California Pizza Kitchen050

This chain, which operates about one million outlets in California (well, 156) and many more across the United States, has opened two restaurants in the Seattle area.

CPK's primary selling point is its surprisingly good pizzas, which come in exotic (Peking Duck, Carne Asada) and Neapolitan-style variants. Although their blackened bottoms suggest oven-firing, the crusts are on the soft side, and slightly sweet. Look for hearty salads, pastas, and focaccia sandwiches, as well.

Kids get a California-themed activity booklet and crayons to keep them busy while waiting for their food. The kids' menu, for ages 10 and under, includes basic pizza, pasta, and ceasar salad (with goldfish crackers) with a drink in a covered cup (and free refills). An amazingly large, and good, hot fudge sundae is available for dessert.

Pizzas are also available for takeout; the takeout counter is in the center of the store.

The bottom line: if you're going to eat at the mall, you can do worse than come here - the pizzas are good, the hot fudge sundaes are excellent, and due to a rather hectic soundtrack and a clattery, airy room, families dining with kids just blend right in with the scenery.