Mad for Pizza, Toppings All You Want!

Without question, my family is definitely mad for pizza, as if it's meant  to be devoured.  My kids think of it as the greatest invention in the history of mankind, hmmm I guess next to computers.  Whoever have invented it must have been really friends with the food God.  On the contrary, I somehow see it as a work of art and a feast in itself.  No matter what shape it may take up, it still look and smell incredibly delish.
So, when an invitation landed on my inbox to try a newly opened pizza joint and restaurant, I could not say no, even if I have a scheduled engagement on the same date.

I’m an emotional eater. If something’s worth celebrating, we’re going to grab pizza. If it’s going bad, girl, pass me the steaks and desserts.  How about you?  So, nothing could be a better answer to that than knowing there is a place where your cravings can be satisfied to the brim without burning a hole in your pocket.  No matter what type of food you're craving for.
Mad for Pizza is our place, located at  Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato.
I can't really tell whether the owner's character were embedded in the design concerns of the restaurant.  I find the place very masculine yet brisk.  Wooden floors, long wooden bench on one side of the resto, vintage-look metal chairs and a long bar on the other side of the room, all seemed to be elements of simple, sporty interior vibe the restaurant may want to render.
However, Mad for Pizza still is a great place to bring your family or friends with its wide dining venue and the open kitchen is one heck of a showcase for everyone as well.

Let's Talk About Pizza First

Andross' Choice (P 250)

Anya's Creation (P 250)

Justine's Favorite (P 250)

As suggested by the owners, if you can't seem to find time choosing what to put on your pizza, one can opt to have the three recommended pizza creations - Andross' Choice, Anya's Creation and Justine's Favorite, each for a very affordable cost of P 250.

Not only that pizza is an all-time favorite comfort food, it also is fun designing your own kind.  With pizza joints adapting a concept where diners have the freedom of putting their choice of toppings, Mad for Pizza's open kitchen is brimming with high-quality sauces, cheeses, meats, and vegetables plus four options of crisp and chewy homemade doughs.   At the top of the open kitchen is the huge painted wall on how to go about customizing your pizza.

The toppings all-you-can pizza is very affordable at P280, diners are also assured that the preparation stay interesting with its expansive, forty choices of garnishes —no shortcuts, all-natural and flavorful. To begin with, the  pizza doughs available in Classic, Garlic Parmesan, Herb, and Spinach are especially prepared in-house which takes up a notch the pizza experience.

You can easily judge how meticulous the staff are when making your pizza.

Even your choice of crust is made from scratch.

And tadahhh!...

The photos above are some of the customized pizza created for my blogger friends.

Don't you think with these, pizza is like the entire food pyramid already!

A Feast of Flavors at Mad for Pizza

An afternoon of delightfully prepared plates awaited us.  I began the feast with Rock and Roll Nachos (P 178).  The crisp nachos were smothered with chili, drizzled with melted cheddar cheese and light mayo.

The house salad is your regular salad greens but made fruity with an addition of peach slices.  Already spiked with a tangy vinaigrette when served at P 158 only.

One of the dishes I truly like is the Beef Stew Pasta (P188).  I was however getting a bit of an earthy taste (like a hint of coffee on the sauce or maybe a deglazed cooking wine).  The rich sauce clinging to the rigatoni pasta  mimicked the luxurious, mouth-coating texture of beef stews made with homemade stock. According to them, the sauce is infused with tomato based sauce mixed with stewed slices of smoky Angus beef belly.

Here now is the "Amboy" (P 218), a dish they take pride on.  It's actually an Angus Beef Belly in Adobo Sauce. 

Prepped and tenderized through overnight marination to ensure its melt-in-your-mouth texture, the semi-sweet adobo sauce that lingers in the meat gives this dish a delicious Filipino-American flair while heightening the beef belly’s tasty components.

 While for those who opt to enjoy a seared and fried dish, Classic Fish and Chips (P188) is a meltingly tender dory fish wrapped in crispy, lightly coated pancake breading with a whiff of vanilla essence.  Aside from the hefty serving, its freshness also makes the dish enjoyable in more ways than one.

