aly's wonderland

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN @ KLCC

Introducing their new menu!

You know what it’s like when you go to a restaurant with absolutely no expectations? Well, I find that’s when you most likely get blown away. At California Pizza Kitchen, or CPK as it’s fondly known, that’s exactly what happened.

I was invited to a tasting at CPK organized by Integrated PR, and I dragged my dear Frat Mustard along with me. We made our way up to the first floor of Suria KLCC, a little just after 8.30pm. The restaurant was much bigger than I expected, with cozy wooded furnishings and an open kitchen that created a busy ambience. Almost all the tables were occupied with smiling diners. Families, after work patrons and friends on a night out, scoffing down delicious looking pizzas.

It was a good first impression.

The evening kicked off with a lively introduction from Shentley Tan (Director of Operations). It was really enlightening to get an insight into the working of a franchise. All the way from humble beginnings in California, USA, CPK has branched out across continents extending all the way to Asia. When they say “Great taste knows no boundaries”, they really mean it!

I think for me, as dish after dish rolled out, the most shocking thing was the quality of ingredients. Portion size, yes, I expected them to be “American Sized”. But the ingredients… pine nuts, cranberries, avocados… very imported, and as from what I know, very pricey. CPK does not compromise on quality, and staff undergo vigorous training at the headquarters in Singapore.

“When we tried making the pizza dough here, it didn’t taste the same. So now, we import the dough frozen directly from California.”

I took pleasure that my pizza had a little ray of Californian sunshine (or at least their kitchen lights) before it went down my gullet.

Moroccan Chicken Salad  (NEW) FULL- RM 32.00, HALF – RM 26.00

Man, this was my ultimate dream lunch. I often pack my own salads to work, as I don’t get a lunch break. “Do you deliver?” I asked with panting puppy eyes. Yes, they do, but only through Room Service. CPK does however offer a convenient takeaway service, and you can place your order on their website.

This salad had everything that would satisfy the rumbling tummy, and it was giant! We had the FULL sized salad, which could feed 4 comfortably. Crispy Romaine lettuce leaves, sticky roasted butternut squash, chewy dates, fresh avocado, toasted almonds, fresh beets, chopped eggs, carrots, dried cranberries and red bell peppers beautifully presented. Oh, not forgetting the tender slices of marinated, Moroccan spiced chicken breast. What a beauty, and what a rollercoaster of textures! Loved it.

Sonora Egg Rolls (NEW) RM 25.00

The portion size here in Asia is slightly smaller to accommodate our appetite. In America, this dish comes with 6 rolls, while here, it comes with 4. More than generous I would say. Hand rolled wonton skins, deep fried to a golden crisp, stuffed to the brim with grilled lime chicken, roasted corn, black bean salsa, Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese, fire roasted mild chillies, green onions and cilantro. A party in my mouth. Make sure you dip in both the tangy tomatilla salsa and creamy ranchito sauce. For extra kick, try the imported ‘Cholula Hot Sauce’.

Frat was on fire!

We skipped the Tuscan White Bean Minestrone (BOWL- RM 15.00, CUP – RM 11.00) and the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich (RM 31.00) for fear of exploding before we’d even begun.

For a simple twist on a classic Italian dish, definitely try CPK’s Pastas.

Pesto Cream Penne (NEW) With Chicken – RM 33.00, With Shrimp – RM 36.00, With both – RM 39.00

Simple, yet effective, and again, the ‘American-ness’ shines though with options of what you can have with your pasta. If there’s ever an ingredient you don’t like, don’t want, or are allergic to, CPK will happily replace or remove it for you with no fuss at all. The pasta was al dente, and the basil-pine nut-pesto cream sauce was rich and herby. You get added bite from the sun dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese.

I recommend sharing this liberal serving.

And then, it was time for the Pizzas.

The Meat Cravers (NEW) RM 38.00, ADD Turkey Bacon – RM 4.00, ADD Fresh Avocado – RM 6.00

Meat cravers all over the world will crumble at the sight of this beauty. On the (imported Californian) dough was a smothering of CPK’s signature tomato sauce, a smattering of sweet Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, turkey bacon, spicy salami, julienne salami, and melted Mozzarella cheese.

Mmm..

Pesto Chicken (NEW) RM 31.00

A wonderfully light, thin crust pizza, sprinkled with grilled chicken breast marinated in a basil-pesto sauce with onions, a layer of stringy Mozzarella cheese, sun dried tomatoes, pesto sauce and crunchy toasted pine nuts. The fresh basil on top smelt so good I almost stole leaves from (ahem) other blogger’s slices.

Cheeseburger Pizza (NEW) ADD Turkey Bacon – RM 4.00, ADD Fresh Avocado – RM 6.00

I haven’t had a takeaway burger in years. I make my own instead. The thought of a pizza that tasted like a cheeseburger sounded appealing though. I was told that the taste of this one strongly resembled the longstanding “Big Mac”.

I took one bite, and it was scary how much that was true. If you like Big Mac’s, or the novelty factor of eating a pizza that tastes like a Big Mac, then this is the pizza for you. Ground beef, caramelized sweet onions, Mozzarella & American cheeses baked, and topped with fresh tomatoes and chilled shredded lettuce. The secret? Well, it’s in the sauce.

And we moved on to our final savoury dish for the evening. The House Specialty.

Ginger Salmon (NEW) RM 43.50

I would never order fish for my main course, purely because I’m not a fish fan, but this Salmon takes the cake. A succulent piece of pan-fried Norwegian Atlantic Salmon, topped with fresh cilantro, green onions and a sweet, fragrant ginger sauce. Crispy on the outside, pink on the inside, perfectly complemented by the wok stirred mix vegetables.

Unfortunately, Frat and I had to rush off before dessert, but I’m sure you can read all about it at jasonmumbles.com, wordspics.com, perutbesi.blogspot.com, gary.blogspot.com.

I guess CPK appeals to a little bit of everyone. Big appetite? Big portions. On a diet? Great salads. Fancy a burger? They’ve made a pizza out of it! Moved back from America? Ahhh, well, a taste of America is just waiting for you.

And finally, if you’re just a true blooded Malaysian who loves good food… well, what are you waiting for? CPK is waiting for you!

CONTACT

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

Lot #140, Level 1, Suria KLCC 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, 90045
Mall is located at the Petronas Twin Towers

Phone: 02-03-2382-0512