I know Suanne would have gone into a frenzy if she was here with me today. With place that looked like a Las Vegas upscale restaurant and a name like Cheesecake Factory, she would have been absolutely delighted — she adores cheesecakes.
Mark, my counterpart in Atlanta, hosted this dinner for Rob and I. This restaurant is popular judging by the crowd milling outside waiting for a table. We had to wait over 30 minutes too for our table. The decor in this place is lavish and really upscale. They had high ornate ceilings, decorative columns, marble floors.
Of course, their centre-piece is their cheesecake bar. They made us mill around this area before showing us to our tables! Although I was never much of a cheesecake fan, all the cheesecakes they had were very tempting and mouthwatering. Some of the cakes were 10 inches tall!
For drinks I ordered that most southerners would — Iced Tea … and sweetened. I found out that Iced Tea is really popular in hot weather of the southern USA. It is also known as the Southern Table Wine.
The Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menu. Sometimes, it’s mind boggling deciding what to order. Wished that these menus had pictures, makes the ordering much simpler right? Anyway, these days I will just scan for dishes that were highlighted, is a combination or a sampler.
I found what I wanted from their Factory Combination menu — the Steak Diane and herb Crusted Salmon. This is served with three scoops of mashed potatoes, flavoured but not sure with what. I just know it tasted good. Costs $19.95 … not bad.
The Herb Crusted Salmon is perfectly cooked with light searing on one side. This gives the outer layer a certain crunch. It is served in a delicious lemon sauce. Tastes pretty fresh too and is served with asparagus. I like asparagus.
The Steak Diane is made up of medallions of beef steak and covered with black pepercorns and a rich mushroom wine sauce. The sauce really made this dish different. I enjoyed this a lot … cutting off a chunk of medium-rare beef and swiping the mushroom wine sauce — heavenly.
Even though I was pretty full by then, I simply had to have one of their cheesecakes. I counted over 30 cheesecakes on their menu, everyone of them sounded great. I wish they have a sampler of cheesecakes — no such luck.
I opted for their Kahlua Cocoa Coffee Cheesecake. It is a Kahlua cheesecake with layers of rich brownie, creamy chocolate mousse and chocolate gannash (a mixture of chocolate and heavy cream). Major Yum!
The Cheesecake Factory had outlets all throughout the continental USA. Too bad they don’t have any near the Vancouver area. The closest they are is in the Seattle and Bellevue in Washington state. The next time we’re in Seattle, I betcha I know where Suanne would want to have our dinner in.
Cheesecake Factory is one of the better chains in the States. I’m glad you enjoyed your experience.
– Chubbypanda
Oh, my Canadian friend. I urge you to stay away from the chain restaurants. Atlanta has so much more to offer. Try the Food Studio in the King Plow Arts Center for a real treat. If you’re going to still be in Atlanta on January 6, head over to Sweetwater Brewing from 4 to 7 pm for the Potlikker Film Festival – a music, film, and food event sponsored by the Southern Foodways Alliance. Now – any recommendations for me in Toronto? I’m headed north on January 10.
Godiva chocolate cheesecake is God-heavenly!Major major yum from me:)
That cheesecake is to DIE for!!!!! 🙂
Cheesecake Factory is so much better in moderation, just like any spice, darling. But, yeah, there are so many more tantalizing restaurants in GA.
Delicious pictures!
Hi Deb: Great recommendation. The Food Studio will definitely be on my list of to-go places the next time I’m in Atlanta. I was looking at the pictures and was thinking … oh-oh, how much is it gonna cost … until I saw the menu prices. They are not too bad. Thanks again.
Toronto? Sorry about that. I am in the West Coast (Vancouver). Now, if you happen to come this way, I most certainly can give you some recommendations.
Hey Deb: Try these links:
http://www.torontolife.com/restaurants/
http://www.thefiftybest.com/50_intro.htm
Bon appetit !
Appreciate the links, lotusrapper. Can’t wait to get to Toronto and discover what the city has to offer.
Ben, if you’re interested in the reverse of what you have done here (a Georgian in Canada as opposed to a Canadian in Georgia) stop by my blog to read about my Canadian dining adventures. I get there January 10th – late. Will be eating first thing the morning of the 11th!
Deb,
I had a great meal at a place called Five Doors North, on Yonge St just north of Eglington Ave. Bit of a trek (take TTC subway), but for me it was well worth the trip. See:
http://culturatti.com/2006/10/19/go-north-to-five-doors-north/
http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/Five-Doors-North-review.html
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