Small plates at a chain restaurant?
From good to not-so-good: beets and arugula, wild mushroom pizza, corn fritters, onions rings
You couldn't drag us into a Chili's. We're continually baffled by the packed parking lot we see outside the Olive Garden. And we still have bad flashbacks from an Applebee's experience in 1998.
But we'll happily eat at The Cheesecake Factory. The food there is actually OK.
And the last few times there, we've ordered something we never expected to see at a chain restaurant: small plates.
The smaller dishes are available as part of the folded supplement that comes along with the Factory's absurdly extensive menu. Most of the items range in price from $3-$6.
And for that price, they're pretty good. We've tried a handful of the choices -- some were better than others:
- beets with arugula and goat cheese (good)
- fried zucchini (sure)
- hand battered onion rings (no)
- crispy artichoke hearts (yes)
- ahi tartare (one time good, another we sent it back for being gray)
- roasted stuffed dates (OK)
- crispy corn fritters (sure)
- wild mushroom crostini (good)
- wild mushroom pizzette (very good)
Three or four of these can easily feed two people who aren't looking to totally stuff themselves silly. It's been great on a few occasions when we've stopped in to eat before a movie at the multiplex upstairs. And depending on what we've ordered, we've been able to get out with a bill less than $30 including tip.
This could also be the way to go if you're a foodie-type who's there with a big group of people. An order of the beets/arugula/goat cheese and the wild mushroom mini-pizza will probably keep you happy enough.
Earlier on AOA: Guacamole at the Cheesecake Factory
Find It
Cheesecake Factory
Colonie Center
Colonie, NY 12205
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Comments
At least I know I'm not the only person traumatized by Applebees. I think it was the riblets...
Now if every other restaurant would size down their portions, I'd feel a lot better about eating out.
... said tomato(e) on Jun 30, 2009 at 3:42 PM | link
I went to the cheesecake factory on Long Island after my sister's high school graduation last weekend. I was really impressed by their menu and the presentation of the food. Then I tried the food and now I'm hooked. I'm glad to see there is one in the capital region!
... said Lauren on Jun 30, 2009 at 5:12 PM | link
WAIT! You were traumatized by riblets too?? I've known you for 15 years, and we finally have something in common! Well besides our apartment *MUAH*
... said Kari on Jun 30, 2009 at 8:51 PM | link
a chain is a chain is a chain...it's still the same crap in a nicer package
... said jae on Jul 1, 2009 at 11:58 AM | link
That's still a lot of food. One of those with a small salad would do me just fine.
... said KatherineSass on Jul 1, 2009 at 1:23 PM | link
You all must have something against food, eat some NOW and save some for LATER.
... said claude on Jul 2, 2009 at 11:52 PM | link
"a chain is a chain is a chain" is a bit harsh, I think Cheesecake has better food than any other chain restaurant in the capital district, and is better than many local restaurants in the same price range.
... said Kendo on Jul 4, 2009 at 3:40 PM | link
I don"t understand the draw to this restaurant. The food is mediocre at best. I don't recall EVER seeing items under $10 when I was there. The decor was anxiety producing; a mismatch of gold leaf, tole painting, and weird statuary. There was so much roar it was difficult to hear your sever... forget the person across the table. And speaking of tables, they are all crammed in together... forget any peace or privacy.
With that being said... there is one thing that The Cheesecake Factory does wonderfully RIGHT... THE CHEESECAKE!!! It is worth the riffraff to obtain a delicious piece. (MANY kinds to choose from)
Maybe that is why there is always a two hour wait... it cannot be for the food or atmosphere.
... said Catherine on Jul 5, 2009 at 12:03 PM | link
Continuing on the "But it's a chain restaurant!" thread...
From NPR: Love Story: A Gourmet And The Cheesecake Factory
And from food author Michael Ruhlman: Cheesecake Factory: The Alexander Challenge
... said Greg on Jul 13, 2009 at 7:58 PM | link
Well it sure took me a while to get there, but you are right, the wild mushroom pizza does not totally suck. Probably dollar for dollar and calorie for calorie it is the best food deal at the mall. Especially since on a nice day you can enjoy it outside on the patio.
But really it is more of a flatbread than a pizza. And I wish they had small desserts to go along with the small plates. Still, it is progress.
... said Daniel B. on Aug 27, 2009 at 1:38 PM | link