Strawberry Mango Iced Tea

Frozen Iced Tea

Salted Caramel Milkshake

When it comes to beverage selections, Mad for Pizza introduces edgy, perfect for family drinks that is every bit refreshing. Currently popular is the Frozen Iced Tea (P98) which possesses a smoothness that’s perfect for all types of grubs and made luscious with concentrated iced tea, and pineapple with the tang of calamansi.

For a beverage that’s both satisfyingly stimulating and can qualify as a dessert drink, Salted Caramel Milkshake (P98)  features the clever flavors of vanilla ice cream, and caramel  sauce with salt infusion.
Chilling out is usually synonymous with beer, so what else can be a better way to enjoy an oven-fresh pizza other than an ice cold, crisp and malty draft beer.

Look forward to premier brands Hoegarden and Stella Artois, which works well with scorched, crusty and meaty pizzas. Aside from the fact that draft beer clearly stands out for its smoother taste, beer lovers will agree that there’s always a better experience with beer drawn from a tap since it signifies a celebration in every sip.

Cocktail drinks are also perfected by the experts—everything’s a no-fuss drink which stands out for its festive 21 oz sizes and flavors with a punch. All at P180 per serving, the Margarita, Sea Breeze, and Mojito are deliciously sophisticated and awakens the palate. But if on the look out for something familiar that step right up to company, the bright and sharp taste of San Miguel Pale Pilsen will never disappoint.

For a sweet ending, you can choose from four choices all having a price of P 88.  Have the Banoffie Cubbler, potassium filled with enough banana slices, to satisfy your craving for a creamy yet hearty dessert.

Maybe you are feeling extremely bummed out or on the other hand gay after completing some tasks, it's good to reward yourself with a mango topped Panna Cota. A dessert that has an exceptionally light and silky mouthfeel bursting with creamy goodness.

I can more or less agree that when it comes to food, there’s always a better experience when choices are affordable, big serving and offers many options. Mad for Pizza truly combines the best of both worlds where feast and flavors meet, an affordable indulgence without the compromise on quality, plus a pleasant venue for foodies hankering for delicious food and few drinks.

Mad for Pizza
Address: 2/F Il Terrazzo Building, 305 Tomas Morato Ave. corner Scout Madriñan St. Quezon City,
For delivery and take out, call (02) 3512621.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadForPizzaPh?fref=photo
Instagram and Twitter:  @MadForPizza 

CPK at SM Mall of Asia with the Pack

Eating with our kiddos has been all-fun yet getting more costly.  I'm not sure whether I'll be proud or happy that we are raising foodies or critics or just always a hungry pack .  

They pretty much know where to go for good pizzas and pastas.  Their favorite, California Pizza Kitchen and sure know how to dress for it as well.

After attending Danielle's graduation ceremony at PICC, they chose to have lunch at CPK Mall of Asia. This time the grad gal doesn't need to be dolled up (see how disappointed she is), however, with the bare make-up necessities I have stocked for that special occasion, she managed to wear a not too shabby make-up look.

My son as usual wore something he usually wear, men's jacket and his denims,while the girls garbed their favorite dresses. 

You might ask, why would my son wear men's jackets.  I have explained it at my other blog and why teen boys and men alike should too.  Read it here.

If you realized that you need one, I would suggest you check out Zalora.com.ph.  

Moving on...this post is actually dedicated to the daughter who graduated from high school and celebrating it at CPK.

"Yes, my favorite pizza," she quivers.

Those are chicken fingers, the minute after it has bee placed on the table.  Gone by the minute...The crispy chicken fritters are served with potato fries (with their skins) and garlic-lime mayo dip and marinara sauce.

Danielle ordered this huge plate of Grilled Sausage and Pepper Penne. The penne was gobbled down all by herself has slices of grilled spicy Italian sausage, mild onions, red and yellow peppers and Parmesan cheese in CPK's own Marinara sauce

For the tiddle tots is a huge plate of Spaghetti Carbonara.  They just love the texture of the sauteed applewood smoked bacon, mashed up with petite peas and Italian parsley in a Romano cheese cream sauce

Vintage pizzas for sharing.  And more pizzas...Also, I want to make a mention to the wait staff who served us for giving as complimentary house brewed iced tea for the kids.
CPK has always been loved by this pack.

California Pizza Kitchen's EAT. SNAP. UPLOAD.

