California dreamin'

They swear by their hearth-baked pizzas, divine cheese and fresh toppings. Going by the high points it scored on all three counts, the international chain California Pizza Kitchen is set to expand its growing fan base among Mumbai's pizza lovers

Hopefully, California Kitchen Founders (CPK) founders Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax won't mind that we borrowed the title of this Beach Boys classic tune to define their entrepreneurial masterstroke, back in 1985. The lawyer duo swapped the courtroom for the dining room, keen to go beyond creating only hearth-baked pizzas.



Instead, they went the whole hog and created a menu that handpicked the finest elements of Californian cuisine, which included salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, appetisers and desserts.

Later, they introduced specials from across the world to cater to an ever-demanding global palate. Today, the chain sits pretty in 11 countries, apart from having countless outlets in the US.

So, when we stepped into the 4,300 sq ft space of their newest outlet in Mumbai, at High Street Phoenix, expectations were high.

A ravenous appetite helped us take a dive into the menu in quick time. En route to our table we noticed that the interiors artfully blended the vibe of a buzzing pizza parlour with that of a cosy sit-down eatery, enough to invite youngsters and families alike to bond over what CPPK's expansive menu offers.

This outlet had opened a couple of weeks earlier and was abuzz with activity on a Monday; this despite it not being a Cricket World Cup game nite.

We began with a couple of coolers Peach Italian Soda (Rs 130) and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea (Lime, Rs 95). Presently, their drinks menu includes wines on weekdays and spirits on weekends. Though come April, we were informed later, CPK plans to introduce an extensive spirit menu throughout the week.
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The Italian Soda and Iced Tea, while these were refreshing didn't taste any different from the coolers we've tasted at other upscale restaurants. While we were at it, we ordered for Lime Chicken Tacos (Rs 265) to nibble our time away. It turned out to be more than a nibble.

As soon as the dish arrived, corn tortilla portions filled with shredded cabbage, grilled chicken and served with Ranchito sauce (a CPK regular), we dug into this well-presented offing with worker bee-like dedication. The fillings were sumptuous and the lemon-tinged flavouring ensured we forget a few Mexican food misadventures in a flash.

We wolfed down this starter in record time. A ten-minute bliss session. The piece de resistance Five-Pizza and Fresh Tomato (Rs 495) awaited our summons. This thin-crusted indulgence was sinfully heartwarming in all its thin crusted glory.

All CPK pizzas are cooked in hearth ovens and use a combination of Indian-made and imported cheese. We were spoilt for choice between smothered fresh Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, smoked Gouda, Mozzarella and shaved Pecorino Romano cheeses; each vied for brownie points even as the Roma tomatoes and basil added to this sunny Californian rendezvous. This had to be pizza heaven.

AT Courtyard, 2nd floor, besides Hamley's, Phoenix Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel;
CALL 65558888; Also at Bandra Kurla Complex
California Pizza Kitchen didn't know we were there. THE GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals