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.

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.”

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 all of those 365 days that a very special person takes care of everything you need, there’s one particular day that turns the tables around.  On May 9, it’s time to make mom feel really special.

Make it a Mother’s Day to remember by taking her to California Pizza Kitchen.  Receive a FREE mother’s day cupcake with a minimum single receipt dine-in food purchase of P1500.00

MOM’S SWEET DAY happens in all CPK Branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang Town Center (8508771), Shangri-La Plaza Mall (6877841), Promenade Greenhills (7257377), TriNoma (9013881), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

Summertime, for some students, is mostly spent taking a break from school work and other academic activities.  But for the little children who can’t seem to sit still, parents search for ways to keep them busy and keep their learning process going.   It is during these formative years that kids discover or at least try to figure out who they want to be or what they want to be when they grow up.  This is why summer workshops abound everywhere.

These workshops, specially designed for the kids, offer various avenues for learning.  More than what they can learn from school, workshops are great ways tap into the creative skills of children.  During summer, different kinds of workshops are offered that cater to the interests of children.  For those who love performing arts, there are classes that offer training in singing, dancing, and acting; while those who want to keep busy with their hands, there are classes which focus on arts and crafts, teaching students to create something on their own, which they can bring home and show off to their parents.

This May, California Pizza Kitchen is making summertime a fun-filled experience for the kids with “Art Attack”, a summer workshop to be held every Sunday, from 3pm to 5pm.  The first Sunday session on May 9 is even made more special as it also happens to be Mother’s Day.  Students will get to learn how to make pop-up cards especially for their moms.  Armed with art tools, their unmatched enthusiasm, and seemingly endless energy, students of this workshop will definitely enjoy doing something for mom on their own, out of the creativity of their young minds.  The following Sundays will continue to build excitement as kids can learn Basic Drawing and Color Rendering using Oil Pastels (May 16), Origami (May 23), and Recycled Crafts-Making (May 30).

All CPKids club members are invited to join and CPK is giving them free workshop registration for a minimum dine-in receipt worth P700, with a purchase of a CPKids Pizza or Pasta.  The free registration is good for one workshop of choice; but to make this summer complete, all kids are invited to take part in all four (4) workshops.  Not only can they stretch their creative muscles, they can also have fun doing the same activities with other kids, and along the way, make new friends.

Children who are not yet CPKids club members can ask for their servers or Managers-on-Duty to assist them in their club registration.  The CPKids club is open to children 10 years old and below.  To register, visit any of the CPK branches: Glorietta 3 (8939898), Alabang (8505771), Shangri-La (6877841), Greenhills (7257377), TriNoma (9013881), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

For updates, visit www.cpk.com.ph , CPK’s page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines , or follow CPK Philippines on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines .

The CPKids Art Attack Summer Workshop free registration promo is valid from April 28 to May 22.  Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 1832, Series of 2010.