I'm one happy camper!  As I was once again reunited with my favorite pizzas from California Pizza Kitchen. Each slice of pizza happiness is the closest thing to stepping in California and I don't need to get a Visa. Of course, my visit to CPK, Greenbelt was a secret to my kids.  Else they'd get dismayed if I didn't bring them along.  You see, if  my kids were to ask about a food they like best, they would shout out pizza in a heartbeat.  

The first time they tried CPK was during the time they revamped their menu with the addition of the vintage pizzas.  They found Santa Fe Chicken Pizza interesting with the guacamole and all, while the Tostada Chicken Pizza won them over with the crispy tortilla chips which are home made btw, they would always ask their Dad to go back for some.  

We have always been a creature of habit, though they have favorite thin crust pizza choices already they have added CPK on their list and I love it when they try to explore on new food fare.

I guess I have already told you a part of the story of my kids' love to pizza.  Or did I tell too much?
Now, it's your turn to tell your story, who knows you might bring home your favorite CPK pizzas for FREE!

National Pizza Day Announced at CPK's Eastwood Branch Launch

A call to the pizza-loving nation!

Mark your calendars on August 15, 2013 as California Pizza Kitchen opens all their 10 branches in celebrating the annual National Pizza Day.  

Since last year, the restaurant has started commemorating by giving away free pizza with every pizza order.  The one-day event has drawn up lines of diners outside each restaurant.

In lieu of this event, they have added five more pizza varieties.  

Choose from Caprese, Garlic Chicken, Wild Mushroom, Hawaiian, & Untraditional Cheese and get your next pizza, for FREEE!

 Incorporating tradition and heritage into the pizza making process, creates what are arguably some of the better pizzas.

Agree or disagree? 

At the opening of CPK’s tenth restaurant which is at the ground floor of Eastwood Mall, the people operating for GRC Inc, have stressed out that CPK has remained true to its DNA in serving the best pizzas which are traditionally prepared and also with other menu items which have passed through some in-depth research, which mainly focused on what the clients want.  

Global Restaurant Concepts Inc. (GRC) unveiled its first restaurant concept with California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in the Philippines in 1997.  It was the first international franchise to be granted by the US pizza chain.  Sixteen years and ten branches later, CPK continues to dominate the premium pizza restaurant experience by opening two more outlets before the year ends.

             GRC President and CEO Archie Rodriguez, who has been there since the restaurant’s local entry, recalled that it took awhile for the US pizza company to warm up to the idea of an international branch.  “Convincing the founders that the Philippine market was prime took over three years, but we stayed focused and true to our commitment to sign the brand.  It took time, but we believed in investing in our people and country,” he said.

        Local and big international restaurant brands had been operating longer when CPK arrived.  Among pizza restaurants then, there were a few brands that catered mostly to the mass market.  “There was no family restaurant that offered unique premium pizzas and a variety of dishes inspired by global flavors.  CPK was all about innovation and it was this creativity and commitment to quality that really made us stand out in the crowd,” Rodriguez said.

            As Manuel Zubiri, GRC Vice President and Purchasing and Facilities Management Director added, "as you can see, the new stores have maintained the menu, what the oldies like, also, while in a way to reach out to the younger generations by creating pizza varieties that would suit their taste.   This stand true as we have brought back the vintage pizzas.  With this minor changes, we also needed to reinvent the look of the stores."  

           With the new stores like the ones at The Fort and at the newest branch in Eastwood, they have taken out the black colors and maintained the vibrant yellow tones.  Making the dining venues lighter to look at and thus more comfortable. 

           CPK refers to it as their “pizza authority,” a claim now backed by 16 years in the Filipino palate, an expanding branch network and an ever evolving menu of gourmet pizzas, pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, desserts and appetizers.  It is also among the few non-Italian pizza restaurants that offer a wide variety of wine and beverages.

            “Filipinos have become more discerning and mature in their choices.  They are more health-conscious; they look for variety in the menu and are willing to try something new while they keep their loyalty to the classic dishes.  Value for them is no longer just about the price but the quality that also goes with it---exceptional service and great ambiance,” he added.   “There are so many options that you have to work even harder to amaze your customer each time.”

