OC's Simply Fabulous "Simply Fondue"

[Simply Fondue's delicious dishes]

In the local vernacular of OC, Simply Fondue loosely translates as “a promised land flowing with milk and honey cheese and chocolate.” Any foodie will support me on this. The decadent chocolate fondues are of divine making, and the rich cheese fondues are nothing short of righteous. Throw in dip-ables like marshmallows, cheesecake, and fruits, or shrimp, steak, and veggies, and you’ve reached the Holy Grail of the last supper you’ll ever care to remember.

Do I sound fanatical? Maybe. But a local restaurant this good requires some lauding. In fact they’ve just added another dimension of “good” to their delish dips and dishes. During the entire month of May, Simply Fondue’s two OC locations (Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano) will be hosting a fundraiser benefiting the CHOC Children’s Foundation and its work to help children with life-threatening illnesses. Donated funds raised from the sales of Simply Fondue’s homemade CHOC Chocolate Dream Fondue ($10) will be used to buy art supplies, games and toys for patients at CHOC.

The cause is close to the hearts of Ryan and Kristen Coverly, co-owners of Simply Fondue’s two OC locations. I talked to Kristen earlier this month concerning the fundraiser. “CHOC is such a great organization,” she told me genuinely. “Our first child underwent surgery at 7 months for a partial cleft at CHOC. We were first-time parents and we were scared. They took such great care of us.”

The Coverlys are excited to finally be able to give back to CHOC through their May fundraiser, and expect this to be the first of many charity co-ops. “Especially with this economy, we know that people are saving their dime, and when they spend it they want it to mean something,” says Kristen. “This cause brings another dimension to enjoying fondue!” The Coverlys planned the event in May to include an extra special treat for an extra special holiday. “On Mother’s Day, each mom who dines with us will receive a flower pin made by a young artist who is being treated at CHOC Children’s,” says Kristen.

 [CHOC Chocolate Dream Fondue]

The CHOC Chocolate Dream Fondue comes in three signature flavors: Silky White Chocolate (oooooo), Original Milk Chocolate (ahhhhhh), or Rich Dark Chocolate (mmmmm) with melted marshmallows and Reese's^® peanut butter, for $10 each.  These warm and creamy chocolate blends are flambéed tableside, and served with sweet dipping morsels like jumbo marshmallows, cookies, pound cake, brownies, fruit, and more. Simply Fondue will also feature full menu options of savory cheese fondue and crepes on Mother's Day, as well as the Sunday Champagne lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Additional donation opportunities will also be available at each Simply Fondue location. 

Kristen and Ryan Coverly have been going the extra mile to make sure that everyone, even in a tight economy, can enjoy their delicious offerings. Through events, themed nights, and partnerships, they’re staying connected with their community and making their food an affordable delicacy. Train commuters in San Juan get 20% off, and moviegoers at the revamped downtown San Juan movie theater (reopening this Friday!) get 20% Off (with ticket stub) at the San Juan location. Kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays. Ladies Night is Thursday, in which the ladies get 20% off (With a menu of over 100 hand-crafted martinis, you’ll need the wallet buffer!). $1 Wine tastings occur on Saturday and Sunday, 5-7 p.m. on their al fresco patio overlooking The Mission at their San Juan location. Supporting a business with this kind of community give-back feels good  (not to mention tastes good).

[100 hand-crafted martinis? Yes please.]

Call (949) 707-5200 to make a Mother's Day or Just-For-The-Heck-Of-It Day reservation at the Mission Viejo location, or call (949) 240-0300 to make a reservation for the San Juan Capistrano location. You can peruse their menu, make a reservation, and check up on their calendar of events online at www.SimplyFondueOC.com. Find Simply Fondue on Twitter at @SimplyFondueOC or Facebook at Simply Fondue - Orange County for special deals daily!

Not sure what to order? Here’s Kristen Coverly’s ideal meal: “ My favorite fondue is the Mediterranean Cheese Fondue – sundried tomato basil pesto, sharp cheddar, and Swiss cheese – it’s amazing! Drink-wise, I recommend the Red Velvet Martini. It tastes exactly like Red Velvet cake! And for dessert: the Banana Foster fondue. It’s so different, a mix of white chocolate, banana and rum.”

Sounds like a dinner in heaven.

Happy trails OC,

Jen

On my iPod: Richard Hawley's "Tonight The Streets Are Ours"