COCONUTS CRITIC’S TABLE — New York City-style pizza is iconic.
Although pizza originated from Italy, it was in NYC where the whole pizza experience was perfected. It’s an experience because it’s typically eaten as a street snack, and as the New Yorkers do, with one’s bare hands. Many have tried to replicate it here in Manila but most pale in comparison to the authentic style.
As pizza has become a no-brainer choice for many Filipinos, the arrival of this pizza-by-the-slice place expectedly created a buzz in the metro — some pleased, some disappointed.
Owned by the same people behind Borough, Nolita (short for North of Little Italy, a neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan in New York City) offers authentic New York-style pizza in a casual self-service fast food setup. It’s got an industrial-looking interior with wooden picnic tables and benches and unique lamp wall accents. It’s the type of place that exudes coolness with its warm vibe.
The Nolita experience may be summarized in seven steps: 1) line up, 2) pick from the menu, 3) pay for your meal, 4) grab your food, 5) find a seat, 6) eat, and 7) repeat.
Huge slices of pizza are displayed by the counter for your picking. They are made fresh every day and are reheated once you’ve placed your order. The pizza is placed on a paper plate that can barely hold it. Nolita’s slice is that big, certainly like no other in the market these days.
If my memory serves me right, I’ve eaten in Nolita for four times already. Whenever that pizza craving kicks in, I always find myself wanting a slice from here, although its branch being in The Fort is quite a disadvantage to a Northerner like me. I wish they’d open a branch in the North area soon.
Last time I dined here with my family, we sampled the following pizza variants: Cheeseburger (P190), Fresh Tomato and Garlic (P170), Pesto Grilled Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato (P250), and Sausage, Onion, and Chili (P220).
As you can see, the prices are a bit high compared to what Pinoys typically shell out for a meal. At first, I was also taken aback. I thought, “P200 for a slice of pizza? Seriously?”
But then, after almost finishing a slice, I felt there was a bit of consolation—that is, Nolita doesn’t scrimp on the ingredients, the pizza isn’t oily and the crust is beautifully cooked. Finishing a slice was quite a struggle for me, because it really fills you and satiates your hunger pangs.
Tip: It’s best if you fold the pizza vertically in half then indulge. I have yet to try the Steak and Eggs, which is only available on weekends, but according to Nolita staffers, it’s one of their bestsellers. On top of each table, bottles of dried oregano, garlic powder, and chili flakes can be found to enhance the pizza’s flavor.
Aside from pizza, Nolita also has sandwiches, a must-try among its lineup is the Fried Peanut Butter Jelly and Sandwich (P250). Other grub available include Bowl of Chili (P240) and Stovetop Mac and Cheese (P330), which has blue cheese, gouda, and white cheddar. The latter has been raved about by many foodies, but personally, I found it bland and overrated, perhaps adding a little bit more cheese to compensate for the priciness would be a great idea.
When you’re feeling down in the dumps and have decided to momentarily erase diet from your vocabulary, Nolita’s door is open to welcome you. Dump your worries in the meantime and help yourself to bites after bites of pizza goodness, perhaps paired with an imported beer from Nolita’s craft beer selection. Cheers to good times!
Located at 7th Ave. corner 29th St. South, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Operating Hours: Sunday and Monday: 11AM to 12MN, Tuesday to Thursday: 11AM to 2AM, Friday and Saturday: 11AM to 5AM
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