California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant Review:

We have not once been disappointed by CPK. The list of more than two dozen pizzas includes all the standards. But there are also inventive selections like wild mushroom, Jamaican jerk chicken and habanero carnitas --- complete with slow-roasted pulled pork and house-made cilantro pesto. We like the swaggering Sicilian vaunting Italian sausage, spicy capicola ham, salami, mozzarella, shaved Parmesan and spicy marinara. Patrons have a choice of crust including a lighter, hand-tossed version or crispy thin along with wheat whole-grain and gluten-free options. If you can tear yourself away from the pies --- we almost never can --- try one of the pastas, like kung pao spaghetti with garlic, green onions, peanuts and piquant red chilies. Salad portions are large, so keep in mind that you can get a half-order. There’s also a short list of "Small Plates" and "Lite Adventures" (650 calories or less), with soups, appetizers, sandwiches, tacos and satisfying desserts, such as salted caramel pudding and butter cake with whipped cream, rounding out the menu. Smoothies and tropical drinks add to the fun.