            For their first restaurant outside Metro Manila, CPK opened in Harbor Point Mall in Subic last year.   The company has received calls to open outside Metro Manila, but visibility and accessibility is regarded highly in location choices.  “I must admit that when we look at markets outside the metro, we are a little more careful.  Each location needs careful planning and study.  But with the right partner and the right location, we are confident we can do well,” Rodriguez added.

            By the fourth quarter, CPK’s 11^th restaurant will be located in SM Mall of Asia.

        Even with the rise of both home grown and foreign pizza brands, Rodriguez remains upbeat about CPK’s growth in the country.  After convincing US principals of the Philippines’ market potential and building a 16-year old restaurant brand, Rodriguez has learned a great deal from CPK’s continuing story. 

Going back to the pizzas...           

               Do you want to know how the five new pizza tickled my palate (and filled my tummy)?

           After a trencher of three different salads in one plate, I started hashing on the different pizzas that was made for us to try on the opening of Eastwood branch.  

        The first to be served was Garlic Chicken.  If you love garlic and know it's health benefits, then this is your pizza.  A considerable helpings of roasted garlic, grilled chicken, caramelized onions and slivered scallions all woven together with not one kind of cheese but two, Mozarella and Parmesan.

    My favorite among the five is this - Caprese.  Why? Because it has pesto.  This may look like a simply pizza pie topped with summer veggies resembling Bruschetta.  Simply vision it this way, your crust, made the traditional way, topped with basil cashew pesto, whole juicy cherry tomatoes, Mozarella and fresh Mozarella (Oh yes, there is a difference) and fresh basil leaves.  Oh before I forget, thinly sliced Grana Padano Parmesan were substantially scattered.  So how can you get more Italian than that?

      If you are into mushrooms, or is just so absorbed with the different types of mushrooms,  or a mycologist who is into the study of it, then you'd definitely be interested on this pizza- Wild Mushroom.  Shitake, Abalone and white mushrooms are sliced and morphed with Mozarella, Romano and Parmesan.  The savoriness fueled with garlic olive oil and slivered scallions and heightened it more with mushroom olive oil.  However, the wait staff will ask you whether you want to have it drizzled with mushroom olive oil,  a 15-days infusion of mushroom and olive oil.

   However, if you on the other hand want it up-front simple yet simply satisfying, I recommend the Untraditional Cheese.  Isn't it obvious, the only topping is cheese and lots of it.  I also loved the idea of putting a blob of fresh Mozzarella balls on top of the tomato sauce.

 Not in the photo is the good old Hawaiian.  Regular diners have constantly asked why they don't have the variety, which the other franchises have, "the one with pineapple slices."  But not a daunting task to compare CPK's new Hawaiian from the others, Aside from pineapples, it is also beautified with Canadian bacon, slivered scallions and Mozzarella atop their perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, not salty, not sweet, not even sour, just the right tang.

           While you are at it, have some pasta to go with the equally delish pizza.   Esteemed by Mr. Zubiri is this plate of Portobello Mushroom Ravioli.  The mix composed of Portobello mushrooms, herbs and cheese filled a freshly-made rosemary-flavored ravioli. Topped with imported Italian tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic  or garlic-Parmesan cream sauce

         Need to make a quick mention of my refreshing bottomless glass of Peach Lemonade and the uber-huge stemmed glass of Turtle Sundae.  Turtle Sundae is a layer of Vanilla Ice cream, choco fudge, caramelized walnuts, and tons of whipped cream, and of course a cherry on top.  We all shared one glass, since it's really big, maybe good for three persons.  However, I  find the ice cream served less than the cream.  This would be a total sweet-ending if served with more ice cream and choco-fudge.

           End note from the blogger:  Sorry for the crappy photos, my DSLR broke, so I have no choice than to use my Samsung S3 phone for this, and also that explains why I'm not so visible in the event scenes.

        Anyhow, even without that palatable shots, I know that a lot of people would stand as witnesses as how CPK through out their 16 years manage being the pizza authority.

      Visit CPK in the following locations: Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoma, Greenhills Promenade, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 5, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Subic Harbor Point Mall, W Global Center Bonifacio Global City and Eastwood Mall. 

 For latest news and updates, follow CPKPhilippines on Facebook and Twitter.

