The Cheesecake Factory

7067 Friars Rd.
San Diego, CA 92108-1129
(619) 683-2800
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

One of my favorite places to lunch is the Cheesecake Factory in Fashion Valley. I'm still amazed that people are still lining up outside before their opening time of 11 a.m., just to get inside. As usual last Friday my friend and former co-worker and I met for lunch and have again chosen to meet amidst the craziness that is Fashion Valley. As usual, the line has already formed down the sidewalk as I pull into a parking space at a little before 11 a.m. You see, I too know the benefit of arriving early to beat the rush. Apparently, others have received the memo. As we are seated I become keenly aware of the many reasons the Cheesecake Factory is such a hit.

This restaurant always seems to have more than enough staff on hand and available to serve. They have found the perfect balance between having not enough staff and too many. In spite of the early arrivals we did not have to wait for a table and our server, Ashley greeted us promptly and cheerfully. Never did we feel rushed as we sat for over an hour enjoying our meal and the wonderful ambiance. The menu that reads like a short novel into the great mystery of culinary delights is almost overwhelming with choices. I accepted the challenge of the multi-page bestseller, "The Menu," because I'm a regular at "The Factory" and I only order one or two things anyway. If I have to say one thing that worried me about my visit was the brochure that informed me of the calories I was about to consume. Now I know, I know, damned if you do and damned if you don't, but with my weak dedication to fitness constantly overriding any health sensabilities, I would say don't! I was momentarily holding my breath as I realized that all of my favorites on the menu hovered dangerously close to 2,ooo calories each. But, not to be deterred from the Farfalle, chicken and roasted garlic, I closed my eyes and inhaled every incredibly delicious, allbeit, dangerous morsel. I even ate a few pieces of buttered bread to pave the way for the pasta! Yum...

I am quite impressed as I lazily lean back in my chair, quite pleased at how I so bravely put down that lunch portioned meal, and dreamt of cheesecake. When Ashley came back to the table, trying oh so cleverly to tempt me into what surely would push me over my 2,000 calories, I with all my might and with renewed determination to push back from the madness, said those magic words, "No thank you." My no was a testimony not to my personal inner strength but instead to the wonderful chef, servers and staff. Now, don't be confused, the Cheesecake is divine and I am a serious lover and expert on this heavenly delight it's just that I didn't have room or the heart to partake in a slice. be that as it may, I will be back if not for lunch, than for a quick stop at the cheesecake counter with all the wonderful, tasty creamy delights that know me and call me by name each time I visit.

Finally, hats off to the Cheesecake Factory, for their consistency in excellent service that has never disappointed and for a wonderful menu that is second to none!

Bon Apetit!

Rating:
5 Cracked Bowls!

Rating Scale
^^^^^ 5 Bowls-Superior
^^^^ 4 Bowls- Excellent
^^^ 3 Bowls- Mediocre/Average
^^ 2 Bowls- Poor
^1 Bowl- The Worst

Phil's BBQ

Phil's BBQ-
3750 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110; (619) 226-6333
Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sunday-11a.m-10p.m.; Fri-Sat.-11a.m.-11p.m.; Closed Mondays. Website: http://www.philsbbq.net/

A few weeks ago, a friend and I decided to check out this BBQ place that according to her, everybody was talking about. It was supposed to really be good. So, I agreed that we should check it out. When I arrived around 11:10 a.m., there was already a line forming, luckily my friend had already secured a spot for us in this quickly growing line of hungry patrons. They obviously knew something I did not because I had heard nothing about this joint but had seen it on one of my trips to the men's clothing store across the parking lot. I've always been skeptical whenever I've heard that so-and-so has the best barbeque because inevitably I come away disappointed. I firmly believed that if my dad wasn't manning the grill, the "Q" would be second rate at best. After about 15 minutes, we were seated and from the moment I sat down I knew this time would be different.

Life takes us on many journeys; each one filled with questions like, What's the meaning of life; What came first the chicken or the egg? We are on an never-ending journey for the the fountain of youth, we've spent billions searching for life on other planets and perhaps the most perplexing journey is the search for the world's best barbeque. I've tasted a lot of "Q" (this can be confirmed by my constant battle with the bulge around my midsection as I jump on and off the scale in disbelief), and I've listened to a lot of weekend chefs' claims of possessing the secret to true barbeque bliss. Whether it lies in the grill or pit used, the smoke, the meat or the marinate, I still have not found the ultimate in barbeque, until now.

Phil's BBQ is indeed the best I've ever tasted (except Dad's of course). The meat is falling-off-the-bone tender and the side dishes are tasty as well. But although the tastiness of the "Q" puts Phil ahead of the class, what really impressed me was the clean and friendly atmosphere. The staff from the hostess to the other personnel that worked the room greeting us as we licked sauce off of fingers, was wonderful. Our server, was not only incredibly tall, dark and handsome, was extremely helpful, friendly and made us feel as though we were celebrities in town on vacation. And did I say the place was clean? Cleanliness goes a long way in my book and this place was immaculate. I left full and impressed and I am already planning my next visit.

On the Cracked Bowl's scale of 1-5, Phil's BBQ recieves 5 cracked bowls and I reccomend it to all the barbeque lovers in San Diego. Stop by and get your "Q" fix. Phil's has been providing the best in barbeque for the last 10 years in San Diego and owner, Phil Pace seems to have found the secret in providing not only good BBQ but also in great employee relations and customer service. Visit Phil's website at http://www.philsbbq.net/ and learn more about this fantastic eatery!

Bon Apetit

Rating: ^^^^^(5 Cracked bowls)

Rating Key:

^^^^^ Superior

^^^^ Excellent

^^^ Mediocre/Average

^^ Poor(maybe it was a bad day!)

^ The worst!

Welcome To The Cracked Bowl!

Welcome to The Cracked Bowl, the newest guide to San Diego's restaurants. We will reveal the good, the bad and the ugly in San Diego dining. Each week we will visit and review one of San Diego's eateries and then, after careful thought and digestion, we will come back and report our findings. The restaurant will not know we are coming so that our review will be true and untainted! This is not meant to hurt anyone's business but it will be a lighthearted revelation of what is really out there in America's Finest City to eat. We will also share some cool inexpensive grocery shopping tips and recipes that are designed to fill the cupboards and belly without emptying the wallet. So check back soon as we seek out, break bread and share the scrumptious details with you!

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