Around Town: Project Pie in 515 Shaw

 

For us Pinoys, pizza has become a staple at many gatherings, celebrations and even laidback days at home. This delicious treat, which is available in so many flavors and form, never fails to fill and satisfy tummies of both young and old.

But while there are a number of pizza chains to choose from in the metro, the novelty of the product could wane after some time. Even your favorites can seem all-too-familiar and your palate will start to crave for something different.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect as a new pizza place, Project Pie, opens in town. Only about a month old, Project Pie is the brainchild of James Markham, a restaurateur who sparked the fast casual, custom pizza trend in the U.S., and brought here in Manila as a franchise – the first one, at that.  

Located in 515 Shaw, Project Pie provides a simple, modern and no-nonsense approach to its ambience with minimalist, industrial interiors striking a balance between wooden and metal elements. 

Inspirational quotes decorate both ends of the wide dining space, and scribble-like instructions such as “Start here”, “Move a bit”, “Almost done” and “Give us PPP” simplify the whole ordering process.

What sets Project Pie apart from its long-established contenders in the pizza market? The tag line embossed on the restaurant’s façade explains its concept quite articulately: “Everyday artisan pizza custom built by you”.

 

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If you look for it in the dictionary, artisan means “a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand”. Indeed, skilled workers are the lifeblood of Project Pie, as their staff is handpicked from schools well-versed in the culinary arts such as Enderun Colleges and College of St. Benilde (CSB). Project Pie no doubt takes its craft very seriously, as they only hire people who know their pizza.

Now, the part in the slogan that says “custom built by you” refers to the concept that has people lining up just to try it out. Whereas regular pizza chains allow customers to pick a pizza of their choice, Project Pie gives them the option to join in on the pizza-making fun. 

Restaurant-goers can build their own pizzas by selecting the sauce and toppings that go on it. The pies are freshly made everyday, portioned into the standard nine-inch serving using a dough presser. 

First, the customer has to choose: red sauce or white sauce? What type/s of cheese? Mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta, parmesan or feta? Next: the toppings, which include artichokes, cranberries, caramelized onions, cilantro, jalapenos, among the 20 or so other toppings. The staff listens intently as the customer gives his selections, while expertly preparing the pizza. And yes, all of the toppings may be used. Should any combination seem unpalatable, the staff is there to provide tastier alternatives and recommendations. 

 

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The pizzas are then baked in an oven, cooking temperatures of which can go as high as 800 degrees, so they’re done in under five minutes. The pizzas are not your usual thick or thin crust, but a lovely thickness in between, with edges slightly singed for crispiness.

There’s no possibility of pizzas being mistakenly served to the wrong customer as each pizza, served in a Project Pie metal tray, is laid on a paper placemat labeled with the corresponding list of toppings. It also works as the customer’s way of keeping track of what he chose to put on his pizza.

For the less adventurous, of course, they can choose from set pizzas. In fact, even the weight-conscious can enjoy healthier Project Pie offerings such as the pizza salad, made of mixed greens, grilled chicken, feta, mozzarella, tomatoes and balsamic dressing. 

As all meals deserve a sweet ending, Project Pie has come up with “dessert pizzas” with their kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) menu offerings such as the banana nutella, peanut butter nutella, strawberry mango nutella, cinnamon sugar with icing and parmesan & garlic pizzas.

Families, barkadas, couples or officemates can also capture their bonding time with the Instagram photo booth available for customers, and photos are uploaded to the Project Pie Instagram account, @projectpieph. 

If you’re in the mood to try something new, Project Pie gives you a multitude of reasons to keep coming back, because there is no limit to what your creativity will allow. 

Project Pie is located at 515 Shaw 1555 Laurel St. cor. Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Wack Wack, Mandaluyong Metro Manila.

 

Photos by Lai de Guzman