Baltimore & The Cheesecake Factory

Last weekend I went to Baltimore with these friends! We went to Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar, on Friday night. They have great pianists and it's a fun atmosphere. Tiffy won a party, so we got discounts on drinks.

Since we got there right at the end of her scheduled party, we ordered both of our discounted drinks at the same time. I got a lemonade with blueberry vodka (above left) and a pineapple juice with coconut rum. Bryttani got a strawberry margarita (above right) and we ended up switching because she thought it was too sour. I love sour, so it was perfect for me!

The next day we wandered around the harbor and ate lunch on the patio at The Cheesecake Factory.

Have you ever eaten there? I might be the only person on this earth that doesn't go often. I'd been there once before, about 5 years ago, but didn't really remember it. I think maybe I split a pizza with my friend? Anyway, this was an eye opener.

Their menu is freakin' HUGE.

I don't even know how they can possible make all that food and keep everything straight. Everything we got was well-prepared, but there were just too many options!

Our waitress was only on her second day and she did pretty well, considering. We loved the brown bread (I need to make this!) and she brought us another basket with just brown bread and no white. Nice!

"Guacamole Made-To-Order - Ripe Avocado, Onion, Tomato, Chiles, Cilantro and Fresh Lime. Served with Tortilla Chips, Salsa and Sour Cream."

As an appetizer, we got guacamole. It was just okay. We asked for medium heat and it was killer spicy. Plus, I load mine with lime when I make it at home, so this was lacking in flavor to me. I still ate plenty, though!

"Fresh Baked Pizzettes - Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese: Pecans, Arugula and Caramelized Onions"

I loved this! By the time I was done with the bread and guac I wasn't very hungry, but it was perfect. I ate half plus the arugula off the other half so it wouldn't get soggy.

"Vietnamese Tacos - Steamed Asian Buns with Roasted Pork, Marinated Cucumbers, Carrots and Onion with Chiles, Cilantro and Sesame Seeds."

This was Bryttani's meal. So pretty! I tasted a carrot and the dressing on it was pretty good.

"Grilled Shrimp and Bacon Club - Charbroiled Shrimp, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato with Our Special Dressing. Served with French Fries or Green Salad."

Tiffany & her sister shared this monster sandwich. They got a side of avocado to add to it. I've never been into club sandwiches, but they said it was delicious.

Ater we finished eating, we walked around the harbor. There was a man doing a sideshow who was balancing skateboards on his chin. He had quite a crowd but we didn't stay long. It was hot in the sun and we just weren't into it.

There was a new candy store in the shopping area, so of course we went in! They had giant versions of lollipos, rice krispie treats, jaw breakers, etc. plus some clothing.

Can you imagine putting your baby in this? Haha.

On our way back to the car, we stopped for cheesecake to go. I got the Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake ("Coconut Cheesecake Topped with Coconut Cream Custard, all on a Chocolate Macaroon Crust") and the Chocolate Tuxedo Cream Cheesecake ("Layers of Our Fudge Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Vanilla Mascarpone Mousse and Chocolate"). The Bup always likes the Tuxedo Cream, but I wasn't a huge fan of either. They were okay, but I'm definitely a pure chocolate cheesecake person. None of that white cheesecake for me!

I'd go back again, but I wouldn't seek it out, mainly because I enjoy trying new restaurants and supporting the local businesses.

Question: Do you like eating at The Cheesecake Factory? If so, what is your favorite menu item and cheesecake flavor?