Crispy Crab Bites

Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes

Firecracker Salmon

I actually try not to go to chain restaurants.  I like to discover new spaces, find unusual culinary delights, and support local economies and small businesses.  Every once in a while, though, I make exceptions.  Sometimes my exceptions involve cravings for specific items at certain familiar spots. The blue cheese dressing at Outback Steakhouse, the Fiesta Lime Chicken at Applebee’s, the Mozzarella With Marinara at Carino’s Italian, the Chow Mein at Panda Express, the breadsticks and stuffed mushrooms at Olive Garden, the onion rings at Red Robin, and the Pollo Fundido at Garcia’s  are all examples of these chain restaurant comfort  cravings.

I’m sure that most of the people who read this blog have been to The Cheesecake Factory.  And, if you haven’t, go there now! I don’t live near one.  The closest one to me is ~ 3.5 hours away, and this is probably a good thing.  The Cheesecake Factory is my most favorite chain restaurant.  The menu is like a novel, in size!  Usually, in a restaurant, an extensive menu is not necessarily a good thing, but at The Cheesecake Factory they just make it work, and work well.  The first time I went there I had the Miso Salmon (now one of my chain restaurant comfort cravings). After that, I was hooked! Every time we return I try to order all different appetizers, entrees, and, of course, cheesecake.  It isn’t difficult.  We usually end up with three appetizers because I have such a difficult time making up my mind.  I have never had anything less than amazing to eat there, and the staff members have been charming and charismatic at every single location we have had the pleasure to visit.  We have been to locations in Las Vegas, NV; Boise, ID; and Salt Lake City, UT.  Last weekend we visited the Boise location and we were once again presented with a fabulous spread.

Smokehouse B.B.Q. Burger

Macaroni and Cheese Burger

Macaroni and Cheese Burger

Caramel Chicken

Reese’s® Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake

Chocolate Tuxedo Cream™ Cheesecake

Chocolate Chip Cookie – Dough Cheesecake

Me, stuffed with my incredible dinner, but still anticipating the cheesecake tucked in the doggy bag slung over my arm.