Hot in the City: Raclette Igloo experience returns in June

Canberrans are invited to live out their cosiest European Winter dreams with a specialty raclette dining experience coming to warm our bellies in June.

The Raclette Igloo Melted Cheese Experience is returning for another year of melted cheese, mulled wine, cured meats and French fun. The 14 private igloos – each named after a French ski resort – are cosy and beautifully arranged with fairy lights. This experience is made for groups of friends, with bookings for six or eight people at a time.

“Raclette isn’t just a meal: it’s a French tradition of sharing, laughter, and indulgence,” event director Vincent Hernandez says.

“Some of my best memories are gathering around the raclette grill with my friends and family, savouring the delicious flavours and enjoying each other’s company.”

This indulgent food, wine and experience will transport you to the Alps of France. The igloos are perhaps not so French, but they’re a cute way to enjoy this indulgent feast, not to mention extremely Instagrammable, so c’est la vie!

So what exactly is raclette? It’s the name for both the kind of cheese and the dish it’s best known for. The semi-hard Swiss cheese is well regarded for its slightly funky smell, and sweet, earthy flavour. While it is often enjoyed fresh, the cheese really comes into its own when melted.

The cheese originated in Switzerland and the Alpine regions of France, where it is often enjoyed during Winter, especially around Christmas time. As a dish, raclette is served as a communal meal where guests warm cheese on a hotplate and then scrape the melted goodness onto various toppings – traditionally potatoes and cured meats. Cornichons (pickled cucumbers) and pickled onions are served on the side, as well as warming mulled wine.

Don’t forget to save yourself a little space for dessert: there are giant marshmallows to roast over the open fire pits outside.

The menu is already gluten-free and accommodations can be made for vegetarian diners. But if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you might need to sit this one out, the main ingredient is cheese, after all!

This indulgent winter wonderland experience has sold out in previous years, so get the group chat organised and book your table early.

The Raclette Experience will be held on the lawns of Parkes Place from 22 June to 2 July. Bookings are essential. Igloos are available for 90-minute slots between 11.30 am and 9 pm. More information is available at Raclette Igloo Experience, or follow the Raclette Experience on Facebook or Instagram.

Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Riotact.