Pizza Margherita : A Culinary Exploration

Pizza Margherita | L-R: Dr. Leah May Santiago, Dr. Lei Lani Dusaban, Sir Raymund Malapitan, Ms. Jhing ( the owner) , Dr. Mikee Baylosis, Yours truly, and Dr. Jojo Bayona

Table of Contents

A Gastronomic Adventure at Pizza Margherita

It was around 11:15 am when Dr. Lei Lani Dusaban, Dr. Jojo Bayona, Dr. Leah May Mijares Santiago, and I decided to embark on a culinary journey at Pizza Margherita. Our stomachs were growling, having just emerged from intense meetings and research work at school. The restaurant is located conveniently close to La Salle at Unit 113, KYLT Dormitory Bldg., Bacolod City, this homey pizzeria beckoned us with the promise of delectable pizzas and kinds of pasta.

Meeting the Team

Our group of professors from the YAL-College of Business and Accountancy, consisting of Dr. Leah May Santiago, a CPA and Department Chair of the Accountancy program; Dr. Lei Lani Dusaban, a marketing professor; Dr. Jojo Bayona, USLS Human Resource Director and yours truly; was soon joined by two of our esteemed colleagues, Dr. Mikee Baylosis, Department Chair of Management Accounting and Sir Raymund Malapitan, Department Chair of the Economics department. Sir Raymund, a former hotelier with a passion for culinary arts, added a unique perspective to our dining experience at Pizza Margherita.

Ms. Mhargie Guevarra-Morales and her husband, Mr. Jessel M. Morales

The Owners of Pizza Margherita: A Dynamic Duo

Ms. Mhargie Guevarra-Morales, a professor from the College of Arts and Sciences at USLS, and her husband, Mr. Jessel M. Morales, are the driving forces behind Pizza Margherita. With a wealth of culinary experience, Mr. Morales has honed his skills in some of Boracay’s finest establishments. He served as the Head Chef of Hue Hotel, Boracay, under Tamayo’s Group of Companies/Tamayo’s Catering, leading a team to deliver exquisite culinary experiences. Before that, he was a Chef de Partie at Astoria Current in Boracay, showcasing his expertise in managing a section of the kitchen with precision and creativity. Mr. Morales also served as a Sous-Chef at Alta Vista, Boracay, where he contributed to the restaurant’s success with his culinary flair and dedication to his craft. Ms. Mhargie Guevarra-Morales, on the other hand, brings her academic background and passion for food to the table, ensuring that Pizza Margherita offers not just great food, but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Together, their expertise in the kitchen shines through in every dish they serve, making Pizza Margherita a must-visit dining destination in Bacolod City.

Chicken Parmesan and Fried Chicken

The Feast Unfolds at Pizza Margherita

As we settled into our seats, the aroma of freshly baked pizza and simmering sauces enveloped us, heightening our anticipation. Our hosts, Ms. Mhargie Guevarra-Morales and Mr. Jessel M. Morales wasted no time in showcasing their culinary mastery.

We began our culinary journey with a plate of crispy fried chicken, each bite delivering a satisfying crunch. Next came the chicken Parmesan, a dish that delighted our taste buds with its tender chicken smothered in a savory sauce.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were treated to a sneak peek of their upcoming baked macaroni dish, a tantalizing blend of creamy cheese and al dente pasta. The flavors were rich and comforting, a testament to the skill and passion of our hosts. Each dish was a work of art, carefully crafted to please both the palate and the soul.

It was the perfect prelude to the main event, leaving us eager to sample more of Pizza Margherita’s culinary delights. The Chicken Parmesan, priced at an unbelievable P99, was a comforting dish that left us wanting more.

Tropical Overload and Carne Holiday Pizza

Pizza Margherita | Pizza Perfection

The Carne Holiday Pizza (Ham, bacon, sausage, pepperoni) and the Tropical Overload Pizza (Ham, pineapple, bell pepper, onion, mushroom) were the stars of the show. Both served in generous 12-inch portions for only P299 each, these pizzas were a feast for the senses. The Carne Holiday Pizza boasted a savory blend of meats, while the Tropical Overload Pizza offered a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Carbonara and Baked Macaroni

Pizza Margherita | Pasta Paradise

Their pasta offerings were a true delight, showcasing the diversity and richness of Italian cuisine. Apart from the previous tantalizing baked macaroni, we were presented with another standout dish: the Carbonara.

