The Cheesecake Factory is a magnum opus, of sorts, when talking about restaurants that serve wonderfully largem single-serving portions of food that could, in fact, serve an army. While the portion sizes and, consequently, the nutritional pitfalls that come with this constraint are often debated fiercely by dietitians and doctors all over America, one cannot deny that the quality of dishes made in The Cheesecake Factory is unparalleled in the departments of flavor, texture, and presentation. Photo Credit: [http://www.shermanoaksgalleria.com/directory/cheesecakefactory/slideshow/cheesecake-factory.jpg]
While the cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory is definitely the star of the show, I would also like to highlight some other dishes that have been able to please even the non-believers! What most people don't know (unless, of course, they've actually visited The Cheesecake Factory) is that The Cheesecake Factory serves up a global gamut of delights, from their spicy Mexican Nacho Bake to Thai Lettuce Wraps, complete with three types of sauce and a blend of wrap filling lightly seasoned with traditional Asian spices. But of course, when a pastry case is the first thing that you see when you walk through the giant glass double-doors, your mind automatically jumps to cheesecake and, well, who can blame you?
Photo Credit: [http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/5a/ef/02/cheesecake-factory.jpg]
Living in Indianapolis for practically my whole life, I've had the opportunity to visit The Cheesecake Factory at LEAST a handful of times and let me tell you, going there never gets old. Whether it's the annual birthday dinner or the family get-together that no one seems that excited to attend, The Cheesecake Factory is a place to have fun while being served high-quality food that fills your stomach and tickles your tastebuds, all at once.
Here are a few dishes that are definitely worth a try:
*Oh, and just a piece of friendly advice before you venture into The Cheesecake Factory. Make sure to make a visit with a group of people, preferably 3 or more. While seating may take longer than expected, being able to order with friends & family gives you the opportunity to taste a multitude of flavors for a slightly smaller budget and waistline.*
1. Avocado Egg Rolls with a Tamarind-Cashew Dipping Sauce
Creamy avocado meets crispy wonton wrappers
2. Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes
Served in an authentic corn husk, making the presentation top-notch.
3. Santa Fe Salad (Recommended)
I don't know WHAT these people put in the dressing, but it is possibly the single best dressing I have ever had.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
Heaped with fontina and parmesan cheese, served in a wine reduction
5. Four-Cheese Pasta
The more cheese, the better
6. French Country Salad
Goat Cheese, Beets, and Candied Pecans
7. Mushroom Veggie Burger
*If you're a vegetarian like myself, or just looking for something new, you can order any burger off the menu and ask them to use a veggie burger instead. Made with farro and fresh beets, this will probably be unlike any burger, veggie or otherwise, that you've ever had! Oh, and make sure to try their sweet potato fries with special dipping sauce. They sound healthy, but they taste like little bites of veggie heaven :)
And FINALLY, the cheesecakes! With over 30 different types of cheesecakes, the selection is definitely not easy. However, if you're looking for a few suggestions to start you off, here are some cheesecakes that will get your mouth watering:
1. Tiramisu Cheesecake
I LOVE tiramisu. Like, almost more than my own life. And when I first saw this on the menu, I pretty much lost it. I mean, tiramisu + cheesecake? That is the most fantastic idea I've ever heard (outside of brinner, of course :D )! While I do NOT suggest eating more than a slice at a time, (for your own safety and for those around you), everyone should give this cheesecake a try. Seriously. You don't even need an occasion, really! Just head over to your closest Cheesecake Factory and pick up a slice. Unless you don't like coffee...then you should probably ignore everything you just read ;).
2. White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
This cheesecake will probably make you forget the fact that white chocolate is actually not chocolate at all.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
If you're looking for a one-way ticket to a heart attack, this cheesecake is definitely the one for you. But don't let that stop you! ;)
If you're interested in hearing about all the different types of cheesecakes that The Cheesecake Factory has to offer, check out this link :
The bloggers over at Serious Eats (yay for blogging friends!) tasted every, single type of cheesecake. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Hats off to them! That, my friends, is dedication.
No matter what you've heard about The Cheesecake Factory, everyone should try it once, at least for the experience. While its known for its gut-busting dishes and deep-fried delights, you are guaranteed to find something for everybody.
So, what are you waiting for?
