One of my favourite parts of travelling is experiencing new and interesting flavours and sampling the unique cuisine each destination has to offer. And it’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I love my food! The best part is, you don’t have to travel far within America to start tasting the local influences.
There is one particular location though I seek out at any given opportunity. An establishment that creates a unique atmosphere, consistently delivering quality food and boasting over 200 menu items to choose from. Did I mention the over 30 cheesecake varieties also? Its none other then ….The Cheesecake Factory (insert applause!)
Why is it so good?
OK, so I have pledged my allegiance to this enormously successful franchise chain and eaten multiple meals spanning 8 different states. So what makes it my favourite restaurant in America? Let me explain.
First a warning to potential diners. You will over indulge. You will have eyes bigger than your stomach and you will be back for more. The meals are enormous! It’s like an addiction which I attribute to clever marketing on their part.
Their menu is as expansive as your waist line will be. Over 200 items await you, ranging from breakfast options to fantastic salads and Mexican, steaks, poultry, seafood, pasta, pizza, burgers….the list goes on.
There is literally something for everyone. The biggest issue is choosing what to eat. I’m convinced that it’s all part of their marketing ploy to make it so hard to choose so that you have no choice but to keep coming back for more…and it worked!
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For anyone travelling to the States, I mention of course The Cheesecake Factory as a must do. Often it’s followed with “what’s your favourite menu item?” My response – it’s like trying to choose a favourite star in the sky. This menu is so expansive there are many favourites.
If I had to choose though (and it’s difficult) it would be the classic American Cobb Salad which I’ve gone back to more than any other dish, plus the made-to-order guacamole.
Cobb Salad is not easily found on Australian menus so this is a special dish for me when in the U.S. Piled high with tequila marinated chicken, bacon, egg, blue cheese crumbles, tomato and avocado. Simple, clean and delicious!
My partner’s favourite – the Mexican classic chicken enchiladas with ranchero sauce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and a side of black beans, cilantro rice and corn salsa.
Phew, these are monster dishes. But you need to save some room.
And a standing ovation for…
The cheesecake! Really this is why we’re here right? And the reason I usually opt for a salad. With over 30 varieties of cheesecake to choose from, you need to save just a little room for the grand finale.
All the classic cheesecakes are available – from various chocolate options, fresh strawberry and lemon, to the American inventions not often seen in Australia, such as key lime, turtle (caramel, pecan, chocolate), pumpkin cheesecake, Oreo cookie and white chocolate raspberry truffle to name but a few.
Prefer sugar free? No problem, there is sugar free and sweetener cheesecake options so no one misses out.
So, on your travels to America be sure to pack your stretchy pants and seek out The Cheesecake Factory for a culinary delight. Fresh, fast, consistent quality dining awaits you but be early! It’s not uncommon to wait for a table at all hours of the day with peak dining time wait up to over an hour. But hang in there, it’s oh so worth it.
Have you been to The Cheesecake Factory? What’s your favourite menu item and favourite cheesecake?
