You are given your menu choices raw. That's the point of fondue! LOL! You then skewer them on long forks, and then place them in your cooking medium of choice. You let them sit until you are pleased with the results and then eat them. There are several forks per person so you have a number of choices cooking at one time.

It's not for those who are so hungry they can't wait to be fed! LOL! It takes a bit of time, but not excessive. Allows for the good conversation, I mentioned.

The cheese fondue (and the chocolate) are prepared for you tableside, and you then just merrily dunk your bread, or fruit(and other wicked yummy bits like cheesecake!) (for the chocolate) and eat!

So, you've taken the edge off your hunger with the cheese starter, and then you can enjoy your slower moving mail portion of the meal.