While the “quattro formaggi” or four-cheese pizza has become a menu staple in pizza parlors here, The Big Cheese Pizza on D. Tuazon St. upped the ante with its 10-Cheese Overload, which features – count ‘em -- mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, provolone, blue cheese, gruyere, ricotta, feta and cream cheese.
Surprisingly, the pizza isn’t overwhelmingly rich – no “umay” factor with this one – although it tastes better when still fresh-from-the-oven hot. (There is also a simpler cheese pizza using only mozzarella and cheddar.) The pizzas here come in two sizes – 12-inch and 16-inch – so order the right size to best enjoy the subtle nuances of the various cheeses. The pizza dough is thin and crispy in the edges but with a chewy base.
If you’re not a cheese guy, then go for the no-fail All-In Supreme topped with practically everything you want in a pizza – from meats like pepperoni, bacon, Italian sausage, ham and beef to onions, bell peppers, olives and mushrooms -- perfect from group or family dining.
Other flavors include classics like Margherita, Pepperoni, Meatball and Hawaiian, as well as a vegetarian option.
Although The Big Cheese Pizza offers delivery within the area, dine-in customers still make up the bulk of its business. The restaurant itself is small and simply decorated, with the open pizza kitchen dominating the space.
Apart from the pizzas, the restaurant also serves other dishes like the Garlic Parmesan Fries, which you can munch on while waiting for the pizzas. This can be addicting – and ultimately filling – so try to control yourself. (Think of mojos but with just the right level of salt.)
There are also three pasta dishes, which are quite standard in terms of choices (carbonara, meatball and puttanesca), portion size and well-priced at less than P200.
The owners, however, have obviously gained confidence, judging from the two new dishes that were introduced just recently. They went beyond the tried and tested pasta-and-pizza combo with the Herbed Chicken Tenders, which actually go very well with the other offerings. The moist boneless chicken filet comes with crispy breading using various herbs and spices, which explains the dark color and flavor. This is best enjoyed with the barbecue sauce, which is a real winner.
The barbecue sauce also gave the big flavor boost to the new Barbecue Chicken Bacon Pizza. It’s on the sweet side but the overall smoky flavor of the meats plus the red onions put this pizza on an entirely new playful level that stands out among the more classic toppings.
The Big Cheese Pizza is a nice surprise in this neighborhood known more for its Chinese food.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
