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