Yep, the salt brushing off is what I did with my pretzel experience too, other than that it was really tasty. Oh, but now you are the second person to mention dipping a pretzel in cheese, what is that? I have not heard people doing that here in Europe, at least I was not offered any cheese dip xD 

Now I really think I should find a recipe and see what this dipping cheese thingy is about! :)