The Melting Pot, 814 15th St. in Sacramento is the place to enjoy a leisurely, but elegant, meal of cheeses, meats and vegetables.

In 2003 owner Mike Frampton opened the first franchise of its kind in Northern California. He was in what his wife called his "midlife crisis."

A tour of The Melting Pot is soothing. Its refined ambiance is a mixture of textures and muted colors. Special booths on one side of the restaurant in "lover's lane" are designed for intimacy and romance. They are set apart from the rest of the room and suit a suitor for popping that all important question, "Do you want seafood or steak?"

The 5,600-square foot dining facility has mahogany-lined walls. Tables are situated in the meeting and party rooms and feature a central marbled cook top.

"Once these were set up there was no moving them because the tables are wired to the floor to accommodate the burners," Frampton explains.

Actually, the cooking space on tables is a flat plate that reacts with the fondue pots. It doesn't heat up or glow - similar to an open-air microwave.

Although some people come into The Melting Pot for a cheese or chocolate fondue "snack," a meal consists of four-courses and each offers a selection of four as well.

For instance, besides cheeses the diner has a choice of four salads. Four styles of cooking entrees either in oil, wine or broth include a selection of meats - center cut filet mignon, top sirloin, coldwater lobster tail, salmon, tiger Shrimp, pork, chicken - or get them all in an order of the "Big Night Out." A tray of mushrooms, potatoes and vegetables is included in the meal of your choice, accompanied by special teriyaki, mustard or horseradish sauces for dipping, brushing or not.

Your server will prepare each selection tableside, except for the salads.

Frampton says customers sometimes stay two to four hours since fondue is eaten at a leisurely pace.

"They take their time," he says. "Fondue is all about taking your time. It's actually entertaining - an evening out."

Don't leave The Melting Pot without the dessert tray of marshmallows, short breads, cheesecake, pineapple and fresh strawberries cubes to dip in a white and/or dark melted chocolate.

Wine pairing with meals is a house specialty, and The Melting Pot has won a number of wine awards. A list of fine and rare wines is a source of pride for Frampton. He has even installed a wine preservation system in the bar.

Now, for the big news.

The Melting Pot is opening a 6,000-square foot restaurant on the corner of Lonetree and Blue Oaks near Highway 65 in our South Placer community - Rocklin - in October.

"The initial reaction is very positive," Frampton says. "The two Melting Pots will actually be extensions of each other. There are people who do not go into Sacramento who are excited about the new store."

The Melting Pot is open Sunday through Thursday from 4:30-10:30 p.m. and weekends 5-11 p.m. Reservations are required.

For reservations or information, call 443-2347.