CPK Fries Review: Fries? Yeah, We Had Questions Too

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has been popping up everywhere in malls. There are only about 200 locations across the country yet due to their presence in the mall, it seems we run into them much more frequently. We did not expect CPK to sell fries or potato wedges as the place is literally called a "pizza" kitchen. And we typically don't associate fries as a side for pizza slices. But when we saw fries in the menu, it piqued our curiosity. We had to order and see what it was all about.

CPK fits perfectly in an outdoor mall.

Texture (4/10)

Although these potato wedge-looking fries feel cute and inviting, the texture isn't quite optimal. The ratio between the inside and the skin crisp is not balanced. The wedge shape looks so good, so warm, and delicious, especially when it arrives in a nice platter, piled up in front of you. You want it to be crispy and perfect. Yet upon the first munch, it's a shocker when all you taste is a thick somewhat dry mush. Even worse, the texture of the inside is not even throughout the thick piece.

Look at the cute wedge look with the skin. The inside is too stuffy.

Flavor (5/10)

These are literally potato wedges with salt and no other seasoning. But due to the thickness, the marination does not help the middle. The outside of the wedges was super dry, providing an uneven flavor. CPK tried to add more personality to the fries by sprinkling a healthy dose of parmesan cheese (assuming the same they do on their pizza and pastas) but we couldn't taste it, most likely because the cheese never stuck to the surface of the potato due to its dryness. If it wasn't for the ketchup, we don't think we could have finished our plate. Leaning on bland and boring overall.

Shape (2/10)

Here at The Fries Blog, we love fries that are hefty and appropriately stuffed so that they don't limp over. But in CPK's case, due to the way it is cut, they turned this into an over-stuffed piece of fried potato. We love the innovative wedge shape, probably made with small potatoes. But then, you must compensate this by either shaving out the middle. Fries are 1~2 bite delectables, enjoyed within a few seconds per stick. CPK's fries are a short, stubby wedge that take over a minute to finish. These are not fries but rather a potato wedge dish.

Presentation (7/10)

Dumped onto a plate and sprinkled with parmesan, the presentation looked very inviting. We were excited as the server put it in front of us. And yes, this is the first fries that we are reviewing that were presented on an actual plate (as CPK is not a fast-food restaurant). They weren't arranged in a particular fancy way or shape, but we believe it was good enough.

Look at that. Doesn't it look inviting?

Experience (1/10)

Alright, we already insinuated that CPK does not have the best fries. However, these potato wedges also didn't complement their pizzas (we had BBQ Chicken). The pizza is thin and flavorful, while the fries act almost as a hindrance to the pizza dough. There just isn't a complementary balance. We do not remember the price but honestly, we think these fries actually acted as a negative factor in the overall dining experience.

Texture	4
Flavor	5
Shape	2
Presentation	7
Experience	1
Overall	3.8 / 10

Conclusion

CPK may have built a franchise around their thin, flavorful, and innovative pizza, served in a Southern Californian vibe. With its easy-going atmosphere and menu, it certainly is a family magnet. However, their fries are going to need a bit of tweaking. We would recommend first thinning the wedges by cutting thinner slices and adding more character to their flavor profile taking advantage of their strength in pizza - how about pepperoni pizza flavored seasoning? CPK, please do not give up and let's innovate! If fries will ever be a side to a pizza, we think it would be you who would figure it out.