What is Grand Lux Café?

Think of it as Cheesecake Factory's younger brother.  After all, it was designed by the same person who founded that well-known chain.  So, yes, there's a huge menu, the portions are ridiculously big, the wait to get in fairly long, and the food is delicious.  In addition, there's a bakery section that's as awesome as the one in Cheesecake Factory, but this one includes a wider variety of options (albeit far less cheesecake).

There are only 13 locations so far, and I'm lucky to live close to one in South Florida.  The restaurants are built on a huge scale - so everything appears big.  From the enormous entry to the gigantic dining rooms, and the huge portions.  Their menu was inspired by the cuisines of Italy, France, and Vienna, with an All-American flair tossed in for good measure.  They also incorporate Thai, Malaysian, and Caribbean specialties.  Pretty much, everyone should be able to find something they like here!

The Menu:

The "things to share" include a tremendous array of appetizers.  Delicacies such as chicken lettuce wraps, Volcano shrimp, fried calamari, crabcakes, and BBQ pork sliders.  In all cases, the portions are huge, and the prices reasonable, given the amount of food.  I've tried several of these items and they're always delicious.

Then there are the burgers - with many from which to choose.  The most unique: Their Max Burger: Burger topped with Cheddar cheese, bacon, mushrooms, onions and Roasted Short Ribs.  Yup, short ribs on top of a burger - cool, huh?

There are also plenty of sandwiches, salads, and pasta items.  The healthy Pasta Fresca includes eggplant, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and peppers.  Pasta with jumbo shrimp is a favorite of mine - it includes artichoke hearts and a lemon-cream sauce.

I've not tried their pizzas but they have a few varieties - the "normal" ones like pepperoni and sausage.  But they also have one with Thai chicken.

The "Casual" offerings include entrees like roasted chicken,  pot roast, chicken & shrimp platters, and grilled pork chops.

Then there are the steaks and fish meals.  According to their menu, their steaks are "aged up to four weeks for flavor, then seasoned and broiled at 1600 degrees to seal in the juices".  I'm not a steak-lover, but that sounds good, to me.

I'm more interested in their seafood meals.  There are several shrimp meals such as scampi, skewers, and fried.  I've had the scampi and it's delicious! There's an interesting meal called "Salmon Three Ways" which is - you guessed - three types of salmon: Soy glazed with shiitake mushrooms, Horseradish crusted with asparagus, and Almond ginger with green beans.  I'm not much of a salmon-eater, but even I find that meal interesting.

Vegetarians are not left out, in this restaurant.  Crispy sesame tofu, and "Vegetables As A Meal" (four veggies served with rice) are two of their non-meat entrees.

Finally there are desserts - a whole bunch of cakes, pies, cookies, and - yes - cheesecakes from Cheesecake Factory.  Basically, a giant list of stuff I don't eat, but they sure look good walking by!

With service that has always been impeccable, a lovely atmosphere, and prices that are reasonable, I enjoy this restaurant very much. i only have two complaints.  The first is the long wait times - especially on Friday and Saturday nights, but this seems to be norm for nice restaurants in this area.  Secondly, they don't accept the many Cheesecake Factory gift cards that I own.  Considering there is a definite relationship between the two restaurants, it would have been nice, had they done so.

Still, I would eagerly recommend this restaurant.  If you're lucky enough to live near one of their 13 locations, give them a try!

Recommended: Yes