Cheese Fondue Day April 11, 2010

Chicago’s legendary fondue restaurant Geja’s Café, 340 W. Armitage, celebrating its 45th year of business in 2010, will celebrate National Cheese Fondue Day, Sunday, April 11, by offering complimentary samples of their world renowned Swiss Gruyere Cheese fondue on the outdoor patio from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Geja’s will continue to offer these tasty treats to interested patrons through Saturday, April 17. Chicagoans and visitors alike are invited to join in Geja’s festive atmosphere and enjoy the cheese paired with French, Onion and Pumpernickel breads, apples and red seedless grapes.

The history of cheese fondue dates back to the sheep and goat herders of the 1500’s. While moving their herds across the mountain ranges of Switzerland, they would carry cheese, bread and wine to eat. After a while of eating the dry cheese and drinking the wine, the shepherds learned to melt the cheese down into the wine and dipped their breads into the cheese; hence creating cheese fondue.

Geja’s was recently voted as one of America’s 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in the 2010 Diners’ Choice Awards by OpenTable, the San Francisco-based online restaurant reservations organization. The Chicago institution has been the site of over 127,671 first dates and 15,464 engagements and diners have enjoyed more than 290 tons of cheese fondue and over 926,187 bottles of wine in Geja’s forty-four year history. Geja’s also broke records with its 1,100 gallons of cheese fondue in celebration of the restaurant’s anniversary in 2005. Known for romantic fondue dining – food one prepares and shares – and an extensive list of fine, moderately priced wines, Geja’s Café features over 20 different types of fondue entrees including cheese fondue and chocolate dessert fondue.

An enchanting wine cellar atmosphere, private booths, and subdued lighting contribute to its intimate surroundings. Live flamenco and classical guitarists provide romantic accompaniment. Hours for Geja’s Café are Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11:30; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Valet parking is available. To make a reservation or for more information, please call 773.281.9101, or visit
www.gejascafe.com.