foodpassion – On Purple Wings

California Pizza Kitchen – Taking Italian food seriously like Italians do

“Italian food is all about ingredients, and it’s not fussy and it’s not fancy.”~Woflgang Puck~

At Alabang Town Center, there is a wide array of Italian restaurants which you can choose from, such as Italiannis, Brooklyn Pizza, Amici, Cibo to name a few. When one I frequented. California Pizza Kitchen. It has been there as long as I can remember. I even have a photo with a friend at CPK more than 10 years ago.

So what’s the secret of a place to keep on thriving and remain strong despite of the numerous newly-constructed restaurants which offers the same products like they do.

Yes, CPK originated in the USA, created and owned by Americans, who put some tweaks on this traditional Italian dish and really took it seriously.

I think they do not stop researching for trends, they update their menu and they give out promotions during occasion constantly.

Their nachos now are colored when more than 10 years ago it’s just the usual yellow orange-colored chips. The ingredients they used are fresh and even the condiments are always updated, when it’s just Tabasco in the past years, they sense the demands of picky eaters and Sriracha or Cholulas are always ready on their tables.

Even the logo speaks for a thousand descriptions bringing you to this state where the legendary palm trees abound among other famous trees in California, from there to almost every part of the globe including the Philippines. =)

From 1985 to 2012 to present. =)

And of course not to forget mentioning the training they provide to their people extensive enough to keep customers coming. They keep this ROCK principle (rock philosophy: respect, opportunity, communication, kindness). Allowing their people to be inspired while at work.

So these are some of what they have in their menus:

I am not so much a fan of barbecue flavored stuff, but this hand-tossed pizza had me craving for more. I am used to pepperonis, so this one is new to me, and I really liked it. It is flavorful but not tiring and its’ spiciness is something I can tolerate. I’ve shared before I am not into spicy food, but this one is okay with me. =)

The usual item that we asked to “advance call” is the nachos, we had this dip I so love, I wanted to do it at home. It’s their spinach artichoke dip, healthy and fun to eat too.

We tried one of the pastas too, vegetable primavera, which is also a healthy option.

The flat bread with four cheese dip: hearth-baked mozzarella, queso quesadilla, smoked Gouda and Velveeta is so addicting.

I learned from the Restaurant Manager that Velveeta is a brand name compared to an American cheese, which texture is softer and smoother than a processed cheese. It is supposed to be consumed in moderation due to its’ high sodium content and preservatives.

While Gouda cheese is all natural from cow’s milk. Aside from the calories it’ll add to your diet, and fats, it’ll give you a little amount of calcium too. So, not bad.

The menu says “green mango salad” though I had yellow mangoes in it and I didn’t bother to contest it, it tasted really good, crunchy, fresh, a little bit funky like I’m a veggie lover all my life remember?

So if you happen to visit Alabang Town Center and loves Italian food, you will have a lot of choices, and I’d like to personally recommend that CPK would be one of them. Happy eating!

You can find them in the following addresses:

Alabang Town Center
Greenbelt 5
Bonifacio High Street
Shangri-la Plaza Mall
Century City Mall
Promenade Mall
SM Mall of Asia

You can also find them from time to time, offering promotions at Metrodeal (http://www.metrodeal.com/) if you want to enjoy great deals.

Taza Mia – Another local entry for coffee lovers…

Just last week, we just had nachos with artisanal coffee at Taza Mia which is located at SM Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This is my __th coffee for the week on top of my usual intakes at home. Which is kind of crazy to think about.

taza lights — Storefront… those lights I so like! =)

Though, having tried this with a long time friend cum foodie buddy (travel buddy too), is a time well spent away from the stress of life. Besides, she likes what I like and wherever I drag her, she is so willing to go and even if it’s not more of her, she is always willing to give it a try. To be adventurous is cool.

While we were checking their menu, it is on an easel at their storefront, what I tried to find first is if they have nachos. And they have it so off we go to this 2 seater sofa and wood-finish laminated table and placed our order immediately.

It’d be always this usual combination. Our choice of coffee, nachos and blueberry cheesecake. According to the attendant, they run out of the cake and so we just had nachos. I had their roasted caramel iced coffee and Jen grab a fresh brewed in butterscotch variant.

We liked it that the salsa is served separately with the nacho chips. It’s tidier to consume and not like those that salsa were already there as toppings. It usually consume too much tissues.

Now comes the verdict on the coffee. I really like what I had. Jen liked her choice too.

I also discover in amazement that beans of Taza Mia is sourced-out locally, specifically from Lipa, Batangas. And with their ambiance, the great taste of their coffee, I think they would succeed in being a local chain of cafes in the country.

Looking around, the shop was well thought-of. From the interiors, their menu, their furniture, the tableware are personalized/ logoed, they have paper mats and tissues with their logos on it, and of course, one of the most important criteria in judging a restaurant, is the stance of their staff.