I’ve been hoping for years that something would take the place of the dreaded arches as quick takeout food offered close to home. I didn’t start out as a “Mickey D” Mom, but there’s something about having two hungry children in the car—and knowing that dinner is at least an hour away—that has repeatedly driven me to do things I hoped I’d never do: namely, shell out $6.34 for two McDonald's Happy Meals.
Now, it seems, my prayers have been answered. Hallelujah! has arrived.
Before I begin singing the praises of Abbot’s Pizza, let me say this: Culver City is not hurting for good pizza. Three of my favorite Los Angeles area pizza joints are on home turf: , and . But when mom and children are starting to get antsy, the drive to Motor Avenue or Main Street can seem too far, and getting a table at Pitfire can seem like too much trouble and expense.
In terms of location and convenience, however, the new Abbot’s Pizza (home of the famous “bagel crust”) is just right. And, in fact, I was able to take advantage of its convenient location this week when I pulled in after picking the kids up from a play date at–yes—the Play Place at McDonald's. Before I was even able to browse the wall-posted menu, I was drawn to one of Abbot’s enormous salad pizzas laid out on the counter. Thinking no further, I ordered a slice to go for myself and added a plain cheese slice for my kids.
Despite the delicious aroma that filled the car, we resisted eating our pizza right there. Not that I didn’t try to tear the kids’ giant piece in half so they could dig in immediately, but the slice was so huge, I couldn’t get a grip. It didn’t really matter, though. Within minutes we were home. The salad pizza was refreshing and delicious. And the cheese pizza? It disappeared so quickly, I didn’t even get a taste.
That’s more than I can say for the average McDonald’s hamburger, some of which always seems to remain uneaten. Of course, if Abbot’s really wants to win my kids over for good, there’s one more thing it will have to add to its menu of delicious pizzas—a toy.
Abbot's Pizza, 4410 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA; 310.398.9000
