National Cheesecake Day. Possible Olympic link. Real cheesecake deals.
Dairy and sports go back a ways: The winner of the Indianapolis 500 auto race chugs milk. Wimbledon tennis spectators nibble on strawberries and cream. But the Olympics and cheesecake?
On Monday, in honor of National Cheesecake Day, the Internet is buzzing with stories of evidence that a “cheesecake” was served to athletes at the original Olympic games in 776 BC in Greece. That’s hard to pin down – and the cake would have been far different from what we know as cheesecake today.
But let’s not let history spoil the fun. On National Cheesecake Day in this Olympic year, you can find discounts and, sometimes, giveaways of the creamy dessert.
Nationally, The Cheesecake Factory is whipping up the most attention. The chain is offering half-price cheesecake at all of its 158 restaurants nationwide Monday. Become a fan of the chain’s Facebook page and you can get a coupon that extends that offer to Tuesday.
The Cheesecake Factory is debuting its latest creation: Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake.
Local restaurants, too, are doing their part to celebrate National Cheesecake Day.
In Chicago, Eli’s Cheesecake is driving a modified 1928 Ford delivery truck around the city, passing out free slices of its signature cheesecake. Or buy a cheesecake online from Eli's and get free shipping. The restaurant will donate a portion of its sales to the Children’s Miracle Network charity.
In Newton, Kan., (population 19,132) Pages Books & Coffee is marking the day by offering free cheesecake with any $10 purchase.
No word yet about cheesecake sales at the Olympics, and the spirit of National Cheesecake Day hasn't crossed the Atlantic. The Hummingbird Bakery in London offers a New York Cheesecake as a regular item. The English Cheesecake Company features a cookies and cream versions that could give the Oreo Dream a run for its money.
But there are no discounts. And a cheesecake in Britain will set you back about $40.
