BKC's CPK is now at LP. If you're looking for a textually active teenager to decode that for you, then you're looking for the wrong person. Someone more clued in to the food circuit could help. That someone could be us.

CPK is American fast food chain California Pizza Kitchen, that opened its second branch (the first is at Bandra Kurla Complex) at Lower Parel this week, giving us one more reason to brave the loud and crowd of the chaotic High Street Phoenix (a poll at the bpb office revealed that dresses at Chamomile, kali dal at Punjab Grill, cuff links at The Collective and acts at The Comedy Store, are among other reasons).  

A Toast to Toastada

CPK’s second outpost, much like the BKC one, is looking to attract office goers, hence the familiar sight of a suit hunched over almost every table. This all-wood space, though, seems to be a more grown up version of the original, with a long bar at one end suggesting you can drop by after work hours as well.

Sunk into a comfy booth, drunk on fresh lemonade, we visited on a Monday afternoon glad for all the light let in through big windows, but even more excited to get our bright Tostada pizza. The pie was as good as it tasted on our last visit to BKC, slathered with black beans, salad, tostada strips and Southwest sauce (see bpb review for more on what to order). Only this time, there weren’t any chopped tomatoes, just a measly amount of spicy salsa for dipping. Another favourite – the Mediterranean spring rolls with lemony chicken – was yum too.

Milled Labour

So get ready to take on the football fans heading to ManU Cafe, the tweens taking over Zara and the crazy kids willing to knock down anyone who comes between them and Thomas the Train at Hamley’s. All for a Greek or Mexican fusion pizza pie. Or, you could stay safe in the confines of your office and order for takeout (they deliver to Lower Parel, Worli and Prabhadevi). So what route will bpb take next to get to CPK's heart? It's TBD. 

Getting there: first floor, High Street Phoenix Mall, Lower Parel, call 65558888, Rs 1,200 for a meal for two without alcohol.