Photo courtesy of Wildflour Hospitality Group
The Lorenzana sisters transform their baking heritage into an extraordinary pizza experience through Pizza Sisters
“I’m in love. I’m having a relationship with my pizza,” declares Julia Roberts’ character Liz Gilbert in the hit 2010 movie Eat Pray Love. In the scene at the now-famous L’Antica Pizzeria de Michele, Liz takes a bite of a Margherita pizza in Naples, the modern birthplace of the well-loved flatbread dish. Her dialogue resonates with pizza lovers all over the globe.
Since its invention in Campania in the 1700s, the savory pie has seen a variety of iterations with each country creating its own spin on it. The popularity of the dish has been a go-to choice for family gatherings, friends looking for a midnight snack after a night out, and those looking for a quick bite, a similar feeling that sisters Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo and chef Margie Lorenzana Manzke drew inspiration from to create Pizza Sisters.
For them, their restaurant concept is more than just a modern pizzeria; it’s a culmination of childhood memories, dedication to craft, and a nod to local produce beside its newly-renovated sister restaurant, Pink’s in Shangri-La The Fort and its newest location at Salcedo Village.
Here’s a snapshot of how the Lorenzana sisters are blending tradition with culinary innovation:
1. The shift from bakery to pizzeria came naturally
Both sisters, Wildflour president Lorenzana De Ocampo and James Beard awardee chef Lorenzana Manzke, found success with their roster of restaurants and international brands including the flagship Wildflour Restaurant brand, their Filipino restaurant concept George and Onnie’s, and the famed Hollywood hotdog brand Pink’s. The sisters’ venture into the world of food, particularly in baking, began with both of them earning degrees in culinary arts. Since establishing their first café in 2012, the Wildflour Hospitality Group has expanded to 18 prime locations across Metro Manila.
It isn’t a surprise that the culinary duo transitioned into the world of pizza. Their childhood memories, filled with savory slices from get-togethers became the cornerstone of their pizza-making philosophy.
2. Their dough is among the top 50 in the Asia-Pacific region
The dough of Pizza Sisters is inspired by Lorenzana Manzke’s award-winning recipe. Recently in Tokyo, Wildflour Italian was recognized as one of the Asia-Pacific region’s best pizzas by 50 Top Pizza, an awarding entity of the 50 Italy Group. Lorenzana De Ocampo and Lorenzana Manzke’s top-notch dough has been on the list for three consecutive years, making their formula the foundation of Pizza Sisters.
The award-giving body describes their creation, “The pizza, prepared by Margarita Lorenzana Manzke, is deep and soft, leavened well and baked with attention.”
3. Every ingredient is sourced ethically
Just like every restaurant under the roster of Wildflour Hospitality Group, Pizza Sisters stays true to its ethos of balancing flavors and supporting local farmer communities. This inspired their “Farmer’s Market” pizza, a farm-to-table take on the flatbread dish using only the freshest ingredients.
4. You’re welcome to try unique combinations
From beloved classics to gourmet creations, Pizza Sisters’ menu is a feast for the senses. But why stop at pizza? With a shared kitchen with Pink’s, patrons can pair their slice of the savory dish with All-American favorites, alongside a curated selection of drinks ranging from beers and wines to creative cocktails and milkshakes, ensuring there’s a perfect pairing for every palate.
5. It doubles as a sports bar and a cocktail lounge
Beyond its many flavors of pizzas, the casual restaurant’s two locations also caters to sports fans, offering live broadcasts of major events from the NBA, NFL, UAAP, and other major leagues in an electrifying atmosphere.
For those in search of a nocturnal adventure, the hidden Hotel Bar located in BGC and Village Bar in Makati—beckons, featuring live DJs, themed playlists such as Motown, 90s Night, and Top 100 Hits, and an eclectic liquor selection, promising unforgettable nightcaps.
6. They have an all-day happy hour
Recalling how much fun the Lorenzana family get-togethers were, Pizza Sisters emphasizes camaraderie through its all-day happy hour from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm in BGC and 4:00pm to 9:00pm in Salcedo Village. From brunch to twilight, you can clink glasses with their buy one, get the second at 50 per-cent off on selected beers, cocktails, and wines (by the glass).
Pizza Sisters is located in G/F Shangri-La The Fort and ACI Building 147 H.V. Dela Costa, Makati. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
