Better than Cheddar’s?

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

A Restaurant Review

I’ve often driven past Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen near the Millcreek Mall, but with so many different choices, I always settled on someplace else.

But after an appointment in the area, I finally decided to “scratch” it off my bucket list.

With friendly music and dimly lit interior even in the early afternoon, I couldn’t help but think this would be a great date- night destination.

With a wide selection of appetizers and my own desire to try everything (Sorry girdle!), it wasn’t easy narrowing down our choices, but we finally settled on the Cheddar’s Trio Sampler.

With hand-breaded chicken tenders, Santa Fe spinach dip, homemade queso cheese dip, salsa, and house-fried tortilla chips, the appetizer itself offered a lot of choices to try—and enjoy.

From the Weekday Lunch menu, I decided to go with the Veggie Philly, that consisted of onions, peppers, big, juicy mushrooms in a hoagie roll, all topped melted cheese, as my entree.

I’ve never really considered making the leap to vegetarian, but this sub made me appreciate the benefits of eating better—which is a lot easier when something is so yummy. You don’t really miss the meat!

Also deciding to eat healthy (Did ordering my veggie sandwich make her feel guilty?), my dining partner chose the Salmon Caesar Pasta Salad.  Served on a bed of romaine lettuce, not-too-crunchy-to-break-a-crown croutons and penne pasta, a tender slice of grilled salmon topped with cheese crowned the meal (see pic).  With tangy Caesar salad dressing, the entree made us feel full, but not overindulged.

Which was good, because we both craved something with chocolate for dessert. 

How about The Monster Cookie? A large, soft, still-warm gooey chocolate chip cookie served as the base for two scoops vanilla ice cream, topped with nuts, chocolate and caramel sauces. 

And what cookie-kinda-sundae concoction would be complete without a cherry on top?

A simple, yet great warm-cool, salty-sweet, chewy, yet melt-in-your-mouth way to end our meal!  

Eat your veggies, dearies!

***The Lunch Lady 

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is located at 2085 Interchange Road, Erie. For more information, visit https:// www.cheddars.com/locations/pa/erie/erie/2069

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