As a health and fitness blogger, I get invited to all kinds of fun events. When I was contacted by California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) to attend their new menu tasting, paired with local beer by Ballast Point, I grabbed a BFF and hopped in an Uber and was ready to be beer’ed and dined! CPK has been a longstanding restaurant brand providing delicious meal options many of which are quite healthy, I was excited to see the new menu!
A night with the California Pizza Kitchen Team!
Upon arrival at the North County Fair location of CPK, we were pleased to be greeted warmly and handed tasters of several beers and yummy appetizers. We were off to a good start!
The other guests were a collection of bloggers, general media, CPK loyal clients and also included the CEO, President, and head chef of CPK. The top brewers and founder of Ballast Point were also on hand and it was awesome to hear the stories of these established brands and how they have grown and thrived over decades.

President — super cool, super chill dude!
The drool worthy display of the food offerings continued all evening and were paired with the some of my new favorite beers. I was especially excited to see an arugula quinoa salad that could rival one of my famous kitchen sink salad creations. Along with the salad, other new options included a Brussel sprout bacon flatbread, mushroom pasta, carne asada pizza with salsa verde, buffalo cauliflower, and spicy shisedo peppers. As expected, everything was delicious.
We snagged a cozy seat and enjoyed some appetizers and beer. We had wonderful conversations with the CEO and President, as well as the head chef, who all stopped by our table and shared their passion and excitement for the new menu at CPK.

And did I mention we ate some pizza? 😉
Decades of CPK Memories
We had a great discussions with everybody and after about a dozen conversations, I realized CPK has been a huge part of my history:
- I had my very first ever BBQ Chicken Pizza in 1996 in Santa Barbara. That’s like 20+ years ago!
- After my BBQ chicken pizza, I realized the BBQ chopped chicken salad was my favorite salad ever, and has been my go-to for well over a decade.
- The first time I ever had humus (like EVER) was at CPK…potentially in San Luis Obispo? Now I make it on the reg and it’s a huge Clean & Colorful staple.
- CPK in Solana Beach was my designated hot spot for match.com dates in the mid 2000’s. A glass of sauv blanc and a BBQ chicken salad was always a win regardless of the results of the dates. ha ha.
- CPK in La Jolla is where I met with my longest standing running gal pals on a regular basis for many many years. And on that note, we should schedule a reunion.

A new memory made in 2017! One more good one for the books!
It’s funny when you realize a consistent staple in your life. Meeting the president and CEO of the establishment and how much they cared was really quite special.
A Fun Pizza Giveaway!
As if the CPK team had not been generous enough with their time and delicious menu offerings, they sent us home with gift bags. And not a silly one full of fridge magnets, it’s like a really good gift bag. And it’s not that I don’t want more pizza, it’s just that I already stuffed myself and I’d get more joy out of sharing it with one of you! The winner of this giveaway will end up with a killer cookbook, pinot noir seasoned salt, some fun CPK swag and a $25 gift card!
How do you win the CPK giveaway?
Easy! Just comment below on your favorite CPK menu item, memory or one of these new yummy goodies you’d like to try and your next pizza is on me! I have to ship it to you, so US only please. And share your comment before next Sunday, February 5th, I’ll pick the winner on Monday the 6th. I can’t wait to read your comments and share the CPK love!

25 Comments
Adrienne
I have never eaten at CPK, but I just looked at their menu and it all looks amazing. I’d probably go with pizza the first time, maybe the Spicy Chipotle Chicken.
Teresa
The menu is so fun – so hard to pick just one thing 😉
kelly
I have never eaten there, but that looks amazing! I would love to try their gf pizza.
Teresa
Their GF pizza is good too!! You will love it Kelly!
barbg
I have never tried this pizza either but it sounds great. I;m sure my kids would want the chipotle chicken as they tend to love spicy foods. You are right this is an awesome giveaway. Thanks to you and the sponsor.
Teresa
It’s really a nice chain and it was so fun to meet the folks who are running the show at the corporate level. I do hope you give it a shot!
Lana
SALTED CARAMEL PUDDING looks OMG Amazing. I can’t wait to try it at CPK. The small mason jar they use is adorable. Beautiful presentation.
Teresa
I totally agree Lana. And it is amazing. It’s not skinny, so a good one to split, savor and enjoy on occasion!
Jeffrey
The first time I ate CPK was the weekend I ran the Boston Marathon. We started with the Bianco Flatbread and I found it to be simple yet exquisite. I carb loaded with the Bolognese Spaghetti and the Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza. I thought the meals tasted great and were definitely made with the freshest of ingredients. BTW, I nailed the race and think CPK had something to do with it!
Teresa
OMG Jeffrey — I LOVE this comment! CPK would be great pre-race food!! And congrats on crushing Boston. That is something that I have not done. But times I ran it was HHHAAAAARD! Maybe I’ll make sure I do CPK before I give it another go — lol!!
Megan Gunn
I always loved the Thai Chicken pizza but always sub the onions for mushrooms. Nice and spicy and unique flavors. Haven’t had it in years so this may be making to make a trip down the street to get one this week! I’d love to win this one!
Teresa
Let’s hit up a CPK next time I see you — it’s been too long!
Samantha Glass
CPK is a family favorite. My kiddo swears the mac and cheese is the best EVER! My husband and I usually split a pepperoni on the honey wheat crust while my Dad goes for the Hawaiian.
Teresa
Sounds like a super fun family outing Samantha!
Charlotte
My favorite CPK memory was sneaking out for lunch with my bestie one day when the kids were in schook! We split thr BBQ Chicken pizza, salad, and cheered ourselves with glasses of wine at 1130am! (lol!).
Teresa
Charlotte — this is so cute! I’d have joined in on that for sure 😉
Jenn Smith
They’re BBQ Chicken pizza gets me every time. I’ve tried it at other restaurants and it’s just not as good.
Teresa
I actually made one at home once that was pretty tasty. I added fresh corn, it was delish! And I agree, not many people do it right!
Brittany Koelmel
I LOVE CPK! I have so many great memories. Eating their mexican pizza with my grandma, sitting outside in the snow waiting for it to open with my fiance, and having the BEST spinach artichoke dip in the world. LOVE CPK!!!
Teresa
Awe Brittany — I love this! I’ll have to try that artichoke dip, it have not yet!
Keith Froleiks
I would like to try the CPK arugula and quinoa salad with a crisp glass of Chardonnay! Looks delicious.
Teresa
I agree with that order choice Keith! I think you will enjoy it quite a bit 🙂
Lynda Wilson
I love the bbq chicken pizza too! It’s amazing.
Teresa
Lucky number 12 Lynda!! I just did the drawing and you’re the winner! I’ll shoot you an email too — but your next BBQ Chicken Pizza is on me! Cheers!