wellington table
Redesign Brings Fresh Look, New Tastes To California Pizza Kitchen Story by Lauren Miró Photos by Abner Pedraza
With a beautifully redesigned restaurant and elevated menu, California Pizza Kitchen is known across the nation as the “pizza authority.” Located in the Mall at Wellington Green, California Pizza Kitchen has been a staple of the mall since it opened in 2001. CPK, as it’s fondly called, has been the leader in California-style pizza since the first restaurant opened in 1985 in Beverly Hills. There are now more than 250 locations in 30 states and 11 countries. “A few years ago, we were bought out by Golden Gate Capital,” Managing Partner Shawn Mears said. “They wanted to elevate the design and reclaim our pizza authority. The Wellington location is one of the first stores to get the redesign.” The elevated menu hails a return to the classic, innovative hand-tossed pizzas that made CPK famous. “We’re going back to hand-tossed, hand-pressed pizzas using fresh ingredients and fresh sauce,” Mears said. “Everything is fresher. We have a great menu. There’s something for everyone.” Like the elevated menu, the restaurant’s redesign has been done with fresh, sustainable products in mind. Perfect for families, casual diners or couples, the atmosphere is elevated, yet relaxed. Stunning wood floors, wooden columns and wooden panels give the space a warm, natural feel. The use of green throughout the space provides a calming effect. Guests can choose to sit at a booth or table, or sit at the fully stocked bar and watch as the chefs prepare pizza right in the open kitchen. At the back of the space is a beautiful pizza oven
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where guests can watch as their hand-tossed creations are cooked to perfection. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with the option for take-out and a full drink menu. “We have great cocktails,” Mears said. “We now have a mojito made with fresh agave sugar. It’s delicious. Whether you want sangria, a glass of wine or a cocktail, we have it all.” The Hand-Shaken Agave Mojito lives up to the hype, sweet and tart with a punch from the fresh mint and lime. For sangria, choose between the Caribbean Sunset or Appleberry ($8.99). Both have tastes of sweet fruit with bold undertones from the wine. For whiskey lovers, there is the Blueberry Ginger Smash, a combination of Jack Daniels, agave nectar, Domaine de Canton ginger and cranberry juice, topped with fresh blueberries and lime. The drink is a great top-off to a delicious meal. Or try the seasonal Strawberry Rhubarb Martini, a great summer drink with lots of bold, fruity flavors. If drinks sound great, the menu will make your mouth water. “We really have passion for food,” Mears said. “Our menu is completely customizable and changes every three months. If you’re a foodie, you have to try it.” The menu is packed with mouthwatering options,