Transform your Yuletide party fare from the typical to the exceptional with California Pizza Kitchen’s (CPK) holiday catering services! Serving innovative California-style cuisine for years, CPK’s mouthwatering menu selections are sure to liven up your Christmas gatherings.

Take your pick from tasty appetizers, delicious salads, yummy sandwiches, lip smacking pizzas and scrumptious pasta platters. Whatever you choose, you can be sure you and your guests are going to enjoy the best California-style dishes this Holiday season.

“We know how difficult party planning can be this Christmas, that’s why we’ve come up with this catering service so everyone can just focus on having a good time through our great-tasting meal packages. What’s more, our service isn’t just for the holidays. Whether it’s a corporate party, a birthday celebration or an intimate gathering, CPK will deliver a gastronomic experience that’s beyond the ordinary,” says CPK Catering and Events Manager Luisa Del Rosario

The best thing about the CPK catering service is that it lets you mix and match meals to suit your palate. Just choose your favorite CPK dish, let CPK know how many guests you’re expecting and they will customize a fantastic offsite event for you.

Start with appetizer platters which serve between 8 – 10 people. Choose from Singapore Shrimp Rolls (P1,100), Spinach Artichoke Dip (P1,200) and Tortilla Spring Rolls (P950). You may also opt for salad party bowls for 8 – 10 guests, which include The Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad (P2,150), Moroccan Chicken Salad (P1,600) and Thai Crunch Salad (P2,000).

CPK also offers delicious sandwich combos that can serve 8 – 10 people for P1,700 or as many as 15 – 20 guests for P3,300. Choose one from Grilled Chicken Caesar, Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwich, Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad, Chicken Club or Italian Deli then pair it with a Belgian Oatmeal Crunch for a sweet ending.

Of course, a pizza is a must in any party, which is why CPK presents its pizza combos which are priced at P2,350 for 8-10 guests and P4,700 for 15 to 20 people. Select one from Traditional Cheese Pizza or Pepperoni Pizza then choose to pair it either with a Chinese Chicken Salad or Classic Caesar Salad. For dessert, you and your guests will enjoy a Belgian Chocolate Oatmeal Crunch.

Finally, take your pick from CPK’s palate-pleasing pasta platters. There’s Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Chicken (P1,650), Roasted Garlic Shrimp (P2,000), Pesto Cream Penne (P1,400 ), Kung Pao Spaghetti with Shrimp (P2,400 ) and Spicy Seafood Spaghetti Arrabbiata (P1,900). Pasta and pizza combos are perfect whether you have 8 – 10 guests or as many as 15 – 20 partygoers.

With CPK catering service, you enjoy the freedom to work around your budget to mix and match mouthwatering California-style dishes to give you and your guests a one-of-a-kind California Christmas experience.

For advanced reservations or inquiries, email catering@cpk.com.ph or visit or call any CPK branch in Glorietta 3 (893-9898), Alabang Town Center (850-5771), Shangri-La Mall (687-7841), Greenhills Promenade Mall (725-7377), Trinoma (901-3881), Power Plant Mall (895-3447) and Greenbelt 5 (572-5965). To know more about CPK’s other exciting offers, follow CPKPhilippines on Facebook and Twitter or log on to www.cpk.com.ph.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) lets your kids enjoy a Halloween like no other in a superhero adventure party this October 28 in all CPK branches.

Bring your kids and their friends to CPK in their best superhero costumes and be ready for an action-packed party with exciting games, photo souvenirs and superhero goodies to boot. This event is bound to make this year’s Halloween extra memorable for everyone, leaving your kids grinning from ear to ear as they go and save the world in one day!

To register for the Super CPKids Halloween Party, email your child’s name and your contact details to marketing@globalresto.com or visit any branch of CPK. Registration is free and open to all members and non-members of CPKids.

Visit or call any CPK branch in Glorietta 3 (893-9898), Alabang Town Center (850-5771), Shangri-La Mall (687-7841), Greenhills Promenade Mall (725-7377), Trinoma (901-3881), Power Plant Mall (895-3447) and Greenbelt 5 (572-5965). To know more about CPK’s exciting offers, follow CPKPhilippines on Facebook and Twitter or log on to www.cpk.com.ph.

