YUM!

I love when I can combine eating and entertainment. Let’s face it – for those who know me – I love to eat as much as I love my adventures. I’m more the one to participate in the Stan’s Donut 5K than head to CrossFit each morning; so when I can find an adventure where I can devour pizza in the process, I’m in!

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has nine locations in Illinois, three right in the Western Suburbs in Geneva, Warrenville, and Oakbrook that offer behind-the-scene restaurant tours with pizza making sessions for kids 10 and younger. So whether you are hosting a birthday party or earning your cooking badge with your scout group, CPK has you covered with CPKids Parties.

I always say the best test for any adventure is the attitude of the teenagers who are with me, because if it’s cool even for a teen, the CPKids will really have fun; and if you join the CPK Rewards loyalty program; adults may also get a special invite to participate in a special one-of-a-kind program, just like we did!

It was neat to see the back area of the kitchen, but we really loved standing right in the heart of the restaurant in front of the sunshine colored brick oven to make our very own pizzas. With groups of 5 or less, you get to play chef in the kitchen – larger groups are accommodated in a special dining area.

We each worked diligently hand crafting our pizza. We got to select a thin, hand-tossed, thick, or cauliflower crust, choice of sauce and any toppings we wanted.

After meticulously making our creations, we watched the chef put them in the brick oven, and then enjoyed the labor of our efforts! Included with the CPKids tour for kids under 10 years old is a pizza, non-alcoholic drink, dessert, and goodie bag (scout badge). Not only was this a fun adventure but it was tasty too!

OVERVIEW

California Pizza Kitchen is your go-to destination for creative dining with a California vibe offering traditional dining experiences; delivery; curbside pickup; CPKids, fundraising events, and pizza box art.

California Pizza Kitchen 1202 Commons Drive, Geneva

28258 Diehl Road, Warrenville

www.cpk.com

Hours: 11am to 9pm Sunday thru Thursday; 11am to 10pm Friday & Saturday

Price $: $10/kid 10 and under for CPKids Parties

ABOUT THE WRITER Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.