Doing Lunch: Gangnam's New California Pizza Kitchen

California Pizza Kitchen: Chicken Fajitas, Interior, and Mexican Carnitas Pizza. Top Left: Cheesecake from Coffee Bean

This Sunday was great: lunch, coffee, church, and meeting new people. Admittedly, I've never been to California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in the States, my first encounter was earlier this year in Gangnam. Recently, the Gangnam location moved and is now located beside Kyobo Tower. It was close to noon when we exited the subway at Sinnonhyeon. After climbing a few flights of stairs we were greeted by an upscaled restaurant, quiet and relaxed made for a peaceful lunch. I always thought CPK was a higher class pizza place but the level of the Gangnam location was superior to any other pizza restaurant I've ventured to. The kitchen was open to be viewed by the customers with a huge open flame oven as its showcase and chefs merrily creating an amazing aroma. We were first given a drinks list: red and white wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. The menu itself, like the interior, was "fanicified" with pages of pastas, salads and appetizers. Finally in the back of the menu was a list of pizzas.

Garlic Chicken Pizza

Luckily, we had a coupon for a free Garlic Chicken Pizza which we coupled with the Mexican Carnitas Pizza. Because we were all hungry we also decided to try an appetizer: the chicken quesadilla. Soon, out came a small plate of four small pieces of a quesadilla, the price making each piece cost well over a dollar. Then we got our Mexican pizza, pulled pork and cilantro based sauce on a thin crust was definitely a treat; it was accompanied with a spicy pink relish. We waited while we saw the waiters looking at us and whispering to each other, finally sheepishly come to our table and confess they forgot our chicken pizza. We were in no hurry and we were happy to accept a salad as "service" (in Korea, something you get for free). The Garlic Chicken Pizza is my recommendation: with a thicker crust crisp onions, moist chicken, and the perfect ratio of cheese and garlic. As would be expected from the class of the atmosphere and food the prices are higher than Pizza School, yet competitive with Pizza Hut and Mr. Pizza. Next time you are in Gangnam with close friends or your significant other be sure to have a meal at California Pizza Kitchen. Enjoy!