Nolita at Bonifacio High Street: New York Pizzas at its finest

WHEN IN MANILA and looking for a great pizza place, go to Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and you will find NOLITA – serving authentic New York style pizzas.

Having just opened mid-January of this year, NOLITA is already creating a buzz in Bonifacio High Street Central.

James Patrick Santos (Managing Partner) | Chef Cuit Kaufman (Head-Chef)

The masterminds behind this hip pizza place are the same people from Borough in Podium.

The upbeat music partnered with the chic interior in Nolita lets you have that great ambiance while having a casual dining fast-food experience.

Nolita’s name is short for “North of Little Italy,” a neighborhood in New York where Chef Cuit had fond memories of great New York style pizzas. Almost everything from the menu is made from scratch – from the sauce, to crust and bread.

You have to follow the 7 easy steps in ordering New York Italian inspired pizzas at Nolita. Line up, pick from the menu, pay for your meal, grab your food, find a seat, eat and REPEAT.

To fully enjoy your New York style pizza, make sure that you follow the number one rule: eat with your hands.

I was already too excited to eat our pizzas but of course, we had to wash our hands first. Since Nolita encourages the customers to eat with their hands, a washing area was provided – complete with soap, water and paper towels.

So far, ordering pizzas in Nolita is by the slice only. Their pizzas are 20 – 22 inches in diameter so each slice is really huge. By April 2012, they might be ready for delivery within the Fort area and whole 18-inch pizzas will be offered with a maximum of two flavor combinations.

Chicken Parmesan (Php 230)

fried chicken cutlets, onions, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese and more cheese

This is Chef Cuit’s personal favorite and also one of Nolita’s best-sellers so we just had to try this! Wow! it was packed with flavor – very tasty indeed. Super yummy! I added crushed chili peppers on my pizza for that extra special spicy kick. Nolita provides the three basic New York pizza place condiments – dried oregano, granulated garlic powder and chili flakes. A sprinkle of this and that will surely enhance the taste of your food.

 Spinach and Artichoke Pizza (Php 220)

spinach, artichoke, pesto sauce, cheese

Nolita’s spinach and artichoke pizza was my favorite! I enjoyed the generous serving of ricotta cheese and artichokes on my slice. The basil leaves and pesto sauce were perfect with the creamy sauce on the pizza. It was heaven in every bite.

Wild Mushroom Walnut Blue (Php 250)

wild mushrooms, blue cheese, crushed walnuts

If you love blue cheese, then Nolita’s Wild Mushroom Walnut Blue is for you! The crunchy thin crust complimented the fusion of flavors of the blue cheese and wild mushrooms. The crushed walnuts also added texture to every bite. Now I am confused which one is really my favorite. I am just so happy that Nolita has finally opened and now I know where to get really good authentic New York style pizzas.

Chef Cuit is very particular with the texture of Nolita‘s pies. The secret to their mouth-watering pies are in the crust – crispy and oh so yummy!

He wants to bring the New York experience here in Manila that’s why he created all the pies from his childhood experience in New York.

Mac and Cheese (Php 330; add Php 50 for gluten-free macaroni)

blue cheese, gouda, white cheddar

This is nothing like your ordinary mac and cheese. Nolita did not scrimp on the cheese and you will definitely taste all the fine selection of cheeses in it.

Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich (Php 230)

peanut butter, jelly (strawberry jam or grape jelly), home-made brioche bread

Patrick, the owner, said that this is his favorite sandwich in Nolita. When it arrived on the table, we were surprised with the size of their home-made bread – it was really big; but, it was gone in less than a minute. Why? because it was THAT GOOD! Everyone (without peanut allergy) should ORDER THIS! Looking at the picture makes me want to go back to Nolita now just to order their special peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Sandwich with Parmesan Cheese (Php 280)

grilled chicken breast, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, sesame semolina bread

Among Nolita’s sandwiches, this was Chef Cuit’s personal favorite. He partners the chicken and broccoli with the home-made sesame semolina bread for the nutty flavor. This is the ultimate comfort food. The chicken was tender and grilled to perfection while the broccoli flowers were blanched and sauteed with chili flakes. If you don’t like spicy, you may request for them not to add the chili flakes.

Imported beers (Php 170 – Php 260)

Nolita also serves imported beers to be paired with their pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. If you are unsure which beer to choose, just ask the staffs and they will recommend the best partner with your meal.

Mojito | WatermeLonade (Php 160)

Nolita’s refreshing house cocktails can be ordered spiked or virgin. We tried the Mojito and the Watermelon Lemonade. Both were perfect coolers especially this coming summer season.

Cannoli (Php 85)

ricotta cream, choco-chips, home-made candied orange peel, pistachio nuts

Another authentic find from Nolita (North of Little Italy). The cannoli was delectable. I loved the whipped ricotta cream filling with chocolate chips surprise. The home-made candied orange peel was also a highlight on this toothsome dessert.

WHEN IN MANILA, and you’re wondering where else to go after your gimmick or simply looking for a place to hang out and let loose, head to NOLITA at Bonifacio High Street Central.

 NOLITA

7th Ave. corner 29th St.

Bonifacio High Street Central

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Starting April 2012, they will be open:

Sunday and Monday: 11 am – 12 mn

Tuesday to Thursday: 11 am – 2 am

Friday and Saturday: 11 am – 5 am

Menu: NOLITA Menu

Nolita does not accept reservations.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOLITA.PIZZA?sk=info

WhenInManila photos by JoTan23

Nolita at Bonifacio High Street: New York Pizzas at its finest