Review: Everything is Cheesecake

Five out of Five Stars

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

Fun fact about me: for my birthday every year, I request a cheesecake. Why? Because cheesecake is just better. So, I was absolutely delighted to notice a new CHEESECAKE PLACE near my nail salon.  

It’s called “Everything is Cheesecake” and it is located at 5214 South Cedar St. It’s closed Monday through Wednesday, but open from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, as well as noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

I walked in with high expectations, but was still blown away. The first word that comes to mind is “clean,” and the second one is “elegant.” I was quickly greeted by server Mateo B, and he wasn’t wasting any time.

“What can I get you?” he asked, politely. I wanted to say, “all of it,” but instead I asked what he had.

He explained that the entire menu is not available all the time, but there are three cheesecakes made fresh every day, as well as a few types of cookies and cupcakes.

I got a slice of the plain cheesecake and one with a strawberry glaze. Each piece was $7.50. I also got two s’more cookies, because why not, for $6.50.

It all looked too good to not share, so I found a couple of friends and we all just giggled out of pure enjoyment. It was a much-needed moment for all of us.

I gave the piece with the strawberry glaze to Sammy, and I have never seen her enjoy anything more. She said she specifically appreciated the tartness of the glaze.

I mainly ate the plain piece, and it was perfect. To me, the mark of a great cheesecake maker is someone who can do the most with the least. Deanna Ray-Brown, owner and head baker, may be the best.

It was perfect; creamy but compacted with a nice yellowing on top … if I wasn’t slowly becoming a health nut, I would have gone back and bought whatever was left.

Mateo said Ray-Brown started selling her creations under a tent as a side gig, then had her own food truck, then opened this location. It has been a non-stop upward climb and the journey is beautifully memorialized in a mural on her shop wall.

I love to support Black-owned businesses but, in this case, that was just a bonus.

I can’t be sure, but I think I just found my new favorite hidden gem of Lansing, and it had nothing to do with anything else than the absolute culinary miracles served up and basically given away at “Everything is Cheesecake.”