feast” (Rosemary Beef Tenderloin / Smoked Paprika Pork / Tenderloin Seasoned Herb Chicken / Lemon Pepper Shrimps $34). I chose the “basic” broth. You can amp up the flavour though with a choice of umami/miso, Thai cilantro, or Bianco. Your server explains how long everything should be cooked for to make sure it is food safe. You have a timer on your table as well.