The Hollywood Menu @ California Pizza Kitchen, India

It's been an year in Chennai and I am amazed to see inauguration of many Global Chains of Restaurants and Malls for us to explore and this CPK is a latest extension to it. So whenever possible and time permits I recommend that we should try out such gourmet restaurants just once and then place our opinions.

Well, it's been a first time when that I have reviewed the same restaurant mainly for two reasons. Firstly I had liked their innovative style of pizza and other dishes in my last visit and secondly they have introduced a new range of menu called as  "Hollywood Menu". "Why they have named it Hollywood Menu" well upon asking they just said these dishes features Hollywood's most wanted dishes. 

Moreover I needed a break for myself as my son's exams season is making me home arrested. So one fine evening we went to taste new dishes on the menu but only for a short time. This special Hollywood menu was introduced on 24 Feb 2014 and will continue till 16 March 2014. The range mainly consists of five special pizzas, two special pastas, Peri Peri Chicken and a dessert called as California Delight. I will post about the dishes I had tasted.

Since CKP is yet to get liquor permit they have two Mocktails to offer Mango Mint Ecstasy : A combination of mango pulp, mint leaves, sweet and an orange slice. It was on a sweeter note. Sipped Pineapple Twister which my friend Pari had ordered. I liked it more as it was well balanced with pineapple juice, lemon chunks and floating mint for flavours. Both are priced Rs 195 each.

Pizzas: 

Hawaian Chicken & Grilled Pizza (Rs. 445 for a 9")

Grilled Pineapple and Garlic chicken with their own pizza sauce on a tradition crust was ok. The pizza base was chewy.

Jamaican Jerk & Chicken Pizza(Rs. 545 for a 9")

Sweet and spicy Caribbean sauce with grilled chicken, roasted peppers on a traditional crust were going well but again the dough I believe wasn't fresh.

Rustica Pizza( Rs. 445 for a 9")

This is CKP's perhaps best pizza ! Yes their take on Italian classic that has grilled zucchini, green olives, mushrooms spread on a thin and crispy crust. Non vegetarians can add garlic chicken with an addition of Rs.70 only. Don't miss this one !!

Deli Styled Bistro Pizza (Rs. 575 for a 9")

This truly is your destination if you are a ham & bacon lover. Italian sausages, ham and Canadian bacon with loads of rocket leaves and bocconcini on a crisp thin pizza !!

Pasta:

Spaghetti Carretierra (Rs.425)

The tangy creamy sauce caught my attention the hot red chilies, bocconcini and some pepper powder couldn't save this pasta as the half cooked pasta isn't going to do any good to your digestion.

Mediterranean Roasted Mushroom Spaghettini has roasted mushrooms, garlic, onions, serrano chilies along with Mediterranean herbs in it but it was a tad too dry for me. Perhaps a bit of olive oil and salt could have done wonders. 

Specialties:

California Peri Peri Chicken (Rs.575)

I loved everything about this ! A boneless grilled chicken with their special peri peri marinade and baked in a creamy sauce is served with sauteed vegetables. If you are coming alone then order this peri peri chicken blindly, you won't regret it !

Spinach & Paneer Malfati with Milan Sauce (Rs. 575)

My vegetarian friends were ga ga over it ! Tender spinach & paneer gnoccchi style dumplings in a creamy caramelized sauce that has goat cheese in it. 

Dessert:

California Delight (Rs.215)

Ahh I will come back for this again sure !! A trio of white chocolate, strawberry & dark chocolate mousse with cranberries and almond praline was the showstealer (though the praline was hardly noticeable) ! Well presented with cinnamon sprinkled pita bread with honey, which I would give it a pass ;-) 

The overall experience was good, perhaps they could do more justice to the theme 'Hollywood Menu'. 

Address:

California Pizza Kitchen

Phoenix Market City, Ground floor, Velachery

Chennai 

Ph- 044 65108888

Parking: Yes | Special Hollywood Menu: 24 Feb 2014- 16 March 2014 | Credit Card: Yes

Website: www.cpk.com

Disclaimer: This review is solely based on my personal experience and opinion.