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As a longtime resident of the greater Kapolei metropolitan area, I have this to say to all of you who live elsewhere: We have a Cheesecake Factory and you don’t.
Those of you who live in Waikiki are the exception. Hawaii’s one-and-only-until-now Cheesecake Factory opened in there in 2003. But Waikiki has all kinds of things regular neighborhoods do not, so this new temple to sweet cheese out here in suburbia is something to note.
The west-side CF opened in the new Ka Makana Ali‘i mall Tuesday, but practice serving sessions for the staff of just under 300 were held last week. An onslaught was anticipated when doors finally opened to the public.
The menu lists 34 types of cheesecake, the most popular being the fresh strawberry and the newest being the Celebration Cheesecake introduced for National Cheesecake Day in July. Specials will move in and out of the display case — two pumpkin versions will be available through Black Friday.
The savory choices are extensive and include Hawaii-only items developed in Waikiki, including a poke appetizer, local fish crusted with macadamia nuts and kalua pork in a sandwich, pizza and nachos.
Portions are hearty, mostly in the $10-to-$20 range, with a few more expensive items topping out at filet mignon at $32.95.
Donald Moore, chief culinary officer for Cheesecake Factory, said the chain’s tapas menu and Skinnylicious choices (590 calories and less) have been added to the offerings at Kapolei. Moore said the “more local” Kapolei community seemed better suited to the additional options than tourist-centric Waikiki.
Hours at the Cheesecake Factory in Kapolei are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to midnight Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays. Call 670-2666.
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