This year’s Super CPKids Halloween Party is supported by Coca-Cola, Manila Ocean Park, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Knick Knacks and Cinderella.

SUMMER is the perfect season to gather friends and family, share your moments and bond over sumptuous meals at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK).

There is definitely more to CPK than just its world-famous gourmet pizzas. Diners also flock to CPK to savor its salads, made-to-order pastas, soups, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. While you can never go wrong with classic favorites such as The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Kung Pao Spaghetti, Thai Crunch Salad, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Key Lime Pie, CPK also serves up new delectable selections to tease your taste buds.

Go with Mexican-inspired Baja Fish Tacos and Steak Tacos, or have a light but filling meal with CPK’s freshly made sandwiches like Chicken Club or Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad served with salad or soup on the sides. Indulge everyone with meaty pizza options like Cheeseburger Pizza and The Meat Cravers, or order any of the latest barbecue chicken pizza varieties such as BBQ Chicken with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

For heat-busting thirst quenchers, try any of CPK’s latest concoctions from smoothies, flavored frozen lemonades to tropical fruit drinks. Not to be left out, kids also have their own unique CPKids menu to enjoy: kid-size pizza, pasta or chicken meal that comes with soda, milk or chocolate milk drink. You can also order a small serving of fresh fruits or dessert for your little tots.

So this summer, enjoy great food and great company by heading over to any California Pizza Kitchen branch in Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Greenhills Promenade, Trinoma, Power Plant Mall and Greenbelt 5.

Malaya Business Insight

For cooling thirst quenchers, try any of CPK’s latest concoctions, from smoothies and flavored frozen lemonades to tropical fruit drinks, made to accompany CPK’s world-famous gourmet pizzas and classic favorites like the Original BBQ Chicken pizza, kung pao spaghetti, Thai Crunch salad, spinach artichoke dip and key lime pie.

Light but filling dishes include Baja fish tacos and steak tacos, or freshly made sandwiches like chicken club or cranberry walnut chicken salad. Meaty pizza options include cheeseburger pizza and the Meat Cravers, or order any of the latest barbecue chicken pizza varieties such as BBQ chicken with apple wood-smoked bacon and Hawaiian BBQ chicken.

For children there’s a special CPKids menu: kid-size pizza, pasta or chicken meals that come with soda or milk. Fresh fruit is also available.

California Pizza Kitchen branches are located at Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Greenhills Promenade, TriNoma, Power Plant Mall, and Greenbelt 5.

For more details, visit Facebook: CPKPhilippines or www.cpk.com.ph.

The Philippine Star

California Pizza Kitchen gives its guests three reasons to spend their February meals in the Restaurant.

A Sweet and Special Valentine’s Day.

For a minimum dine-in single receipt of P900, guests get a FREE Valentine’s Sundae from February 8-14, 2011.  The dessert is a perfect way to end a perfect CPK meal.  And on February 14, guests also get to receive roses to make the occasion even more special.

You eat, you win this February.

CPK is spreading the love by extending the You Eat, You Win promo.  Dine with CPK and receive a prize card for a minimum single receipt purchase of P1500.  every card is a winner and guests can win exciting prizes from promo partners: Coca-Cola, Blackberry Smartphones, Seair Roundtrip Tickets, Healthway, Clarity, Van Heusen, DC, Columbia Sports, Kickers, Fitness First, The Ramp, and Hotflops; with media partners: Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, and ETC. the You Eat, You Win promo runs until February 28, 2011.

Your Valentine’s Treat is on us!

Let California Pizza Kitchen and HSBC give your Valentine spending a little something extra.  After getting that very special gift, the next best thing is to get a freebie out of your purchase.  head to any CPK branch and upon presenting your HSBC charge slip, you’re sure to get a good treat, on us! Redemption period is until April 30, 2011.

Next time you use your HSBC credit card, enjoy a treat from California Pizza Kitchen for free. From December 15,2010 to April 30, 2011n HSBC cardholders get a free dish when they present their HSBC charge slips:

• P1500-2999: Herb Onion Focaccia with Checca
• P3000-4999: Garlic Cream Fettuccine with Chicken (Personal)
• P5000 and above: Adobo Chicken Pizza

The “Delight in every swipe” promo is available in all CPK branches: Glorietta 3, Alabang, Shangri-la, TriNoma, Rockwell, and. Greenbelt 5.