An Outrageously Filling Dinner at Uno Pizzeria

Let's talk about passion. 

During my daughter's birthday,  hubby and I were actually thinking of where to bring the kids for dinner, they are four , bytheway,  having to consider what each one likes and what they are to say with what they may order.   Passions means differently for every people.  It defines how they look at life and what actions they do in lieu of it.   

For a food blogger, it may be about cacoethes or admiration on food and anything that surrounds the idea of it.   For an advocate it may be the strong feeling of doing something worthwhile and thus becoming a catalyst of change.  For parents like us, it is an encompassing emotion that you do to give your kids joy, and my case, the joy of eating.   HHmmm...Funny, I guess,  that could be why I was named  Joy, one of my passion is really being able to give joy in whatever I do for others and therefore doubling the joy that ricochets back at me.

I posted a blog already about how we made our daughter simply happy, with her classmates and her surprise cake and a tour at Cosmic Center.  As a continuation to my daughter's birthday celebration, we decided to go to Uno Pizzeria.

And passion indeed nails down Uno Pizzeria's fair game.   Their enthusiasm in giving every customers their dining and yeah, entertainment pauperism take in customers.   This isn't our first time to eat here.    I did thought though that this is not an establishment where couples or families with kids could enjoy.   I was wronged.    Well good thing we did come back, for me to find that out.   You'll see as you scroll down further and check the pictures out.

They were renovating when we visited, and it wasn't crowded for it was Thursday, however I've heard that usually they are at night especially weekends.   Now they have family packages in their menu ranging from P800 to P 1300,   which is quite hefty for 4 to 5 angry tummies.

We had the package complete with pasta, side dish, chicken and rice, pizza and pitcher of iced tea.  The Buttered Chicken came out with plate-full of large Onion Rings.    The steamy rice came in next, that's the time my kids were clapping their hands in awe, all ready for their challenging taste test.   These crispy-liscious chicken won me over.  The glaze is adorable, the buttery scent and flavor adds to it.   Though the sauce were smothered as if sticking to the outside of the meat, didn't  ruin the crispiness of the skin., but the inside was soft and savory.

The Onion Rings was not so sale-able for my kids,  for one, they don't eat raw onions, however they did make some bites.   My husband and I liked it, it's more like an onion tempura and when dipped to the dressing becomes a snack in itself.

And the plate that emptied first, the one with Shrimp Scampi.   The pasta (lunga),  seemed to me like one of my favorite pasta dish,  Sphagettini al Gamberi, though this one has cream sauce.  I just can't remember if it's cheesy as a Mornay Sauce or just light as bechamel sauce, whatever it may be, all I remember is that it left us all speechless when our mouths were filled with them.  

The highlight of the evening...tadahhh!,  Cheeseburger Pizza.   Dear God, this pizza is so big  and the savory aroma (like that of a fave cheeseburger of mine) almost enveloped the whole table,  our tummies are a bit full, but we dare not give in the the pizza's calling.   As you can see, my son was so thankful, and looked as if he might be in pizza paradise, as we were able to give them out of our passion, the dinner we haven't had for months now.  A dinner full of precious family time.   Do you think we finished the pizza?   They tried, oops, that doesn't mean they didn't like it, they couldn't finish it.   The pizza, full of beefy and cheesy goodness, qualifies as one of the best pizza in town.   I did like the pizza we had also, the last time we went there, well that's way back June.

The Pizza-monsters, hihihi, I don't know what my daughter is doing at this picture, but everyone sure did revel  my daughter's birthday.

Now the perfect endings, for a passion full of revelry with refreshing Parfaits for dessert.   

Dana with Calamansi Sherbet/Sorbet with toppings-galore.  Thanks Miss Girlie Herrera ( the restaurant Supervisor), for these sweet treats.   The icy, tangy and lucet desserts are perfect for these tummy-filling meal.   I never really thought that a hint of chocolate blends in so well with crystallized Calamansi and Lychee puree.

Chocolate Parfait for the birthday celebrant.   Indeed, we felt the passion from Uno Pizzeria Ristorante Bar.

Tutti i migliori a tutti Uno Pizzeria (all the best to everyone at Uno Pizzeria)


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This is my also my entry for Food Trip Friday's meme...