Food Taste Date Reloaded: Part 1 Shekinah Dishes

And so we resume with our search for wedding suppliers. And what fun way to begin than with three rounds of food tasting! The best part is we get to take Baby Yo with us. Well, at least for the morning event since it gets really hot in the afternoons so we had to bring Baby Yo home before heading on to the second caterer.

I have booked a food tasting session with Shekinah as early as November of 2014. However, due to my pregnancy, we had to put off wedding preps. I was suffering from morning sickness all throughout my pregnancy so food tastings were temporarily off my list. But looking back, I didn’t really want to do anything back then. I was soooo lazy. I’m just so lucky I didn’t grow so big.

Our AE Jayson turned out to be really nice and accommodating. If it weren’t for budget constraints, I would have booked them just because I liked the way he entertained us. Reservation fee was supposedly P10,000 but he allowed us to just pay P1,000 and pay the rest in a week should we decide to reserve with them. At least, if I change my mind or find a better caterer, I only had to let go of P1,000. In exchange for the reservation fee, he offered us 10% discount on any package we choose.

We were at the venue early which was good since we were the first guests and service was real quick. The event was set-up in the Cycad Garden of Fernwood Gardens. I liked the effect and mood created by the hanging ferns and vines from the domed ceiling as well as the pond and staircase so I made a mental note to inquire with Fernwoods about their rates. 

This was what the waiters served us.

              From top clockwise: Fish fillet in Mango-Mayo Dip, Vegetable Au Gratin, Pork Oriental, Fisza O'La,  Grilled Herbed Chicken, Roast Pork with Fruit Compote,

Center: Pasta Pomodoro; Not in photo: Roast Beef and Korean Beef Stew

 

I am a pork-fan but both pork dishes were leaning towards the chewy side, which was a letdown for me. I like my meat very tender, as in fall-off-the-bones tender. Good thing they also served us a separate plate of Roast Beef in Mushroom Gravy and Korean Beef Stew, which I immensely enjoyed. I never thought Korean Beef Stew could taste as heavenly and elegant. I actually never considered serving it in my wedding. However, after one glorious bite of Shekinah’s Korean Beef Stew, I had a change of heart (and menu). My taste buds are actually craving the taste as I write this post. Also my favourite is the Fisza O’La. First time to hear of and taste such dish. It was fish fillet in white sauce with mushroom and red bell peppers. Nothing really fancy but I found myself enjoying the dish. I preferred it over the Fish Fillet in Mango Mayo dip. Nothing can still beat the Baked Salmon we got to sample from The Old Bonifacio Grill. I have yet to check with Shekinah if they have the same on their food choices.

Pasta was linguine and came in two sauces: Carbonara and Pomodoro. Rye was served Carbonara and I, Pomodoro. We both preferred the latter. Personally, I think we can just forego the pasta. I don’t eat rice and pasta together plus most of my guests are big on rice. However, Jayson is not sure if we can just replace the pasta dish with another entrée. Sad. I’ll try to request this again if ever we push through with booking them. 

Then came the desserts:

Creme Brulee, Cream Puff, Cheesecake Square, Nutty Caramel, Mango Square, Not in Photo: Choco Loco

Of the bunch, it was the Choco Loco and Cheese Squares I enjoyed the most. Choco Loco didn't last long enough for the photo to be taken. It immediately found its way to my very eager taste buds. The mango square was dry and bland. The crème brulee, cream puff, and nutty caramel bar were just okay. Hopefully, they have more dessert options to offer or they will allow us to source our dessert bar elsewhere. A mediocre dessert bar will break my heart as I am big on sweets.

For refreshments, it was a choice between iced tea and softdrinks. Nothing special about their iced tea. It tasted more of the powder versions and not of freshly brewed tea that I expect from high-end caterers. I wish a more sophisticated line of drinks can be offered, like mocktails, or their special blend of iced tea. However, drinks are free-flowing which is a plus point since other caterers offer only single-serve drinks. Coffee and tea come with higher packages.

