from December 2006 issue of MetroFamily

Restaurant Review: The Cheesecake Factory

“Let them eat cake.” Okay, but what kind? Thirty varieties of cheesecake, Lemoncello Cream Torte, Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake? This barely takes a bite out of The Cheesecake Factory desserts.
 
Before beginning your sugar rush, you may want to enjoy some of The Cheesecake Factory’s other delights. Be ready for a challenge, for this will not be an easy decision. No need to hurry (though other would-be diners would like you to), sit back and enjoy the bright Mediterranean feel and ogle delicious-looking platters as they pass by.
 
I treated my mom to this restaurant, which is a delight for the senses of taste and sight. As you enter, you’ll pass by the luscious dessert case, but don’t be distracted from the mission—dinner. Dessert will come soon enough.
 
Mom and I enjoyed seeing what the people on near us were having. There was a huge Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad to one side of us and Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes to the other—both looked tempting. Obviously, consideration was given to the presentation of all the dishes we saw.
 
I knew we had to try the restaurant’s renowned cheesecake or the MFM staff would flog me, so we decided to share a couple of appetizers instead of a full dinner. The Cheesecake Factory has one of the largest collections of appetizers I have ever seen. After much contemplation we ordered the Tex Mex Eggrolls ($8.95), a mixture of spicy chicken, corn, black beans, peppers, onions, and cheese in a crispy wrapper, served with an avocado cream and salsa. We also had the Thai Lettuce Wraps ($10.95), a large platter beautifully arranged with lettuce leaves, satay chicken strips, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, coconut curry noodles, and a cucumber-onion mixture. The platter was accompanied by three delicious Thai sauces: peanut, sweet red chili, and tamarind-cashew. It was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
 
Finally—time for dessert. There are many tempting options: Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, Toblerone Swiss Almond Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake (my daughter would love this one!)... I’ll try some of those on my next visit, but this time Mom and I chose a slice of White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake ($6.50) and Kahlua Cocoa Coffee Cheesecake ($6.50). The White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle was a creamy cheesecake swirled with white chocolate and raspberry and topped with whipped cream. The Kahlua Cocoa Coffee Cheesecake was a layer of brownie, Kahlua cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache topped with whipped cream—definitely the one I preferred.
 
If you are a fan of cheesecake, you’ll be pleased with the selections of desserts. The servings are ample so you may want to share.
 
Good dining and shopping during this holiday season!
 
Annie’s Food Rating
4 of 4 forks
The Cheesecake Factory
5600 N Penn, OKC
405-843-6111
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm; Friday-Saturday 11am-12:30am; Sunday 10am-11pm
Prices: $3.95-$28.50
No separate children’s menu, but many child-friendly items offered.
Note: Be prepared for a wait at The Cheesecake Factory. Our wait was only 15 minutes, but I’m told that’s unusual. Wait times can run from 45 minutes up to 2 hours.
 
Have a restaurant to recommend? MFM’s Food Editor, Annie Nashert, would love to add it to her review list. Contact her at FoodEditor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.