The Carbonara, available in solo (P120) and sharing (good for 4, P430) sizes, was a creamy and indulgent masterpiece. The sauce was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of creaminess and a hint of saltiness from the bacon. Each strand of pasta was coated in the rich sauce, making every bite a decadent experience. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that even the heartiest appetites would be satisfied.

As we savored each mouthful of the Carbonara, we couldn’t help but appreciate the skill and attention to detail that went into its preparation. It was clear that Pizza Margherita was not just a pizzeria, but a culinary gem that offered a truly unforgettable dining experience.

triple-Decker Sandwich

Pizza Margherita | Sandwich Sensation

One of the highlights of our dining experience at Pizza Margherita was the triple-decker sandwich. This culinary creation was a true revelation, showcasing the creativity and skill of the kitchen team.

The sandwich was a towering masterpiece, with layers of flavor that delighted our taste buds. The combination of ingredients was perfect, with each component complementing the others perfectly. From the crispy bacon to the creamy cheese and the fresh vegetables, every bite was a symphony of flavors.

What made the sandwich even more impressive was its sheer size. It was a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, perfect for those with a hearty appetite. Despite its size, the sandwich was perfectly balanced, with each layer adding something unique to the overall taste experience.

As we savored each bite of the triple-decker sandwich, we couldn’t help but marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the chefs at Pizza Margherita. It was a dish that truly stood out and left a lasting impression.

Student-Friendly Prices at Pizza Margherita

Despite the generous portions of the food, what truly astounded us was the affordability of Pizza Margherita. Nestled in a dormitory building, this pizzeria offers prices that cater to students’ budgets, yet even seasoned professionals like us found them surprisingly reasonable.

Dr. Leah May Mijares Santiago, our Department Chair for the Accountancy department, was so impressed that she offered to send her accountancy students as part of their training to assist with costing.

The Team’s Verdict

Our dining experience at Pizza Margherita was a true delight, with each of us finding a favorite dish among the culinary treasures offered.

Doc Mikee’s palate was captivated by the crispy fried chicken and the flavorful pizzas. His discerning taste appreciated the perfect blend of spices and textures in these dishes.

Doc Jojo Bayona, on the other hand, found himself enchanted by the baked macaroni and pizzas. The creamy goodness of the baked macaroni and the savory flavors of the pizzas left him wanting more.

Doc Lei Lani savored the baked macaroni and the carbonara, reveling in the rich and creamy sauces that coated each bite. These dishes were a testament to the skill and expertise of the chefs at Pizza Margherita.

Sir Raymund Malapitan, with his background in hotels, was particularly drawn to the carbonara and pizzas. The quality of the ingredients and the careful preparation of these dishes reminded him of the culinary excellence found in top-tier hotels.

Dr. Leah May Santiago found herself indulging in fried chicken dipped in its rich sauce, baked macaroni, and pizzas. Each dish spoke to her discerning palate, offering a symphony of flavors that delighted her taste buds.

As for me, I found myself falling in love with the triple-decker sandwich and the tropical overload pizza. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in these dishes resonated with my palate, leaving me craving more. I also developed a fondness for the carbonara, appreciating its creamy texture and rich flavors. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was a harmonious blend of cheese, cream, and pancetta.

Offering Feedback to Pizza Margherita

As professors from the College of Business and Accountancy, we were not only there to enjoy the delicious food but also to provide constructive feedback to help improve the restaurant’s overall experience.

One of the areas we suggested for improvement was their signage and visuals. We felt that the current signage did not effectively showcase the restaurant’s presence, especially from the outside. By enhancing its signage with bold colors and clear branding, Pizza Margherita could attract more customers and stand out among neighboring establishments.

Additionally, we shared some ideas for their marketing campaign. We suggested leveraging social media platforms to engage with their customers and promote special offers. Creating a strong online presence would not only increase brand awareness but also attract a wider audience, including students and professionals alike.

Overall, we wished the owners all the success in their business endeavors and hoped that our feedback would contribute to the continued growth and success of Pizza Margherita.

Conclusion

Our dining experience at Pizza Margherita was a delightful journey of flavors and camaraderie. With its affordable prices, generous servings, and warm hospitality, it’s a place I will revisit. If you find yourself near La Salle Avenue, drop by Pizza Margherita for a taste of their delicious offerings.

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