The Cheesecake Factory has reached the epitome of cheesecake fame with its slew of rich and decadent desserts, but the chain restaurant is also home to many tasty lunch and dinner items. Sunday Brunch is yet another specialty of this gourmet chain, and a recent visit to The Cheesecake Factory in Orlando offered plenty of opportunities to indulge in a peach bellini and French Toast Napoleon that puts my own esteemed creation to shame.
The location inside the Mall at Millennia is one of three popular destinations in central Florida, and it’s the easiest to get to if you’re staying in the Orlando or Kissimmee area. Just minutes from the interstate, you’ll find ample parking in the mall’s parking lot–set your sights on the area right behind California Pizza Kitchen for your best options. Reservations are recommended on the weekends since this place fills up quickly with both locals and tourists on their shopping sprees.
You’ll be presented with a booklet of offerings-yes, that’s the menu. The Sunday Brunch features provide an extensive selection of dishes that you’re always too tired to make at home. This is your chance to indulge in classic Steak and Eggs, Baja Chicken Hash, or a Smoked Salmon Platter that isn’t your average order of lox. My pick is the French Toast Napoleon, a plate of grilled brioche French toast topped with strawberries, pecans, and a rich Chantilly cream. If you prefer chocolate in the morning, the Giant Belgian Waffle is an excellent choice; topped with chocolate chips and Chantilly cream, it’s an easy way to start off a Sunday morning with a sugar high.
Brunch is served until 2 p.m., but you can order from the rest of the standard menu if you don’t find anything particularly enticing. Eggs and omelettes are served all day, so you may prefer the Sunrise Fiesta Burrito, a California Omelette, or the Morning Quesadilla instead. The Cheesecake Factory is also the place to order one of the smoothest green tea lattes; made with matcha green tea and steamed milk, it’s a nice variation to standard espresso-and much healthier, too. Alternatively, try the green tea smoothie for a rich blend of honey, yogurt, and green tea.
The lunch menu at The Cheesecake Factory is served until 5 p.m., so you can order seafood, pasta, or sandwiches during regular brunch hours as well. You might try The Navajo Sandwich-fry bread stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise; or The Incredible Grilled Eggplant Sandwich made with Japanese eggplant, roasted red peppers and melted mozzarella. All sandwiches are served with French fries, and salads are also available.
If you’ve managed to (somehow) save room for dessert the Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake is sure to take care of any chocolate cravings on a rainy day–or help you zip through a shopping spree for the rest of your trip!
Visit The Cheesecake Factory at 4200 Conroy Road in Orlando, or call (407) 226-0333 for a reservation.
