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.

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

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

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.

Dining out is increasingly becoming more of a challenge now than ever. Metro residents have to weave their way through increasingly horrendous traffic, which becomes even worse when the rains come. This is certainly a factor to consider, especially when one hungers for favorite restaurant treats.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has come up with an easy solution for regulars who simply cannot have enough of their bestselling dishes, by partnering with Quick Delivery’s reliable food transport service. Instead of having to brave rush hour traffic, CPK customers simply have to dial Quick Delivery’s hotline to order their food and get it deliciously fresh and fast.

Quick Delivery’s state-of-the art services have eliminated the hassles of traditional over-the-phone ordering from casual dining restaurants such as CPK. Instead of having to memorize the phone numbers of the nearest CPK branch, customers simply have to dial 2121212 in order to place their food orders. Those who would like to do their ordering online can also browse on the  CPK website at www.cpk.com.ph or Quick Delivery website, www.quickdelivery.ph to have a full view of the menu and to fill up the ordering form that is conveniently located among the clickable tabs. Other web avenues customers can explore is munchpunch.com or the CPK Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines.

Those who can’t go online but have their cell phones handy can text menu (space) CPK to 2910 to get a list of 18 of CPK’s signature dishes. They can also text (0918)2121212 and expect a callback from Quick Delivery’s customer representatives, who have been trained in the extensive CPK lineup of treats and goodies.

And people who want to go old school and have a hard copy of the menu may also check out Quick Magazine, which is a published compilation of Quick Delivery client menus, available at leading bookstores.

Fully Loaded Menu

And speaking of treats, CPK now has more than 170 irresistible items to choose from, ranging from salads, soups, appetizers, pastas, and desserts, all of which are available for home enjoyment. The starters include the bestselling Barbecue Chicken Chopped Salad, which is a delectable mix of chopped lettuce, black beans, sweet corn, jicama, cilantro, basil, crispy tortilla strips and Monterey Jack cheese, all tossed together in a homemade herb ranch dressing and topped with chopped BBQ chicken breast, fresh diced Roma tomatoes, and green onions; the incomparable Lettuce Wraps (imagine this: minced chicken and/or shrimp, wok-seared with Shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts and green onions in a soy-ginger sauce, served on a bed of crispy rice noodles with a side of spicy chili-ginger sauce); and the hearty and healthy Asparagus Soup, a creamless vegetarian soup garnished with crunchy garlic-herb croutons.

Of course, there are the signature pizza and pasta varieties that CPK is known for, such as the unforgettable Garlic Cream Fettucine and Pesto Cream Penne, plus the popular Pepperoni Supremo and Margherita, which can be ordered in thin crust or honeywheat dough.

You can also spice up your usual order with new additions to the menu. The exciting new additions to the food choices include Baja Fish Tacos, tangy and slightly spicy soft tacos stuffed with mahi-mahi, shredded cabbage, and homemade ranchito sauce, or Steak Tacos, which are filled with savory grilled steak slices, both are served with a crunchy mix of  white and blue corn tortilla chips and a super zesty tomato salsa. The premiere pizza lineup also welcomes newcomers, such as the mouthwatering Cheeseburger Pizza: prime ground Angus beef, caramelized sweet onions, Mozzarella and American cheese, fresh Roma tomatoes and chilled shredded lettuce tossed in a secret sauce; and the unspeakably divine BBQ Chicken with Applewood Smoked Bacon – strips of CPK’s perfectly barbecued chicken, merged with smoked bacon, smoked Gouda and Mozzarella cheeses, smothered in barbecue sauce and topped with sliced onions and cilantro. These can all be accompanied by desserts such as the sweet tooth staple Key Lime Pie, or the latest goodies from the pastry kitchen such as the dreamy, creamy CPK versions of Crème Brulee and Tiramisu.

All of these are available for delivery, freshly-made, and at your doorstep in less than an hour.  Minimum for delivery is P500, but customers can also opt to add P65 to the delivery charge if they have smaller orders. There is also no limit to how many goodies you can have delivered — so regardless if you are ordering for a party, for your family, or for your own personal indulgence, you are able to enjoy your favorite CPK treats at your utmost convenience.

Father’s Day is one of those occasions that kids look forward to as they put in all their efforts to give something special for their dads.  They either flex their creative muscles to make a Father’s Day greeting card or whip up something simple and nice like a Father’s Day cookie, which they decorate on their own.  This is usually the scenario when this time of the year approaches.

But then, there are other sides of Father’s Day that are not as usual as Dad and the entire family going out on that special day.  Father’s Day isn’t only for the kids and their dads to enjoy.  Take for example the relationship of a father-in-law with his son-in-law.  This is a whole different take on Father’s Day as this involves a father-and-son relationship that is beyond what is biological.  Fathers-in-law and sons-in-law are not always expected to be in a harmonious relationship; though there are circumstances that they really get along well just like a true father and son.  But, as a son-in-law, being able to express appreciation and honor to his father-in-law is a good way to jumpstart a much healthier relationship; and Father’s Day is good occasion to start.

And then, there’s the case of the first time dad.  While it is exciting to finally celebrate Father’s Day as an actual dad, celebrating this occasion, for the most part, involves some sort of a bonding time between fathers and their kids; but then, if the kid is too young to actually grasp the meaning of the occasion, Father’s Day somehow loses its value.  Dad would have to wait for his kid a little while  to be old enough to finally understand what Father’s Day is all about.

