California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) at Fashion Valley mall in San Diego offers a diverse menu beyond just pizza. This review explores a range of dishes, from appetizers to desserts, highlighting the culinary experience at this popular location. Forget the preconceived notions about CPK only serving pizza; this dining experience showcases a variety of flavorful options.
Beyond Pizza: Exploring CPK’s Culinary Delights
CPK has updated its menu, offering a range of new and classic dishes. This visit focused on non-pizza items, showcasing the breadth of CPK’s culinary offerings. From unique appetizers to satisfying entrees and decadent desserts, there’s something for everyone at California Pizza Kitchen At Fashion Valley.
Appetizers that Impress: Avocado Club Egg Rolls
The Avocado Club Egg Rolls are a must-try. These crispy wonton rolls are filled with a creamy avocado, tender chicken, juicy tomato, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and smoky Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon. Served with both housemade ranchito sauce and herb ranch, these egg rolls provide a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crispy wonton wrapper contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior, while the ranch dressings add a cool and tangy counterpoint.
Refreshing Cocktails: The Citrus Crush
The Citrus Crush cocktail is a vibrant blend of Absolut Citron, Hangar 1 “Mandarin Blossom” Vodka, muddled mint, and fresh orange and lemon. This refreshing drink is perfect for a warm day or as a complement to your meal. The citrus flavors are bright and invigorating, while the mint adds a touch of coolness.
Main Courses: A Symphony of Flavors
The Fire-Grilled Ribeye is a standout entree. This 12oz USDA choice ribeye is grilled to perfection and topped with creamy bleu cheese butter. Served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a lemon-garlic wild arugula salad, this dish offers a satisfying and well-balanced meal. The ribeye is juicy and flavorful, complemented by the pungent bleu cheese butter and the zesty arugula salad.
The Hearth-Roasted Halibut is another excellent choice. This wild-caught Alaskan Halibut is roasted on a cedar plank, imparting a subtle smoky flavor. Served with grilled asparagus and butternut squash farro & baby kale, this dish is light yet flavorful. The halibut is flaky and moist, while the accompanying vegetables add a touch of sweetness and earthiness.
For a lighter option, the Roasted Garlic Chicken + Seasonal Vegetables is a flavorful and healthy choice. Pan-sautéed chicken breast in lemon-garlic sauce is served with hearth-roasted fingerling potatoes, cauliflower, Mediterranean herbs, and seasonal vegetables. The chicken is tender and infused with garlic flavor, while the vegetables are roasted to perfection.
Sweet Endings: Decadent Desserts
No meal is complete without dessert, and CPK offers some tempting options. The Butter Cake is a classic choice, served warm with housemade whipped cream and vanilla Häagen-Dazs ice cream. This rich and moist cake is a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. The warm cake paired with the cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
A Culinary Journey at California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen at Fashion Valley offers a diverse and satisfying dining experience. While known for its pizza, CPK’s expanded menu showcases a range of culinary creations that go beyond the traditional. From innovative appetizers to flavorful entrees and decadent desserts, CPK provides a memorable culinary journey for every palate. Next time you’re at Fashion Valley, consider CPK for more than just pizza.
