Cheesecake Factory

Last night, my boyfriend Tim and I went to The Cheesecake Factory in Skokie. This chain has locations all over the place and is known for huge portions and a wide array of creamy, slightly tart cheesecake in exotic combinations.

We were served three loaves of bread to help us decide on our main course. Two were whole-wheat loaves with oatmeal on top. The last was a white sourdough. I had a Miller Lite and Tim got a Sam Adams. They only had three beers on tap, but that was supplemented with a long list of specialty cocktails.

While we waited, we watched waitstaff bring out huge salads, burgers and pasta dishes that could have easily been four portions. I hadn't been to this location in a long time and Tim had never been, but the reputation of this place suggested we should share one of the huge entrees.

We order the Factory burger, which was a cheeseburger with sauteed onions, tomatoes and lettuce served with fries. We thought we'd be able to share it and still be stuffed. When our dining companion's dish of a grilled chicken club came out bearing something like a double decker bus, we had entree envy. Our burger was simply average sized.

Regardless, we were both a little full, but you have to order dessert at The Cheesecake Factory. Since I chose (poorly) the burger, Tim chose the dessert. We got the Oreo mudslide cheesecake. The generous serving had pieces of Oreo wedged into chocolate cheesecake layers, topped with almond slivers and chocolate mouse. There was also a really thick whipped cream served alongside the cheesecake.

Overall, there was enough food to feed two, but not as much as I expected. We walked away comfortably full for $30, considerable less than the average check of $17.50 per person -- and we got drinks with our meal. I'd go again, but order better.