Fortune smiled upon us, and The Magazine of Santa Clarita was invited by the California Pizza Kitchen to attend their pre-opening, staff training exercise, and I was treated to a gratis meal at the event. This was not a typical “food on the house” affair, however. CPK treated their guests to an appetizer starter, a main course, and dessert. Wines were also complimentary, but the proceeds gleaned from cocktails were donated to benefit children’s charities in the Santa Clarita Valley. I had never dined at a California Pizza Kitchen, so I was incredibly impressed by the friendliness of the staff, the wide variety on the menu, and the overall delicious flavors of the foods. I feasted on an appetizer of Cabo Crab Cakes, which included large chunks of actual crab within a breaded crust. Now, I have heard the fame of CPK’s pizza, and after trying the Applewood Smoked Bacon and Barbeque Pizza, I wholeheartedly agree that CPK serves remarkable pizza. Ending the night with a dessert of Sticky Toffee Cake, I left CPK with a complimentary frozen pizza and a happy, full, stomach. California Pizza Kitchen, we welcome you to the Santa Clarita Valley at Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway!