Package: 

As to rates, Shekinah have Standard and Thematic packages. Standard Packages start at P98,000 net, for 150 guests. That’s like P650 per head. Thematic Packages on the other hand begin at P166,000 net for 150 pax also or P1,100 per head. Rates already include tables, chairs, linens, centrepieces, backdrops, 3-layer cake, sparkling wine, styling (depending on the package availed of), VAT and service charge. Jayson also assured me that their wait staff are very professional and that I wouldn’t have to worry about any of them stealing food. This is one of my worries as I often read reviews of other caterer’s waiters stealing or hiding food for themselves. 

For the styling, Jayson showed us a number of arrangements they have previously done for their clients. We saw a few that we liked and were informed that they can customize designs based on our preferences if we get the thematic packages. Since we were rooting for a picnic-style wedding, Jayson said they can easily have it done or we can email our inspiration boards for their guidance.

Below is a sample of the stage/backdrop that Shekinah sets up for the couple. 

Rye's Thoughts:

He enjoyed the food that he wouldn't mind if we book them right there and then. He also liked the fact that the thematic packages were more affordable compared to other caterers.

My Thoughts:

Honestly, what I liked about Shekinah is the packages are already net of tax and service charge. Plus, for the service and food they offer, the package rates are reasonable. In fact, I enjoyed their food more than Hizon’s, Josiah’s, and Ibarra’s, all of which are big names in the catering and wedding industry. Shekinah may be a baby in the wedding scene but they have serviced celebrities already, which makes me feel like they will be increasing rates soon. 

Verdict:

Another potential caterer. We paid P1,000 reservation fee, to be completed in a week's time should we decide to book them. I don't think we're done shopping for caterers yet but we paid just the same just to lock in the 10% discount.

Food Taste Date # 2: Tasteful Tastings Year 2 (Part 2)

As promised, here's the continuation of our FTD2, this time covering Ibarra's, Richgold, Queensland, and Ilustrado.

4th Stop: Ibarra's 
Let me begin by saying that this was a total letdown. While the table setting and the buffet spread were presentable enough, I couldn't say the same for the food.

Clockwise from top left: Lasagna, Bars, Honey-glazed Pork, Baked Chicken

Yes, that's paper plate and a plastic fork in the photo. In my opinion, events like this reflect the kind of service you extend to your clients. I didn't think it was wise to use disposables. But anyway, it was their call. Besides, we were there for the food, so I really wouldn't have minded had the food tasted great.

We barely touched what's on our plate. Aside from the fact that we were running really low on tummy space, the dishes were simply not appetizing. The pork was tough, as though it had been cooked and recooked a number of times already. Pasta was a bit soggy and tasted like store-bought lasagna. Baked chicken was just okay, I have tasted better versions from lesser known caterers. In short, dishes served were not what we would expect from a major player in the field. Especially considering that it was a marketing event, they could have prepared a more palatable, if not impressive, menu set.

What disappointed us most were their desserts--a variety of bars which had the same taste and same dry and coarse texture. I am not a professional baker but I can honestly claim I can do better desserts than what they brought. And in my book, a mediocre dessert spread is a major fail.

Package:
If you are still curious about their packages, here goes:

Standard Wedding Package for 150 pax - P104,250.00

Deluxe Wedding Package for 150 pax - P130,500.00

Plus 12% VAT

Aside from the usual buffet set-up and basic styling, the rates already include the use of a fully air-conditioned function room, a courtesy room, 3-hour use of bridal car, 3-layered fondant cake, bottle of wine, doves, guest book, basic sound system, and your choice of a 2-hour photobooth or 75 pieces of souvenir. Their quotation indicates that they do not require service charge and security deposit.

Based on this, estimated cost per head amounts to a little less than P800, with a function room and bridal car already provided.

Rye's Thoughts
Was Ibarra's really a big name in the events and catering business?

My Thoughts
If they cannot handle a food tasting event, how can they be expected to handle wedding feasts? The sample menu they provided us had a more interesting variety of dishes for couples to choose from. They even offer on-the-spot cooking of pasta, grill station, and carvery. Still, it's a bit frightening to get their services based on what we experienced. I was not satisfied with the food and for P800 per head, I expected a bit more. The free use of a function room and bridal car is a good come-on but the food was a deal-breaker.

Verdict:
Not for us.


5th Stop: Richgold Catering
First, Jed, the AE, was very accommodating and very insightful. It was as if he really wanted to help us prepare the most appropriate feast for our wedding day. At least, that's how I felt. But while we appreciate Jed's professionalism and enthusiasm, it's the quality of food and the value for money that matter.

