The Cheesecake Factory

After eating a nutritious dinner, my roommate, Sadie Dossett and I went to The Cheesecake Factory in Westbury, NY. There are currently 160 locations in the United States. People who are familiar with The Cheesecake Factory are aware of their high price, yet large portions. Since we theoretically did not eat a full meal, our wallets were safe. I say theoretically, because The Cheesecake Factory nicely displays the amount of calories per dish. I know the calorie count is extremely high for every item, however, how accurate is the calorie count? That is just something to ponder.

I ordered one of the seasonal cheese flavors: Peppermint bark cheescake. The chocolate crust was just the right consistency, and not overlypowering. Then, the cheescake was fresh and amazing. However, I supect the peppermint bark was just chunks of pepperment stick. The peppermint part was dispersed throughout my mountains of whipped cream and sprinkled onto the cheesecake. I also ordered a class of skim milk. Overall, it was delicious.

Sadie Dossett ordered a slice of

White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake.

"I got it because I wanted to be reminded of home, but it tasted like cheap imitation. I don’t think cheesecake is a Hawaiian food, but I was hoping macadamian nuts would make it feel like that." She reported to me that the nuts were stale. Oy.



Website:

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

© Photographs Taken by Avra Hammerschlag

CHILL'N Frozen Yogurt

The frozen yogurt trend continues. All over New York I have seen new, trendy, frozen yogurt places open. CHILL'N is simply another yogurt place.

CHILL'N has two locations:   Mineola and Lake Grove (located in the Smith Haven Mall). I ate at the Mineola location, which is self-serve. CHILL'N offers 14 flavors and many toppings. 

Some healthy toppings which are displayed  neatly include, chopped strawberries and pineapple and whole black berries. No need to fret if you like chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or similar toppings; those are there too.

I only chose one flavor: Cinnamon Bun. For my toppings I selected cookie dough bits, brownie dough bits, rainbow cookies, and strawberries. The yogurt tasted just like a cinnamon bun and the toppings were all fresh and tasty, making my creation great.

After I finished assembling my yogurt creation, I paid for it by weight.

CHILL'N was nothing special, but it satisfied my sweet tooth craving.

Website:

http://chillnfrozenyogurt.com/

© Photographs taken by Avra Hammerschlag

Hildebrandt's Restaurant

 Hildebrandt's Restaurant was opened in 1927 and has since seen 4 owners. I met Bryan Acosta, the most recent owner on my trip to Hildebrandt's.

If you've seen Hildebrandt's on the tv show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network, you'll know they make ice cream. Words cannot explain how delicious the ice cream is. My scoop of mint chip had the right level of mint and the cookies n' cream had the right crunch and sweetness; all while being served in a classic sundae dish.

Besides having individual scoops of ice cream (selecting from their 10+ flavors) there are sundae options such as "Pineapple Temptation" sundae. And you can't forget the banana splits!

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KUv5M1K93g


Website:
http://www.hildebrandtsrestaurant.com/

© Photographs taken by Avra Hammerschlag