Last month, I had the privilege of being one of the invitees to CPK's New Menu Media Launch. California Pizza Kitchen, or CPK, has always innovated themselves; coming out with new menu items every year. This year is no exception. With the theme 'California is a state of mind', not only does it remind you of the adventure, but also of the delicious and diverse food that California has to offer. And I'm one of the lucky ones that get to try it first! So... let's get started!
 |
| New Items 2015 |
 |
| Apple Grape Combo Shake |
I was offered a number of new drinks, and this was what caught my attention. Good choice too, because I loved it! Whoever thought of combining this is a genius.
 |
| Mexicali |
For starters, we had the Mexicali salad. The name is spot on. I loved how they innovated the salad and had us eat it nacho-style. Just scoop up a bit (or a lot!) of the salad into the tortilla and eat! Or you can also opt to crush the tortilla and mix it into the salad.
 |
| Fruit N' Nut |
Mixed fruits, nuts, avocado paired with orange herb vinaigrette. I have just one word for this: refreshing. This is perfect for those who are not so fond of salads.
 |
| Vegetable Primavera |
My first reaction: Meh. After eating a forkful: Oh wow. LOL. I don't know how, but what seemed like a boring pasta has managed to be oh-so-flavorful. Not normally a fan of oil-based pastas but this one has me converted.
 |
| Puttanesca |
Now, we're talking. A bit spicy, but tolerable for people like me who can't stand spicy stuff. And they sure didn't scrimp on the tomatoes. Chunkful of tomatoes in every bite!
 |
| Steak Mushroom + Truffle Pizza |
My favorite of the entire lunch. If you've read through some of my posts, you'd know that I'm a true blue truffle lover. But steak + mushroom + truffle? What sorcery is this?! I'm hooked! Definitely going back for this one!
 |
| Caramelized Apple, Bacon + Gorgonzola Pizza |
A mix of sweet and savory. My seatmate cannot stop gushing over this, and I must admit it was pretty good too. Bacon lovers will definitely dig this.
 |
| Baja Shrimp Pizza |
This one, I felt, had too much going on. But it really does live up to being a Mexicali pizza, with a mix of bold flavors and all. If you love spicy, then the jalapenos will hit the spot.
 |
| Salted Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce |
From the looks of it, the cake looks dry. But I was surprised to find out that it actually wasn't. And for those who are afraid that it might be too sweet, fear not! Because it isn't. The hint of salt perfectly complements it too.
 |
| Queso de Bola Cheesecake |
If you love queso de bola, then this is for you. Imagine slivers of thinly shaved Queso de Bola incorporated with the creamy cheesecake. Oh the texture! Trivia: CPK wanted to inject a bit of Filipino into their desserts and had a well-known Filipino pastry chef come up with this queso de bola cheesecake. Truly Filipino indeed.
So... the verdict? It's been quite a while since I've been to CPK, but I'm glad to know that it's still the same CPK I've loved over the years, and with new scrumptious dishes too! My favorites include the Steak Mushroom + Truffle Pizza, the Fruit N' Nut Salad and the Vegetable Primavera Pasta. But don't just take my word for it, go try them out and let me know your favorites too!
California Pizza Kitchen is at Unit 2302-2304, Mid-level 2/3, East Wing, Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong City. They also have branches in Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 5, Greenhills, Power Plant Mall, Mall of Asia and Century City Mall.
