REVIEW: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza, California Pizza Kitchen

One of America’s largest corporate pizza providers officially came to the Baton Rouge area just a few years ago with the opening of the Perkins Rowe Shopping Center (corner of Bluebonnet/Perkins).
Before its debut, you may have noticed the restaurant’s offerings available via the frozen aisle section at your favorite grocer. However, CPK’s actual presence in the area allows customers to have a fresh take on some of the company’s finest dishes. Among the selections are pizzas (obviously..), soups, salads, pastas and more.

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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza: California Pizza Kitchen

I made my highly anticipated return to California Pizza Kitchen (it had been awhile) yesterday when I had a random craving for some barbecue. There’s nothing like the tangy taste of barbecue on pizza crust! I ordered to-go and was pleasantly surprised to receive my meal as soon as I got to the restaurant (curb-side parking by the way!).

The pizza itself is around 10 inches, give or take some. It features onions, chicken and it’s topped with cilantro. However, what makes this dish even more unique is that it has pineapple. The crust and dough itself is just right. It’s not under-cooked or over-cooked either. It’s not covered too heavily in cheese. All the ingredients come together to form a perfect balance. The barbecue sauce is tangy and completely delicious. It meshes together with the crust in an amazing way. The addition of the pineapples adds a uniquely fresh take to a mostly traditionally barbecue-based treat. The cilantro adds an extra kick that makes the entire taste even more special. Now, I know the idea of such a fruit on a pizza isn’t appealing to everyone, but it’s something I think every pizza lover should try at least once.

CheeBurger, cheeburger, please!

Who doesn't love a big, juicy cheeseburger now and then?  Well, we do!  And if you feel likewise, take a walk into an interesting restaurant in the Seigen Lane shopping center called Cheeburger Cheeburger.  Walking inside, with its glowing pink neon lights and  1950′s decor, you'll feel like you walked into an episode of "Happy Days." (that was a 80's sitcom that introduced the Fonz to the world!  Don't know him?  Look it up or "sit on it!" Ayyy!!)  Anyway, Cheeburger Cheeburger pretty much focuses on two food items: burgers and shakes; but that's a good thing. What makes it cool is that "you" build your burger, shake,  or malt the way you want it with an endless list of ingredients and toppings. The menu also list multiple dipping sauces for chicken tenders, fries, onion rings and customized drinks, kinda like Sonic.

But of course the star in this place are the burgers.  They actually offer a 20 ounce monster of a burger! However,  if you can actually finish this monster and not drop, they will take your picture and place it on the “Wall of Famers”.  But wait, there's more!!

All their burger offerings are huge and taste great. The meat was well seasoned and had that classic grilled taste. Plus as far as the toppings go, all are fresh and designed to your order.  This place is like Subway for cool food!

Let's talk fries now.  Flat out, they are excellent. They're cut thin, fried crisp and covered with a ton of seasoning. Really good and they make an excellent snack on their own.

Besides the fries, all the snacks we tried had a great "home" comfort taste and feel to them.  Plus, the ambiance of the place held a clean and great family feel to it.   Prices were not too high for the quantity of food received and we can wholly recommend this as a 1st date kinda place.  With good food and a fine atmosphere, all you have to make with is good conversation.  But, that's not on the menu, guys.  Sorry...

So, if you are looking for a great burger, Cheeburger Cheeburger may be your answer.  Query yourself sometime and give it a try!