The Cheesecake Factory & Grand Lux Café — Have You Tried Them Yet?
Sure, we all know someone who raves about the “new” restaurant they “discovered” in some obscure part of town. But when I want good reliable food with a large variety of choices, take me to The Cheesecake Factory or Grand Lux Café.
Both are chain restaurants, but not found at every exit off the LIE; Cheesecake has just three locations on Long Island and Grand Lux only one. To me, eating at Cheesecake or Grand Lux gives me a different kind of experience and ambience then just eating out at another chain restaurant; they feel a little fancier, maybe even a little more upscale, but still o.k. to bring my three children.
I often get asked why I like The Cheesecake Factory so much. Hey, I even eat there in different states when I am on vacation! For starters, whether I am in the mood for a burger, an omelet, pasta, a salad, or just dessert, there is always something that satisfies. Secondly, the portions are huge. Either stuffing my face on site, or bringing home a doggie bag, I always feel like I get my money’s worth.
My favorite dish (of the moment, anyway) is the Vegetable Chopped Salad. Cheesecake calls it a “smaller salad” but it is pretty filling nonetheless. Sometimes I get it plain, sometimes with grilled chicken, sometimes with the dressing on the side; any way it is great.
The Grilled Chicken and Avocado Club is always a winner with me. In an effort to eat (somewhat!) healthy I usually ask for it on wheat toast sans the mayo.
Some new faves of mine are on the “Small Plates & Snacks” menu just rolled out in February. Those Corn Fritters could be addicting and the Shrimp Crustini-like a miniature serving of shrimp scampi-is the perfect size.
Whenever I go for brunch (Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm) the Giant Belgian Waffle is always a hit with my kids. It is light yet crispy and has a tiny bit of sweetness (vanilla?) to it.
Oh yeah…the cheesecake. As far as desserts go… where to begin… My general go-to cheesecake when I can’t decide among the thirty plus cakes is the Chocolate Tuxedo Cream. With its layers of fudge cake, chocolate cheesecake and vanilla mascarpone mousse, this one, let’s just say, takes the cake. The 30th Anniversary Chocolate Cake Cheesecake is just ridiculously rich. A new discovery on my part is the Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake; if you are a fan of coconut custard, this one is for you. When (and IF ha ha) I want to share with my kids, we get the Factory Mud Pie. Unbelievably rich blackout cake, vanilla and coffee ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts, it is like a big, messy, chocolaty ice cream sundae.
Cheesecake Factory has three locations on Long Island; all have “Curbside-To-Go” and “Catering” available:
Smith Haven Mall
Lake Grove
(631) 361-6600
Walt Whitman Mall
160 Walt Whitman Road
Huntington
(631) 271-8200
Source Mall
1504 Old Country Road
Westbury
(516) 222-5500
Founded by the same owners of The Cheesecake Factory, I first discovered this restaurant in 1999 in the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Grand Lux has a similar, but a little more eclectic menu as The Cheesecake, featuring over 150 dishes from around the world and fresh, made-to-order desserts.
Among my favorite lunch items are the Spicy Flatbread Chicken Sandwich, the Tuna “Nicoise” Melt and the Grand Cobb Salad.
The Madeira Chicken and Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Jambalaya are always winners for dinner.
Desserts can take up to 30 minutes to prepare and are suggested upon ordering the entrée. The New Orleans Beignets are light and served with three sauces. The Key Lime Pie is one of their best desserts. But, a visit to Grand Lux would not be complete without ordering the Box of Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies. Start the dozen with your coffee and bring the rest home!
Roosevelt Field Mall
630 Old Country Road
Garden City
(516) 741-0096