Become a fan of CPK Philippines on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines. Follow CPK Philippines on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines

Want a Blackberry smartphone for the new year?  Or a Boracay vacation to start the year? California Pizza Kitchen is still feeling the Holidays, so we’ve decided to give more people a chance to get treats from the You Eat, You Win promo.

For every P1500 dine-in food purchase at any CPK branch, guests are entitled to a prize card, which will reveal exciting prizes from our partners: Coca-Cola, Seair, Blackberry, Healthway, Clarity, Van Heusen, DC, Columbia Sportswear, Kickers, Fitness First, The Ramp Crossings, Hotflops; with media partners, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, and ETC.

The You Eat, You Win promo will run until February 28, 2011. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 6997, Series of 2010.

It’s a loaded holiday season for guests of California Pizza Kitchen.  This December, meet the man in the big red suit as he gives out goody bags and poses for photos with kids and adults alike.  It’s another Santa in the Kitchen at the restaurant, all Saturdays of the month.  

On December 18, CPKids members are invited to dress to impress for the Red & White Christmas Party.  Fun and games await those who will join the party.  Kids will enjoy an afternoon of activities prepared by CPK.

The CPKids Christmas Party is open to all club members, ages 10 and below. Registration is free; just ask the Manager-on-Duty or visit www.cpk.com.ph .

Rockin’ Around CPK is happening in all CPK branches: Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Greenhills, Trinoma, Power Plant Mall, and Greenbelt 5.  Visit the website, CPK Philippines Facebook Fan Page, www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines, or follow CPK Philippines on Twitter, www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines for additional announcements.

After celebrating 13 successful years of offering great food and first-rate service California Pizza Kitchen launches two exciting innovations to add to your dining pleasure and convenience.

All for one

First up, CPK introduces Small Cravings items on the menu. These are personal-sized servings of appetizer and dessert dishes with that distinct CPK flavor and flair. These include the healthy and hearty Tricolore Wrap – Waldorf Chicken chunks combined with diced tomatoes, chilled arugula, baby red leaf lettuce, radicchio, almond flakes, and shaved Parmesan cheese tossed in homemade Dijon balsamic vinaigrette all wrapped up in a caramelized Parmesan flour tortilla; and the awesomely crunchy White Corn Guacamole and Chips — Fresh avocado, sweet white corn kernels, black beans, crunchy jicama, green scallions, red bell pepper, cilantro, and Serrano peppers served with blue & white corn tortilla chips on the side. For those who want it meaty, there’s the tender Thai Chicken Satay: skewers of grilled chicken breast slices that were marinated with ginger, lemon, ground peanuts, and minced serrano peppers, served with Thai peanut sauce for even more flavor.

Seafood lovers can opt for the mild-hot Bang Bang Shrimp, which is slightly spiced shrimp with a sweet and sour flavor, sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with slivered scallions on a bed of irresistibly crispy rice sticks; or the White Tuscan Beans with Shrimp, a delectable dish of Cannellini beans with shrimp, garlic, chilies, and Italian parsley bits sautéed in olive oil and served on a sauce bed of lemon juice, butter, and Parmesan Cheese. These can all be washed down with the latest addition to the beverage list, the Cucumber Chill, a healthy blend of cucumbers, monin cucumber syrup, simple syrup, and a zesty spike of lemon juice. A sinful end to accompany any CPK dining experience is the new dessert sampler dish, which combines baked apples with walnut crumble, Belgian chocolate soufflé cake with CPK’s triple thick hot fudge, topped with whipped cream and a cherry, and a fresh banana peanut butter parfait served in a shot glass.

One for all

This holiday season, CPK also launches its party catering services. Before large groups could only reserve tables at the CPK outlets for their party and order their favorite menu items en masse, they can now hold their parties and corporate functions at the CPK restaurants with a full buffet set up and special party packages that include the whole range of their favorite pizzas, pastas, appetizers and desserts. Special arrangements may also be made with offsite events, where customers can request for a full service set-up at their party place of choice.

