A new spin on pizza

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:

Locals can experience the luxurious taste of gourmet pizzas at the newly opened Bella Napoli pizzeria at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay. The new pizzeria has refined the meaning of this fast-food item and how it can and should be appreciated.

Whether persons are accessing the resort's facilities on a day or evening pass, the pizzeria offers a personalised approach to making your pizza special in ways that many had never thought possible.

Having a pizza for dessert is not something most persons would think of. But under the stewardship of Jamaica-born chef Jermaine 'Gino' Tomlin, the dessert pizza dubbed dolce, has been an instant hit, seducing every taste bud it comes in contact with.

Made of handmade pizza dough, the topping of melted bittersweet chocolate with your choice of any fruit - pineapple, ripe banana, cantaloupe or even strawberries, this delectable pizza oozes exotic appeal, a welcome change to how pizzas are traditionally prepared.

Locals like the concept

According to Chef Gino, "I find that locals who vacation at the resort have really warmed to the concept and offerings at the Bella Napoli pizzeria and I find it encouraging to know that we are being more explorative with our meal choices."

The jerk chicken pizza is a favourite for tourists, but for locals, the seafood pizza is their favourite outside of the dessert pizza. Made with baby shrimp, bay scallops, mussels and squid with local herbs, the pizza has really cemented its place on the palates of local diners.

The chef notes that there is something for everyone at the world-class pizzeria. "We are more than just a buffet. We want persons to know that they can have an overall culinary experience when you dine here. There is something for everyone here not only at this restaurant but also at our many dining areas."

Chef Gino, who has 13 years of experience as a chef, has successfully opened four pizzerias for the Sandals group. The menu also includes vegetarian pizzas to accommodate the appetites of vegans. In addition, he explained that Bella Napoli would soon feature gluten free and wheat-dough pizza options for health-conscious diners who want to have that gourmet pizza experience.