"Obligatory" Cheesecake

Last weekend, I spent a lovely three days with one of my favorite Chicago visitors—my mom. We started the weekend just as we always do: with avocado egg rolls and cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. I have now come to expect that when I escape the office on the Friday of mom’s arrival, we head to the John Hancock for dinner. Of course, this time we squeezed in a little shopping at Macy’s (the one on State Street—the cabbie got it right this time) beforehand, as I managed to leave the office shortly after the lunch hour. There’s just something about catching up over our favorite, un-Chicago, but highly delicious, calorie-filled meal that feels so fantastic after some time apart (Olive Garden is our Toledo version of this, primarily thanks to their peach sangria). We don’t care if it’s “just a chain,” or if it’s completely touristy to eat there. It’s our thing and we love it.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cheesecake w/ Caramel Sauce!