After several thwarted attempts, we went to Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro in Atlantic Station last night. Only because we arrived at 5:15 PM were we able to get in — usually, the line outside is too long.
But we were curious what enticed so many people on most nights to wait for half an hour or more for a table.
After eating there, all I can say is those regulars in the line must be very hungry. I have never seen such massive portions.
We ordered the children’s nachos, listed in the kids’ appetizer menu — so they would have something to nibble on before the main courses arrived (and, we hoped, sit at the table, rather than running around the restaurant, shouting: “Chase me!” It didn’t work, but it was worth a shot).
The waitress brought a trough of tortilla chips smothered in cheese. The plate was about two feet in diameter.
“Seriously?” I asked. “That’s the kids’ appetizer portion?” She nodded.
I shudder to think what the adult main course of nachos would look like.
I will say that the Cheesecake Bistro offered decent value for money. That pile of chips cost just $3.
With our unfinished main courses packed into styrofoam takeaway cartons, we ordered an obligatory slice of cheesecake, which no one was able to finish.
It was piled high with whipped cream, drenched in chocolate sauce, filled with sugar, and topped with a big chunk of maple syrup-like substance. In short, it was fantastic. But we felt sick after just a few bites.
Our poor daughter soiled herself in bed not long after we put her down, so I don’t think we’ll be joining the throngs in line outside the Cheesecake Bistro anytime soon.
Reverse Culture Shock 