This service is particularly convenient for party people who want to offer the trademark CPK great food to their special guests at any occasion. Instead of having to face the guesswork involved with ordering items from the CPK menu to fit the guest list and the budget, they may choose from the catering packages, or have a package tailor-fit to their needs. At the same time, they are assured of receiving the high-quality professional service that is provided by the customer-friendly CPK staff on hand during their special occasion.

To inquire about the catering services, you may contact CPK in Glorietta (893-9898), Alabang Town Center (850-5771), Shangri-La Plaza Mall (687-7841 to 42), Greenhills Promenade Mall (725-7377), Trinoma (901-3881 to 92), Power Plant Mall (895-3447) or Greenbelt 5 (401-7160). Or send an email to catering@cpk.com.ph.

Thirteen may be an unlucky number for the superstitious, but as Global Restaurants Concepts Inc, or GRCI, celebrates its 13^th year, its CEO and President Archie Rodriguez bares plans to go full steam ahead with expansion plans for the company that operates and manages familiar casual dining restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Orchard Road.

It was 13 years ago, when a twenty-something Archie Rodriguez began courting the proponents of their first franchise operation. “I was living and working in the US, and was ordering a lot of home delivery from the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) near where I lived. I got curious after a while, and decided to visit the store for myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was full, particularly with families who were enjoying the good food and the casual atmosphere.” Rodriguez recounts that he was so impressed with the concept that he started sending proposals to CPK’s founders, Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield. It took some time for the CPK co-founders to give their nods, after all it was to be their first franchise, and an overseas one at that.

But Rodriguez’s persistence paid off, with a proposal banking on sound business ideas, gained from the fact that he hails from a family of entrepreneurs/restaurateurs. And in 1998, discriminating Filipino diners were finally able to enjoy delicious pizzas and scrumptious pastas that CPK is known for.

Major selling points

But the times are a-changing, as the global economic climate has shifted, and the US is in the midst of a recession. “Businesses in the US are now looking to other markets as the recession in the US continues,” Rodriguez explains. “When they think outside the US, they typically have their eyes on China and India, but when we talk to potential business partners in the US, we introduce the Philippines as a potential gateway to Asia, with the lowest barriers to entry particularly with regards to language, culture, etc.,“ he adds.

The Philippines, as the gateway to Asia, has been a significant driver as Rodriguez acquires new brands, the most recent of which is P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, an Asian inspired casual dining restaurant which is slated to open by the 2nd quarter of 2011 to a highly-expectant foodie crowd. “P.F. Chang’s, along with other acquisitions that we have in the pipeline, fit our vision of operating family-friendly, casual dining restaurants with high-quality food, great service, and special attention to safety and sanitation. This is our commitment to our guests. They can look forward to having a great dining experience,” Rodriguez states.

Making footprints

He goes on to say that they are excited about their plans for their existing concepts, CPK and Orchard Road. They have started by launching a partnership with Quick Delivery to enable customers to enjoy their favorite pizzas, pastas, and entrées in the comfort of their homes or as satisfying break at business meetings in their offices.  They have also started catering services for events and gathering off-site.

Their next step, Rodriguez says, is to bring the CPK brand to bustling metropolitan areas in the provinces, particularly Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, and Baguio. “We are looking at 6 to 7 new stores in the next 4 or 5 years.  Location, market readiness, and a good local partner in the areas we plan to expand to will determine when and where we go next.” These provincial outlets, Rodriguez says, will be smaller than existing CPK restaurants. “We are looking at 150 to sqm restaurants, as opposed to the larger 400 sqm stores that we usually have in Metro Manila,” he explains.
Bright business outlook

With all these expansion plans for the company, one would have to ask Rodriguez whether it would be a good idea in this economic climate. “You have to remember that we opened the first CPK in the Philippines during the Asian economic crisis,” he quips.

“I believe that the Philippines is progressing forward. The political climate will obviously affect the economy in general, but either way, life goes on, and business goes on. We Filipinos have managed to keep our head above water.  While much of the world is reeling from the global economic recession, we are experiencing 7% growth,” he adds.

Rodriguez has high hopes for the Philippines. “I am very optimistic about the Philippines and doing business here.   This is our home and we need to continue to improve everything about it.  We hope we manage to enrich the lives of those who work with us, and of course, those who dine with us.”