The Californian Italian fusion – California Pizza Kitchen
The one place that I have almost always wanted to try out, finally made its show. To be very honest, I am amazed with their ‘open-face’ pizzas – the abundance of toppings, the non-traditional flavors and the entire ‘Mojave’ feel.
The outlet that I visited was located in Mall Of The Emirates, and thankfully I got to choose this restaurant since it was my treat. The staff were sweet, friendly and welcoming. We chose to sit indoors over the option of being seated in the mall corridor with every passer by looking at you and your food. But that’s just me. It is absolutely fine to sit in a food court style, and I do so when required (or more like when there isn’t any other option available)
We kept our dinner for a party of four pretty simple. Four drinks, two pizzas and a dessert. We started off with drinks, where my friends chose to try out a Pomegranate Margarita, Passion Fruit Margarita and a Raspberry Flavored Lemonade, and I stuck to my most loved Pineapple & Coconut Pinacolada.
The drinks were served in appropriate tall and short glasses. And in addition to the classic pineapple and lemon wedge garnish for the Pinacolada and Lemonade respectively, I loved the salt rim garnish to the margaritas. Added that little contemporary Californian touch.
The Garlic Chicken Pizza we ordered for our main course was from their Classic Hand Tossed selection. It was lined with creamy mozzarella and tender grilled chicken flavored with roasted garlic and topped with caramelized onions, scallions, black pepper and parmesan. Soft dough, freshly baked hot from the oven made this one a creamy delight.
Although the Garlic Chicken was more of a local favorite, we decided to try out a more authentic CPK styled Crispy Thin Crust Pizza with an order of Tostada. We chose to add the optional topping of Lime Chicken for a more tangy kick. Topped with crunchy lettuce and tortilla strips lined with black bean sauce, melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack, and with the crispy thin base, it was just like eating a Taco. That’s exactly what I wanted! The Mexican twist to Italian cuisine!
If you read my posts and follow me on Facebook, you would already know that I go weak in the knees when it comes to Tiramisu. Our dessert at CPK couldn’t get more heavenly than this! Extremely creamy and decadent, the Tiramisu with its sweet Italian mascarpone cream cheese sandwiched between layers of espresso soaked lady finger biscuits made us go mmmmm….We had to fight for every bite!
My Visit: 4th December 2014 – Dinner
I would recommend this place for: Fun fusion dinner with friends. With lots of seating space in all their outlets, you wouldn’t need to worry about waiting or reservations.
The occasion: Great for those days when you feel like eating both Mexican and Italian cuisine!
The food: 5/5 Amazing variety. I would have loved to order more pizza flavors had their been more people.
The value: 4/5
Pomegranate Margarita – AED 24
Passion Fruit Margarita – AED 24
Raspberry Flavored Lemonade – AED 18
Pineapple & Coconut Pinacolada – AED 22
Garlic Chicken Pizza – AED 54
Tostada Pizza with Lime Chicken – AED 58
Tiramisu – AED 35
Total: AED 235
The ambience: 5/5 Mexican-Californian casual dining ambience with low lights and lots of space.
The Experience: 5/5 Friendly staff, leisurely paced dining and a great meal.
