
Some people can’t leave Tagaytay without having a taste of Bulalo. My Tagaytay must is Carlo’s Pizza. Since I discovered some years back that my friend Perla Marges manages the restaurant, I always make it a point to drop by. I try to visit during off hours so Perla is not busy, meal times are hectic for them, especially on weekends and holidays when half of Manila’s population heads for cooler climate.
Perla and I go way back, we worked together for an Ortigas Center-based restaurant group in the late 90s. I left after a couple of months while she stayed on and we lost contact for awhile. But thanks to Facebook, we reconnected and have been able to meet and catch up at least once a year. We make quite a duo, both strict and sungit (matandang dalaga alert!) in a hilarious way. Yesterday, we had her crew snickering all afternoon. Of course they weren’t supposed to listen to our conversation but we couldn’t blame them, ang lakas ng boses namin magkwento!
The moment I show up, Perla summons her staff to bring my favorite. She has stopped asking me what I want and would just automatically serve me a plate of BBQ pork spareribs. It’s what I always order anyway.
But yesterday, I was still full from my big lunch at the retreat house so I got something lighter instead, a soft taco from their list of Mexican entrees. Perla also never fails to send me off with a pizza (yeah, she spoils me rotten). They have several varieties (and calzone too!) but I like my pizza simple, just pepperoni and cheese. I believe they call that combo Basilicata at Carlo’s.
Their menu has an entire page devoted to pasta. From Pinoy style spaghetti with hotdog slices to home made canneloni with bechamel and pomodoro sauce. They’ve got rice meals, chicken in various forms (strips, Italian breaded, buffalo, crispy fried) and numerous appetizers. I should really explore their other offerings next time.
One of the things I love about Carlo’s Pizza in Tagaytay is its backyard. Everytime I am there, I snap away at the sweeping view. “Anong pi-picturan mo, yung Taal? Na naman?,” Perla asked me again yesterday as I walked to the outdoor seating area. I just can’t NOT take a photo of the spectacular sight each time.
Carlo’s Pizza Tagaytay is along Aguinaldo Highway. For more information, call (046) 4830707. Look for Perla!
Thanks for sharing about this place! Will look for it next time we’re in Tagaytay 🙂