Posted 5/05 at 8:38 PM
Pete Pranica is the Grizzlies television play-by-play announcer. He and Sean Tuohy make up the broadcast team that hosts Grizzlies Tonight! before each home game.
We pause briefly from the seriousness of retooling the Grizzlies and following the NBA Playoffs to deal with a subject of great importance—the importance of The Cheesecake Factory in the life of the NBA.
Back in March, Henry Abbot of TrueHoop (an outstanding NBA blog on espn.com) noticed my humble blog and linked to it, noting the challenges that team broadcasters face when covering losing teams. The real reason (I think) that Henry liked it was a reference to The Cheesecake Factory. In fact, he’s made quite a list of Cheesecake Factory/NBA references.
Henry was wanting to know a little bit about why NBA players, coaches and broadcasters love The Cheesecake Factory. Here are some key factors:
1. When you are traveling, you don’t want to risk your health to questionable food. While there’s some charm to trying local “joints,” discretion is the better part of valor. You know that the Crusted Chicken Romano in Denver is going to be just as good as the Crusted Chicken Romano in Chicago. It’ll also probably be snowing in both places.
2. The Cheesecake Factory is close to NBA team hotels in a number of cities: Miami, Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
3. The food is plentiful and (relatively) inexpensive. Even though NBA players get substantial sums of per diem money for meals, they often don’t splurge on meals. Subway is also a favorite stop for NBA players.
4. The food is also good—from salads to pastas and pizzas. To say nothing of the cheesecakes.
5. The kitchen is open late, crucial if you’re staying over after a game.
And yes, I am a Cheesecake Factory regular. I think there was one road trip where I ate every lunch and dinner at a Cheesecake Factory. If they ever open one in Memphis, I’m in trouble.
Pete’s Top 5 Road Restaurants:
5. McCormick and Schmick’s (multiple locations)
The salmon stuffed with brie and crabmeat is killer
4. P.F. Chang’s/Pei Wei (multiple locations)
Great crab rangoon plus great scallop preparations. The low mein at Pei Wei is outstanding.
3. Legal Seafood (Boston)
Toss up with Ivar’s in Seattle for best fish and chips in America. Bonus points for great sourdough rolls.
2. California Pizza Kitchen (multiple locations)
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a Grizzlies favorite. Sean Tuohy’s and my usual order.
1. The Cheesecake Factory (multiple locations)
Crusted Chicken Romano is a major favorite as is the Shrimp Bacon Club Sandwich. Also a strong salad selection.
Honorable Mention: Felix’s (New Orleans), Rock Bottom Brewery (multiple locations), Trattoria Contadina (San Francisco), Cosi (multiple locations), Bertucci’s (multiple locations), Ivar’s Acres of Clams (Seattle), Jimmy John’s (multiple locations), Potbelly Sandwich Works (multiple locations).
Posted 5/05 at 8:38 PM
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Its very important factor, keep going!
I can’t believe Waffle House isn’t mentioned in this article!
I can’t believe Waffle House isn’t mentioned in this article! Toronto Condos