But the great thing about this occasion is that it suggests the idea of togetherness.  Whether it’s with Dad, Father-in-Law, or First-time Dad, nothing beats the feeling of being with the people closest to you during Father’s Day.  And maybe, that is the logic behind these kinds of occasions being set on a Sunday; because Sunday is indeed a family day.

This is the same belief that California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) shares this Father’s Day.  It doesn’t really matter what kind of father-child relationship you have; as long as the people who are dear to you are with you this occasion, that’s all that really matters.  To make it even more meaningful, CPK offers the best food suggestions that can be shared by the entire family as they celebrate.  Having somebody to enjoy great dishes with makes the occasion all the more unforgettable.  Add to that the fact that sharing good food together is a great way to form stronger bonds among loved ones.

This Father’s Day, CPK offers two of its well-loved dishes.  For a minimum single receipt food purchase of P1500.00, receive a  gift voucher which entitles you to a FREE Chicken Marsala or Jambalaya on your next visit.  Just present the voucher to any CPK restaurant and enjoy your treat on us.

For fathers-in-law and sons-in-law who are celebrating together, the wide range of food selections at CPK is somehow a good way to get to know each other more; as the menu bursts with all sorts of dishes that cater to everyone’s taste.  As for those first-time dads, introducing Dad’s CPK favorites to the kids this early can already create a some sort of tradition that whenever Father’s Day comes, Dad’s favorites from CPK are the ones to order.

This June 20, make it a CPK Father’s Day by making your way to any of the its branches: Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La, Greenhills, TriNoma, Rockwell, and Greenbelt 5.  For more details on celebrating Father’s Day at CPK, visit www.cpk.com.ph or CPK’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines, or  follow CPK on Twitter, www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines.

In this time of economic crisis, spending can sometimes be seen as a luxury. Unless something is really needed, that is the only time that one’s peso is spent. Meanwhile, owning a credit card presents itself as an alternative in terms of purchasing something in an instant, while buying some time to actually pay for it– until the billing statement comes. And while paying for the purchases can hurt a bit, nothing beats getting additional perks from making credit card purchases. It somehow lessens the guilt of having to spend on something.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has partnered with credit card giant Citibank to give its cardholders exclusive perks. For a minimum food purchase of P2000.00, guests who use their Citicards at CPK can enjoy a FREE Dish of the Month. This January, guests who would pay for their CPK food purchases will get a Thai Chicken Pizza to go with the rest their CPK dishes.

The Citibank World Privileges with CPK runs from February 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011. Cardholders can get this exclusive freebie from all branches of CPK: Glorietta 3, Alabang, Shangri-La, Greenhills, Rockwell, TriNoma, and Greenbelt 5.

Filipinos are known to love food; and this passion for good food is often coupled with great company. Whether they are just having a small dinner at home or going out to enjoy a night in the town, food is, and will always be, a part of the Filipinos’ way of getting together.

The idea of pairing wine with some well-loved dishes can be quite daunting to some since most Filipinos as are more familiar with having their dishes with familiar drinks, either soda, juice or iced tea. But what is enlightening about wines is their ability to make or break the dish it is partnered with. The choice of wine can determine what kind of taste the person would like to bring out from the dish. Having wine to go with one’s meals also stimulates the senses, making the dining experience more enjoyable and memorable. From the appearance to the smell and finally to its taste, having wine even with just a regular meal can make a whole lot of difference, but ultimately, it has to complement the dish.

This February, California Pizza Kitchen is giving its guests the experience of having CPK dishes paired with select wines. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this wine pairing activity is ideal especially for those who are still planning on how they want to spend this all-important day. For P595, guests can enjoy a featured CPK dish and a glass wine that will take their dining experience to a whole new different level, compared to their usual soda or iced tea. Aside from the most basic “like-colors-go-together” guideline, which suggests that red or brown dishes go well with red wines and light-colored dishes go with white wines, guests are also in to discover which wines they should go for when they want a certain flavour to stand out in a specific dish.

The CPK wine pairing is scheduled every Thursday of February, 6pm-9pm. Wines are provided by Happy Living Corporation, Philippines and Premium Wine Exchange. For inquiries, call any of the CPK branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang (8505771), Shangri-La (6877841), TriNoma (9013881), Greenhills (7257377), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

The New Year always brings in a mixture of emotions. This suggests two things, a time of looking back and a time of looking forward. For every Filipino, 2009 was bittersweet. There were triumphant times and there were moments of despair. The two typhoons that hit the country seemed to dampen, literally, major parts of the country. Yet, these same events showed the survival spirit of the Filipino and our willingness to come together in times of trouble. There was worldwide concern and assistance and there was even more accolade regarding our ability to rebuild our communities quickly. A Filipino’s pride restored during the most trying of times. That was 2009 leading to 2010.

Celebrating the turn of another year gives everyone a hope that things are always going to get better. People set personal goals and expectations to motivate them to succeed. The new year lends itself to change for the better.

To start the year right, California Pizza Kitchen is giving its guests the go-to dessert. Tiramisu, an Italian term for “pick me up” is just perfect for what it does. It’s a great reward to oneself for a job well done and, just as its name suggests, it’s a pick-me-up dessert that can motivate someone to do better.

Guests can enjoy a free serving of tiramisu when they order from a selection of CPK’s Neapolitan pizzas or Specialty dishes. This sweet treat to start the year runs from January 11 until February 22, 2010. Promo is available in all CPK branches.

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), 895-3447 (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell) and 401-7160/572-5965 (Greenbelt 5).