An Ode to the Cheesecake Factory

Snickers Cheesecake

Cajun Chicken Littles

BBQ Kalua Pork

The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favourite American food destinations. A chain it may be but I love it and who wouldn't with rich creamy cheesecakes and a menu and servings of epic proportions.

I first visited the Cheesecake Factory in Florida many years ago and the whole ten hour flight had been spent listening to my friend telling me how amazing the Snickers cheesecake was. So imagine my horror when I ordered said cheesecake and was told it was sold out! I went for my second best choice and stomped outside for a cigerette before the plates arrived. As I passed the cheesecake counter - one of the favourite activites is salivating over the glass trying to decide which cheesecake you want to try first - and saw a fresh Snickers cheesecake in all it's glory.

Not to be outdone I hunted out the waitress, informed her that it was back on the menu and all was right in the world! Since that first visit whereever a Cheesecake Factory presents itself I make it my mission to enjoy at least a slice of cheesecake if not something from the main menu.

Ben and I enjoyed a lovely meal on the outside terrace of the San Franscisco branch, overlooking Union Square and he actually mentioned recently that despite having returned from Italy it's the pasta dish he had there that he always thinks about and would love to have again.

Now that Ben was a converted fan we also tried the Hawaiian branch and I was able to divert from my usual Cajun Chicken Littles order (how wrong can they get a name, there's nothing little about the dish) and try the BBQ Kalua Pork.

Las Vegas also houses a branch of the Cheesecake Factory, handily enough inside the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace were we were staying. Mum had never been and always hears me speaking fondly of it so it was the perfect first night relaxed option following our long haul flight.

We were sitted at an outside/inside table which gave us a perfect spot for people watching and the Atlantis show. Cocktails were swiftly ordered and we dived into the delicious warm bread trying not to gorge too much before our meals arrived.

As is always the case finishing a plateful of food was impossible but this did mean we could have it handily wrapped up to be enjoyed the following lunchtime after a day spent round the pool.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting The Cheesecake Factory?