Apparently, this year’s Best of NU voters have a classy palate when it comes to pizza. Instead of convenience, low-cost and grease, hungry Huskies are now heading down to California Pizza Kitchen for their pizza fix.

Located in the Prudential Mall, CPK offers specialty pizzas with fresh ingredients on homemade crust, as well as an eclectic mix of appetizers, soups and salads.

CPK also offers a huge selection of personal-size pizzas, from their original BBQ Chicken to the BLT and the Caramelized Pear and Gorgonzola. For those of us who are more conservative when it comes to our favorite Italian dish, CPK also offers good old traditional cheese, as well as pepperoni. Each is available on the original thin crust, or try the honey-wheat crust if you’re really daring.

CPK, which started on the west coast and has gained popularity throughout the country, may appeal to those of us on co-op – prices for the pizzas range from $9 for the basic cheese to $12 for their steak or shrimp pizza.

“I love California Pizza Kitchen, it’s totally worth the walk and the extra money, in my opinion,” said Laura Lehane, a senior political science major. “It’s a nice change from the pizza at BHOP or UHOP. I just wish they took the Husky Card.”

So when that craving hits and the old Huntington standbys aren’t satisfying, head to the Pru for some upscale pizza – but bring your wallet.

— Kate Pereira