As many as the golden stars on Hollywood Boulevard and the wave surfers in San Diego is the number of culinary traditions that dot the landscape of California cuisine.

After two waves of historical migration and the ongoing globalization movement, migrants from the four corners of the globe now populate the Golden State. As a result, California has developed eclectic gourmet styles like the “Fresh Mex” or “Baja-style” Mexican food, which places an emphasis on fresh ingredients and seafood. Indian and Thai cooking have also made their mark in the form of spicy curry dishes, while classic European tradition bestowed the state its love of wine.

All these combine to make California not only a melting pot of culture but also of cuisines—a fact seen most clearly in its homegrown restaurant chains like California Pizza Kitchen.

California Pizza Kitchen champions the delicious diversity that has made California a must-taste destination for globetrotting foodies. The pioneering restaurant chain was founded in 1985 and is credited for popularizing California-style gourmet pizza throughout the United States and the world. In the Philippines, its innovative pizzas offer a variety of international flavors that give Filipino diners a taste of the world in every slice.

The Chipotle ChickenPizza, for example, is inspired by fiery Mexican cuisine. Grilled chipotle chicken, fire-roasted mild chilies and Enchilado cheeses topped in roasted corn and black bean salsa result in one hot, savory pizza slice. Meat lovers will also love their Sweet & Spicy Italian Sausages Pizza—a combination of sweet and grilled spicy Italian sausages with tomato sauce, roasted red & yellow peppers, mild onions and Mozzarella cheese.

Aside from pizzas, California Pizza Kitchen also serves a selection of Asian-inspired appetizers and salads. The Bangkok Calamari is a lightly fried calamari dipped in sweet Thai sauce and homemade remoulade, while the Chinese Chicken Salad is made from fresh vegetables, crispy wontons and chilled grilled chicken breast, served with a sweet and sour sesame dressing.

While those looking for a sweet tour of the Western Hemisphere can turn to the European chocolate desserts of California Pizza Kitchen. These confections like the mouthwatering Belgian Chocolate Oatmeal Crunch and Valrhona Chocolate Cake—a French-inspired moist chocolate cake layered with dulce de leche fillings—are delightful pit stops for the palate.

“At California Pizza Kitchen, families can go on a culinary cruise by trying our international selection of hearth-baked pizzas,” says QA Director Jam Olaes. “Not only are they diverse in flavor, but they also use imported ingredients that ensure their freshness and gourmet taste.”

With a culinary tradition that spans across the continents, California Pizza Kitchen is definitely the best place to savor the world gastronomy of California, the melting pot of flavorful cuisines.

For inquiries on reservation or delivery, call California Pizza Kitchen at 867-2115 to 16 (Glorietta 3), 850-5771 (Cortes de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center), 687-7841 to 42 (Shangri-La Plaza Mall), 725-7377 (Greenhills Promenade), 901-3881 to 82 (Trinoma) and 895-3447 (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell).