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I find this impossible to believe–although Julie Blacklidge Kinzie loves, loves, LOVES that Chinese chicken salad. I had some other salad there recently. It was so mediocre that I don’t remember one thing about it. And I don’t believe serving people four times what they should be eating is “value.” People obviously aren’t good enough at a) sharing or b) taking home the other half. Hello?! We are fat. They aren’t helping. Tell them to cut the portions down by half–and, yes, I know you can get a “small” salad or whatever, and it’s still too big–and then charge half the price. THAT would be value.

There is no easy way to say this so I will just say it: The Cheesecake Factory’s food has no soul. It is the most perfect example of the 30-thousand-dollar-a-year millionaires idea of good food. If you use the term caramelized or reduction or demi-glaze, then it must mean its fancy, right? It costs less than higher end eateries and is faster to get into but costs just enough so that it keeps out the riff-raff (read poor). It is your typical bland soulless-nuvo-caucasian eatery. It is the lubys of Southlake. It is the Furrs of Highland Park.

I eat out very often. Five times a week at least. We eat at places ranging from high end to moderate. My family is small with just my wife and nine year old but I can tell you that we do not always agree where to eat. I consider the Cheescake factory moderate in price and the food pretty good. What I like about it is the variety. Like thirty pages to choose from. We can all find something to eat on the menu we enjoy. Me, I prefer the meatloaf. Damn good.

And if you like higher toned places then do not go here and complain. If you are fat and do not want to go where you will be tempted with high calorie items just do not go here. Any high end steak house you go to will load you with calories. Think about the bread and butter, salad with dressing, baked potato loaded, and then the steak. Italian places will kill your calorie intake count before you know it.

And I thought a restaurant was considered high class because the ketchup packages had the word “fancy” written on them.

Yeah, I’m not always crazy about the Cheesecake Factory, but when I’m out with the wife and two daughters, it’s great – it has the low-end stuff that my girls love (chicken fingers, french fries, etc…), and enough “higher” end stuff that my wife and I don’t feel like we have to eat total crap just to appease the kids.

Now, would I go there on a friday night out without the kids? Doubtful.

But, CF has a purpose.

Personally, I find everything about the Cheesecake Factory to be horrifying.

You know something is wrong with “the Cake” the first time you look at the menu — every single dish on all thirty pages is listed as a “speciality.” And although it is expensive, a couple can just order one meal, divide in half, and then each get a slice of cheesecake (which, I must admit, is usually pretty good).

Not to pick a bone with you, Nate, but if you think a $30,000 millionaire is not poor, you have clearly never made only $30,000 a year.

I just read the Klein piece. I take issue that restaurants (like the Cake) aren’t doing anything ethically wrong. The salmon example is pretty good. One would think salmon to be a fairly healthy option (I would order it with no sauce and steamed veggies), but the reality is you have no idea that it contains as many calories and fat grams as their burger and fries.

It’s deceptive and the buyer should beware. I am a big fan of WA’s caloric description requirement and wish TX would follow. Let the consumer be informed and then I agree there is no ethical violation.

I don’t care how good the food is; I would rather drop my dining dollar at a locally-owned business. But I do admit to treating myself to a slice of their cheesecake to go after a brutal dentist appt next door.

In the 80’s-90’s when I was 20ish and before I married a chef, I thought the Cheesecake factory was ‘fancy’. LOL. It’s great for a large gathering or drinks with the girls, and the meenagers(mean teenagers) that are inhabiting my home. However,the one in Allen sends my ADDDDD into overdrive.
But, It’s a concept that appeals to alot of people and being critical of any restaurant that pleases so many socio-economic tastes is just snobbery.

If you don’t like it, don’t go.

The Cheesecake Factory equals big chain, enormous portions and lack of atmosphere. Only eat there when out of town and stranded. Would never eat there in Dallas, too many other wonderful choices.

Shepherd’s Pie. Mmm. I get one and save half for lunch the next day.