My Burp-Day Lunch at CPK In Pictures

I chose CPK as my burp-day birthday lunch treat since I've always loved CPK. It was a late lunch that day so would you believe we wolfed it down all, nothing left save for 2 slices to take home.

For starters, I chose the Asian Chicken Salad. The personal size is already good for two people, and I love the healthy combination of greens, fried wonton noodles, carrots, and grilled chicken. The sesame dressing adds zing and zest too. On its own, it makes a light and healthy lunch on a summer day. And it has no beans. You know me with legumes.

The Tomato Basil Pasta is always a classic that I love. Not too stingy and sour and I could finish a personal size in one sitting had I not had the Pizza.

And speaking of pizza, CPK Pizza is one of my favorite non-bloating pizzas. They have creative flavors like the BBQ Chicken, a family favorite. However, here's my recent discovery: have you tried the Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

I had a cold at that time yet I could still taste the spicy hot sauce. The ranch dressing you drizzle on the pizza tames down the spicy-ness. I love veggies so the carrots and celery slices add plus points to this. When I first tasted this, I thought it was a bit spicy. Yet it was addicting, so I kept ordering this. Since it's way spicy, I suggest to share this with friends or with someone who loves spicy foods. Also, constantly request for house water. This is a hot dish. Seriously. Hot but really good.

The CPK crew also was very prompt, something that an impatient person like me loves. They know how to prepare the food. The salad was crisp and the pizza and pasta were hot. I love also how family friendly this place is. They have kiddie cups and coloring sets. They even could accomodate a family of 12, like ours, in all CPK branched we've been to.

Thank you CPK for being part of my birthday and other family-friendly special occasions!

Make-Your-Own-Pizza Night, An Event that Not Even Floods Could Stop

Despite the typhoon howling and the rains pouring, I received an SMS from the event organizing stating that rain or shine, this event would push through-- with great relief as I am halfway my way to Makati... on public transportation as no cab wanted to brave the floods.

At Buendia, the flood was horrendous my usual 45-minute journey on a good, low-peak day became a 2-1/2 hour journey. Buendia was really flooded and the bus had to turn off the airconditioning just to save gas. As the crowd was packing in and the traffic not moving I went down - by this time, the bus has reached Ayala) at Herrera and walked to Glorietta - in 3-inch pointed boots! By that time, I was supposed to meet photographer and new blogger, Marc. I told him I'll meet him at Skin Food, the one near Lacoste. My bad, I forgot there are 2 Lacoste stores in Glorietta, walking again in those killer heels. So I met him in the one near Marks and Spencer and we proceeded to CPK.

I was expecting everyone to be late due to the rains but the function room was packed. But nevertheless, everyone was there and I proceeded to greet AJ a happy birthday!



No one dared to miss Make-Your-Own Pizza Day, where bloggers were tasked to make their own favorite CPK Pizza


"It does not have to be perfect!" was what we were told (although in the CPK kitchen, they make theirs perfect!). Here's a trivia: The ever-so-famous BBQ chicken pizza does not have an ounce of tomato sauce. They use barbecue sauce, cheeses. onions, barbecue grilled chicken, and some cilantro on top. Yumm!

Bloggers were then tasked to make their own pizza with the CPK chefs guiding them. What I love about California Pizza Kitchen is that they're so creative about their pizza. Maybe I can get creative at home with my version from the tips I learned from the event. :)



The crust...



The fillings (under yellow light)


And we also munched on our munchies:

I crush the Sesame Ginger Chicken Dumplings





These babies won Rico's and Marc's appetite.
(Baja Chicken Tortilla Spring Rolls)


The picture was cropped as our makeshift "reflector" (i.e. a white dinner plate) was peeking through. :P Marc's idea of using it as a reflector to brighten the look.


Spotted also in the blogger events are cute KE couple Gary and Jill, who I paused for a bit of chika. I haven't seen these guys since the Carlos Celdran tour we attended. I also paused for a chat with model Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma, who was there as her husband...


RJ Ledesma was the host . He's as witty and funny as he is on his column as he is hosting. :)

Fun Fun Night! I've always been a CPK fan and our family loves having gatherings there. It's kid-friendly too! And if you're a grownup, have a cocktail. I recommend the pina colada! :)