The Cheesecake Factory - Something for everyone (The Cheesecake Factory)

Member Name: lindseyphilpot

Product:	The Cheesecake Factory
Date:	16/06/09 (85 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Huge menu, reasonably priced, great service, gorgeous food.

Disadvantages: Only in the US

The Cheesecake Factory has been open since 1978 when it first opened its doors in Beverly Hills. It has now grown to 178 locations and I recently visited their restaurant in Orlando.

The cheesecake factory had been recommended to us by a friend and when we managed to find the Mall at Millenia where this one is located we were quite chuffed with ourselves as driving on the other side of the road whilst reading a map was proving quite a task.

On the outside the restaurant seemed quite small and as it was located such a posh area/ mall we were actually wondering what all the fuss was about and whether or not it was going to live up to its reputation.
We were seated straight away and although there was a long queue we were pushed to the front because we were such a large group. On one hand I think this is slightly unfair but on this particular day i was on the good side of the fence and starving so wasn't complaining.

The atmosphere seemed very happy and cheerful and everyone was smiling and laughing within the hustle and bustle of this busy restaurant. The decor was very luxurious and made you feel as though you were dining somewhere extremely posh although not too much so that it made you feel uncomfortable and I could have easily walked in there in my bikini and shorts after a day at the beach without turning a head. The low lighting and background music all added to the elegance of the restaurant and everywhere was extremely clean and tidy including the toilets and baby change area on further inspection.

We were greeted instantly by our server even though the restaurant was fit to burst drink orders were taken and arrived almost instantly. We were told how the menu worked and this turned out to be valuable knowledge as the menu was just huge and reading through it was like reading a novel. Deciding what to choose was the real test though.

They really lived up to their motto -'something for everyone'. They have choices from pasta and pizza, seafood and salads, steak and chops, eggs and omelettes and of course their specialities which has a range of fantastic dishes on it.

The food came very promptly after ordering even though the restaurant was packed out to the max and service was fantastic. The waiter was very polite on both occasions and knew exactly what he was talking about. He had recommendations and didn't rush us at all or overcrowd us which some American waiters tend to do sometimes.

Now the most important thing is obviously the quality of the food but let me tell you that it simply could not be explained on this page and in fact you would have to see it to believe it, or taste it in this case.

The portion sizes were huge and presentation was outstanding. But the taste was something else. It left you gasping for more and I have never tasted a spaghetti carbonara quite like it. It was like heaven on a dish and everyone said so. The flavour was fantastic, with the highest quality of ingredients obviously used - it was so 'melt in your mouth'.

Now being the cheesecake factory we obviously had to try one of the world famous cheesecake - which by the way are available to mail order WHOLE from the US. And let me tell you, the cheesecake was no different. It was so yummy in my tummy and although by the end of the huge portion you was left feeling quite sick you just wanted more and more. With plenty to choose from in all shapes and sizes and flavours you were left wanting more and more.

The only thing nicer than the beautiful food was the price and for this classy dining experience we expected to pay highly, especially as the service was also so good. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that in fact the whole meal for 4 people with dessert and drinks only came to $140 - under £100. How perfect.

I highly recommend this restaurant, they have many locations but unfortunately none in the UK as yet. If you are travelling to the US be sure to check out whether there is one near you.

Oh and one last thing - you get a free basket of bread - Bonus!!

Summary: Really is seomthing for everyone.