From the first step through the double entryway into Artisanal, the scent of fondue and gougeres (French cheese puffs) is all around you. The interior reminded my fiancée and me of a bank that was taken out of a Western film, with high ceilings and pillars.
To date, I have been here twice, and both times, I have opened with the blue cheese and walnut crisp appetizer—it's just that good. The flavors that combine to form the overall taste in this dish are very well-matched to each other, and the end result is a salad that melts in your mouth.
The fondue here is fantastic! The small fondue ($24) serving with one to two dipping sides is a good size for two people, but after an appetizer, it certainly rules out room for dessert. Ordering fondue happens in two steps: first, choose the type of fondue (traditional Swiss, artisanal blend, Stilton, and Sauternes, or the fondue of the day). The second choice you have to make is what you want to dip into your fondue: air-dried beef, fingerling potatoes, kielbasa, crudites, beef tips, or apples. Thusfar, the "artisanal blend" fondue with the beef tips and apples has been our favorite.
Reservations are a must; at least, we were very happy to have made them in advance both times we've dined here (both times after 9pm). By the time we checked our coats, our table was ready and stocked with a basket of warm sourdough slices. Overall, my experiences here have been very good both in the food quality and service areas—well worth the trip.