It's time for the unfortunate return of Quarantine Mystery Diner. We're back to shutdowns and no indoor dining, so our local restaurants and eateries still need our help.
This time around, I chose to order delivery from Steve Buresh's Cheesecake Store and Sandwich Shop, through its recently opened delivery app.
I first visited Steve Buresh's not long after it opened its Oswego location along Orchard Road in 2018, and was really pleased by the fresh ingredients in my sandwich and, of course, my cheesecake jar.
The store's app, which I downloaded for free through the iTunes App Store, is sponsored by ChowNow. ChowNow, unlike services like DoorDash or UberEats, is a commission-free service that gives all profits from an order to the restaurant. How can you not love that? My order arrived well within the time told to me by the app, so I was able to enjoy my meal quickly.
In the two years since I visited, the menu has expanded greatly to include lobster, baked potatoes, and other offerings. So for my lunch, I chose to order a turkey bacon deli rancher sandwich made of roasted turkey breast, hardwood smoked bacon, lettuce, vine-ripe tomatoes and house-made ranch dressing; a four-cheese mac 'n' cheese bowl with sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, and a jar of salted caramel cheese cake.
I had ordered the rancher sandwich my first time, and it tasted just as good this time around. Lettuce, bacon and turkey were all fresh, and the ranch dressing was still tasty. The four-cheese mac was a new offering, and I was pleased by the mixture of cheeses and the rich flavor. The noodles were also the perfect mac 'n' cheese noodles, thick and spiraled.
And as always, the cheesecake was delicious. The salted caramel sauce was still thick and flavorful, and countered the creamy cheesecake and delicious crust. Plus, the size had increased since the last time I ordered it, which is great.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and we approach the holiday season, it's important to remember that our local businesses still need our support – just as they have throughout this entire year. Don't forget about them – especially Steve Buresh's.
The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at Record Newspapers. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.
IF YOU ORDER
WHAT: Steve Buresh's Cheesecake Store and Sandwich Shop
WHERE: 1019 Station Drive, Oswego
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
INFO: 630-636-7209, www.cheesecakestoreonline.com