The Cheesecake Factory- When will we get one in COS?

Every time we are at Park Meadows Mall I have to stop by The Cheesecake Factory. I know it is a chain restaurant and that the menu is thicker then the Bible. But, sign me up for a great slice of cheesecake any day. I am well aware that there are new restaurants at this mall that I have to try according to my husband; but I can’t bring myself to pass this place up.

My husband always orders the cool and refreshing mint iced green tea. Green tea is a beverage that has an almost cult like following and then there are those out there who just hate the stuff. Now I love green tea and this minty green tea does not disappoint an avid tea drinker.

I know sometimes people suffer from gallbladder attacks when eating high in fat foods but this next dish is well worth the pain. When ordering an appetizer don’t be shy; go crazy and order the fried macaroni and cheese balls. These alluring balls, no doubt from the food Gods themselves, are filled with gooey gourmet cheeses that engulf the soft penne rigate noodles; the outer shell is made of crispy parmesan crumbs. The macaroni balls are placed on top of a rich and creamy Mariana sauce then they are sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Oh they are simply superb.   

We also ordered from the small plate section fried zucchini which is sliced zucchini lightly breaded with a side of ranch. The zucchini I thought was sort of mushy and I would prefer crispy breading rather then something that falls of the zucchini.

My mother-in-law's dish was my favorite and I had no problem with stealing off of her plate. She had order the Chicken Di Pana which was enough to serve three adults. It is a lightly breaded chicken served over a rich white wine butter sauce with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. The chicken was moist and mouthwatering tender cut that is thinly pounded and encrusted with a parmesan Italian herd breading from what I could taste. I really wished I had gotten this dish; I hate having regrets when ordering my meals.

My father-in-law order the spicy crispy chicken sandwich which is a crispy chicken covered in spicy buffalo sauce and covered with melted cheese. I usually order the spicy chicken anything that is on the menu so I know sometimes the buffalo sauces can be too potent or too vinegary. But this chicken was lightly bread in a crispy spicy buffalo layer and not drenched in sauce which was lovely.

My husband ordered the good old fashion burger which is your basic hamburger on a toasted brioche bun which my husband added cheddar cheese too. The burger was juicy and thick; you could tell by the savory flavor and no fat this was good quality beef that was well seasoned. See you can't go wrong with basic and simple for a meal.

I ordered the Najavo sandwich which is fry-bread stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo. I could only take one or two bites; the sandwich was dripping in grease and far too oily for me to eat. I am a hearty girl and can handle my fatty foods but this sandwich was way too much for me. I did not care at all for the greasy soggy bread. Yet I did really enjoy the basic fresh and crispy french fries.

My husband and I shared the Godiva chocolate cheesecake...yummo! This is a flourless Godiva chocolate cake, Godiva chocolate cheesecake and chocolate mousse. So basically layer upon layer of rich and scrumptious chocolate is what makes up this delectable cheesecake. If you are a chocolate lover this cheesecake will be like heaven to you.

Now my in-laws finished their meals with a more seasonal cheesecake the Pina Colada. You have to love coconut in order to enjoy this summer on a beach inspired dessert. It was very light and refreshing but I am not a huge fan of the texture of shaved coconut.

I hope when you go to The Cheesecake Factory that you are able to at least save some room for cheesecake. I would suggest to bring a friend along so you can split and entrée so you know for sure you can try some yummy cheesecake. 

Stagecoach Inn

With the recent wildfires in our area our local economy has been hit hard since tourists have left the area and locals have sought refuge in friends/families' homes and shelters. After the evacuations were lifted in areas such as Manitou Springs; there seemed to still be something missing. The patrons of the small local shops and restaurants that line the main road, bringing commerce to the quaint town were long gone. After hearing they needed people to come into the area since the absence of tourists and locals were causing a negative impact to the local economy. I thought let’s get out up into the mountains we love and do what we do best...eat out!

 

 

 

I adore the Stagecoach Inn because of its old rustic western atmosphere which just screams Colorado. You can sit out front in the summer and watch all the interesting characters walking along the sidewalk or view the Harley's roaring up and down the street. They also have seating in the back deck facing the creek so you can listen to the trees blowing in the warm summer air and the babbling creek below. We decided to sit inside but still had a view of the street; I enjoy people watching.

Now I know that a portion of the restaurant was built in the late 1800's and the main part of the restaurant was built later in the early 1900's. This place has an at home western feel with the warm fireplace in the winter and creaky floor boards included.

They have an extensive menu but I always know exactly what I want when we come to this cozy restaurant. First we begin with their fried mushrooms and fried zucchini (why does everything taste so good fried?) The fried mushrooms are simple battered and deep fried it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. We also ordered the fried zucchini coins but these suckers weren’t“coins” but huge juicy slices of zucchini lightly battered to a nice crunch. The zucchini comes with a cucumber ranch sauce which is creamy and freshening.

The reason I love this restaurant is for the fried chicken which takes a long time to prepare since it isn’t frozen crap like other restaurants. Perhaps do what we did and order some appetizers or salads so you are not starving and about to eat your arm off before the chicken comes. Or even better you could order the biscuits. I always devour the warm and flaky biscuits every time we order them; they also come with a raspberry chutney which I enjoyed since it wasn’t too sweet.  

This is homemade fried chicken which has a perfectly crunchy light brown skin and juicy succulent meat inside. The dish is huge with four pieces; two dark meat and two white, mashed potatoes and green bean medley. I usually share with my husband since I can’t eat a whole plate by myself; but for a person with hearty appetite you won’t be disappointed in the portion. The meat is so tender and juicy not to mention the aromatic scent of fried chicken is divine! (If there was a fried chicken perfume I would totally wear it). I do enjoy the yellow and green beans which are lightly peppered and I thought the mashed potatoes were scrumptious. But my husband and my father-in-law do not care for the mashed potatoes because they find them too salty. I figure it is just a matter of preference so the boys usually order a baked potato on the side.  I am always extremely full and satisfied when I leave the Stagecoach Inn and sometimes a little sleepy probably because that is what any good comfort food will do to you.

So if you are in the mood for some good home cooking or if you want to show your support for the local area by making a small boost to the economy in Manitou Springs. Please try the Stagecoach Inn but be sure to have hearty appetite or bring along someone who you can share a good meal with.