I was invited to the launch of this new branch of “California Pizza Kitchen” which I’ve unfortunately missed. Hence decided to accept an invitation for a detailed review last week. The branch is super accessible and located in the new Burjuman! Have heard a lot of their fresh salads, so I have ordered the ‘CALIFORNIA FIELD GREEN.’ It’s a healthy mix of green with basil with fresh watermelon juicy chunks, with an extra bit of strawberry tang, subtle Feta & those Crunchy tossed pistachio. For dressing, they use white balsamic vinaigrette. I loved the aroma and perfect combination of taste in my mouth. It was fresh, crunchy, soft and tangy at the same time.
I certainly won on healthy food front when I tasted that delicious salad and California smashed hummus, which is their twist on this classic favorite of mine. It was pleasant is taste made out of garbanzo beans and diced fresh tomatoes, red onion, and chili flakes. Dash of cilantro give it a Mediterranean hint and it if finished off with lemon and juice and olive oil. I literally enjoyed dipping those freshly baked pita bread with the same. In starters, we also had dynamite shrimps, these lightly fried shrimps tossed in spicy sweet chili sauce, served on a bed of crispy rice noodles were so addictive. Sesame seeds topping made it more delicious.
The ambiance of venue was good, with lots of American styles simple wooden furnishings and pipes on the ceiling. The long seating area is also available inside. Service was a tad slow as there might seem like staff shortage; I was given the reason that it is so because of the weekend. Although every item ordered is freshly prepared, hence I feel delivery promptness should also be well taken care of, as there are times when long wait literally makes the food less likable.
Fried mac n cheese was not much of a hit alteration to already famous recipe. This lightly breaded and then fried cutlets were served on creamy Pomodoro sauce. They got soggy in no time due to the sauce and didn’t taste as crispy from outside too. It could be awesome if they serve the sauce on the side instead of bed.
My ultimate favorite from the whole food enthrall was Kung Pao Spaghetti, prepared with their classic kung pao sauce , garlic, green onions, crunchy peanuts and hot red chilies to top the presentation. It was rich in taste and so scrumptious. Another pasta dish we tried was spicy Mexican Fettuccine it was tad bit spicy for me but still pleasant in taste. The good thing is the knowledge of staff they did warn us for their fiery side. I must commend them for the right amount of garlic and cheese used in a different variety of pasta dishes.
In Pizza, we tried from their crispy thin crust pizza range, chicken Fajita. It was indeed an amazing choice as I loved their housemade cilantro pesto base with a trio of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. There was an ample amount of shredded chicken, onions, and green bell peppers. Spicy sour cream and lime wedge concept were entirely unique and very encouraging. While consuming this pizza I never felt throughout if its was dry or should’ve been saucier, and that for me is a winning element for PIZZA.
Dessert Galore:
Their famous banana & chocolate Brownie was worth trying for. It was loaded with hazelnuts, fresh bananas, chocolate sauce (Even they provided extra on the side!!) and in the end, we pour over that yummy vanilla ice-cream. It’s indeed a divine chocolate brownie I have tasted so far. It was served warm which melts our hearts.
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Caramel lotus pannacotta was also good however the consistency of pannacotta was not as how it shows in the picture, I like the taste hence I wish to try it without the lotus element in its classic version.Salted caramel pudding was to die for; it’s a complete package of crunchy and sweetness with black cocoa cookie crumbs , rich caramel pudding, soft peaks of whipped cream and with caramel and sea salt flakes on top to give that perfect pinch of salt to add the drama. Last but not the least their Chocolate Fondant has the most goo-iest molten centre in a treasured and delicious souffle cake. it was one of the classic and best version I had in Dubai. (I am ready to go alone for this each week 😛 )
All in all, it was a great experience. Special thanks to staff at CPK & House of Comms for invite and hospitality. Overall the quantity of each dish was satisfactory. I must mention here about their wide selection of beverages as we tried 3-4 and liked Mint Cucumber classic mojito & mango cooler very much, as it was refreshing and well put. They also have a great lunch deal which gives a starter/soup and a pizza/pasta/chef’s special with a soft drink/water for 49 dhs. You can add a dessert for 9 dhs extra charge. Go try, and you would love it.
ESSENTIALS:
California Pizza Kitchen
Address – Near Carrefour, Burjuman Centre, Mankhool, Dubai
contact – 04 4535235
Opening hours – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cuisines – Pizza, American