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| - Four stars, mainly because a colleague brought one to the office to share, so I didn't have to wait in line.
Left to my own devices, I'd have to deduct two stars for the wait, because if it doesn't involve world series tickets or precious metals, there's very little in life worth queuing for.
I'd also probably deduct half a star for the cheesecake itself, which really wouldn't be fair.
I come from a different cheesecake tradition, having grown up on the dense, creamy, fruit-goo-slathered New York version (short crust, please, no f*ing graham crackers!) and airy, tart homemade concoctions (almost more pie than cake) that surface during random Jewish holidays I never remember. These cheesecakes emerge from great-grandmothers' kitchens at random intervals throughout the year, and are always welcome.
Uncle Tetsu ain't your great grandmother.
His cheesecake is crustless, which saves a few carbs (and if you're offering pesky graham crumbs, not a bit of heartache), but loses a fun textural element.
The cheesecake itself is extraordinarily light, it's texture consistent with every bite. It's almost more mousse than cake; you feel the bubbles, which dissolve into vanilla-custardy goodness. Between the air and eggs, it's a bit less sharp than it's New York cousins. It disappears quickly. Seconds are mandatory.
Apparently they're also for sale outside Union Station, where the lines are smaller, though you have to pay an extra $4 for the privilege.
Uncle Tetsu offers something different; I don't know that I'd line up for another bite, but if you bring one to my office I'd happily share.
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