If you've ever been to a Melting Pot restaurant and indulged in liquid-gold cheeses and sinfully silky chocolate fondue creations, then you've probably wondered about duplicating it at home.

To make the perfect fondue, there's more to it than meets the eye.

First, you need to decide what type of vegetables and meats you'd like, what cooking-base style to use, and which dipping sauces would compliment your selections.

"There are so many choices and decisions that go into planning a fondue meal," said Jess Morgan, Tacoma's general manager. "You can use white wine, beer, or a veggie bouillon as a base. You also have to choose the right blend of flavors, and consider types of cheeses, portions, and seasonings."

Before cooking, cut vegetables and meats into bite-sized portions. For beers lovers, Morgan suggests a Sam Adams Boston larger base. Veggies can include carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. Artisan breads, tortilla chips, and Granny Smith apples are excellent with Swiss and cheddar combinations. Mustard, garlic, and Tabasco sauce add flavor and spice, and finely minced onions, fresh herbs, lemon, nutmeg, and salsa are great variations.

The perfect fondue requires the correct "tools" (fondue pot with insert) - it's paramount to achieving the right texture, temperature, and consistency.

"The internal temperature has to be 165-degrees for food to be well-cooked," said Karen Lawler, director of marketing, "else the cheese might be too oily, or you run the risk of burning. Temperature is key to the whole experience."

Consider cooking time, as well. Cook poultry, beef, or seafood for up to two minutes (times vary depending on personal preference and type of meat).

"For food safety reasons, never eat meats from fondue forks," said Lawler, "transfer it onto the place and eat with regular forks. You never want to use the same utensils for raw and cooked foods."

Use dedicated fondue forks (heat resistant with color-coded edges) to prevent injury and any mix-up of dining utensils.

To help make delicious chocolate fondue, the Melting Pot sells fondue bars (dark, white, and milk chocolate bars). Dip strawberries, bananas, and use roasted pecans for a chocolate delight.

They also sell special in-house seasonings, salad dressing blends, and fondue recipe cookbooks (with restaurant coupons) to get you started.

For the real deal, however, visit the restaurant - even if it's only to enjoy how they've turned fondue into an experience.

Visit www.meltingpot.com or call Tacoma's location at (253) 535-3939.