I hate having to use anything considered to be a cheat meal on someone elses pick of a time/place.(Sorry-im an only child
)
If you really love the cheesecake factory and you personnally consider this to be a dining/food experience that you have wanted, then by all means, do your best and eat what you like off the menu and be done with it. It will be what you have wanted and there will be minimal bad feelings.
....But, if you could care less about the cheesecake factory, and you have other 'cheats' in mind that would be far more enjoyable-stick to your guns.
Eat a full meal before you go, order a salad there or if people look at you cross (and that bothers you) order the nastiest thing on the menu and just smoosh it round your plate.
No one will notice or care.
Anytime I've let's something/someone else decide when I should go off plan, it makes me feel crappy, unsatisfied and guilty.
Just something to think about
Good luck.