New Year, New CPK

If you are like most people, you are going into January cutting back a bit, on calories, on spending, on...well you name it. So you'll be happy to know one of your most beloved pizza chains is going the extra mile to help you out, to give you more delicious yet healthful options when dining with them.

California Pizza Kitchen is making some sweeping changes both on the menu and with the decor. But fans will be glad to know many of the favorites such as the original BBQ Chicken and Thai Chicken pizzas, are staying. Some new additions to the pizza lineup include the Bianco, surprisingly light considering it has whipped truffle cream, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and fresh sage. To get in a serving of veggies, try the brussels and bacon with caramelized onions, goat cheese, romano and cracked pepper....DA BOMB. All of the dough is hand tossed.

Roasted Garlic Chicken

So you would expect a pizza kitchen to crank out some good pies and CPK delivers. However, they are also delivering more local, seasonal vegetables. I noticed lots of kale, brussel sprouts, quinoa and farro on the new menu. Give the Harvest Kale Salad a try. It is full of great flavors and a nice bit of spice. Or take on the new roasted garlic chicken, again full of flavors with a nice crisp skin served over vegetables with bold mediterranean seasoning.

What I was must surprised at during a recent menu sampling was the Halibut and the Salmon, both roasted on a cedar plank and served with perfectly cooked veggies; your trainer would be pleased.

I should stop there and not tempt you with the new desserts like the Salted Caramel Puddig or the mouthwatering Butter Cake, I'll just keep that news to myself. (photos below)

CPK has been at Waterside Shops in Naples for more than 20-years. Not only has the restaurant undergone a change in menu but a change in design as well. It's one of the first in the nation to sport both the new look and the new menu of the new CPK.

The seating is more open, there is a new bar and a chefs table giving a birds eye view of the skillful pizza makers who toss the dough high into the air. But the biggest draw is the spacious outdoor patio. The new decor keeps the California vibe, using recycled materials, wood and metal.

You'll love the fresh look and the fresh food of CPK at Waterside Shops.