We were immediately given seats and advised that food will be served shortly. I just requested them for a plate to share. Still, they gave us generous servings of their menu for that day.

Vegetable Lumpia, Mango Cheesecake, Oreo Cheesecake

Clockwise from top: Korean Beef Stew, Breaded Pork Chop, Baked Fish with salsa,
Lemon Chicken, Pasta in Cream Sauce

My review of the food may not be reliable since I was too full by this time. Rye said the chicken had no flavor. You wouldn't be able to say it was Lemon Chicken if it weren't for that small slice of lemon you can see on the photo. Pasta was soggy. Pork was lying on a bed of mayo. Breading was thick, and the meat in between was really thin. The fish didn't look inviting as well. We didn't touch it. If I paid for this plate, I will definitely be complaining.

Served on a separate plate was the lumpia. Since I like lumpia, I tried it and found the taste to my liking. At least, there was something I enjoyed from their dishes. The cheesecakes were those kinds made with gelatin. They reminded me of the desserts sold at our office canteen. Minus points for that alone.

Rye and I both agreed that the lemonade, with its interesting blue hue, was a refreshing break from all the sweet drinks served by the other caterers.

Packages:
The material they gave us during the event was actually a promotional offer, which I would be writing on a separate post. It's tie-up with Elements at Centris. However, for their usual rates, their website indicates that their lowest package is at P777 per pax, plus 10% government tax, bringing the cost to a little over P800 per head. For more details, you may want to visit Richgold's site.

Rye's Thoughts
This one was better than Ibarra's, but still the food was barely passable for him. The promo was a bit tempting. If we move our wedding date to a month earlier, we could avail of another P25,000 discount. But then, his heart was still set on an outdoor venue. Oh, okay, my heart is too. I just feel like a function hall is not for me.

My Thoughts:
Not really interested in the food. I thought the dishes looked lifeless and uninviting. They could have presented a more balanced menu for the event, in terms of taste and color.

Verdict:
We were offered a free food tasting for two. We are still unsure if that interests us or not. Pricewise though, Richgold is still beyond our budget, even with their promo.


6th Stop: Ilustrado
If there was one thing I remembered about Ilustrado was that the waiters didn't seem friendly at all. I was almost done getting food from the buffet spread when a waiter approached me and told me to just wait to be served at our table. I felt a bit embarrassed with the way he informed me. Anyway, off I went to our table with my plate of dishes I wanted to sample.

Penne in Red Sauce, Roast Beef, Seafood Paella

There were a few more dishes in the spread but I only wanted to try these. When Rye saw the paella, he felt a bit regretful for not trying Ilustrado earlier on. We both like paella and were sure we wouldn't get to eat much due to our already very limited tummy space. So to the our mouths the paella went. To be honest though, it was nothing really special. It didn't have that aroma and flavor distinct to paella. The shrimp was overcooked it was difficult to remove its shell. If I were to eat this with my eyes closed, I wouldn't be able to guess it's paella. Pasta was al dente, the sauce tasted like your usual red sauce. Sorry I forgot to check what type of sauce it was. I only managed to eat three or four pieces of penne. If there were any redeeming factor to this plate, that would be the roast beef. It was tender and was flavored well. Even without sauce or gravy, it was good.

The food the waiter promised me came a few minutes after Rye and I were done with our plate. I just politely told the server we have eaten our share already and just requested a couple a drinks for us since no water was served at the tables.

Packages:
The packages offered by Ilustrado are already inclusive of venue use, which translates to major savings. You can choose from their main dining room, a number of halls or function rooms, and their courtyard or garden. They also do off-site catering. I just do not know if they charge extra for that.

The following are inclusive of government taxes and services charges and apply to a minimum of 150 persons.

Champagne - P1,180.00 per pax

Silver - P1,580.00 per pax

Gold - P1,780.00 pax

With higher packages, you get to choose more appetizers, soup, salads, and desserts for your buffet spread. Rates already include usual buffet set-up, basic styling, 3-hour use of bridal car, 3-layered fondant cake, basic sound system, wine for toasting,  For VIPs, they use tiffany chairs. For guests, they use covered chairs with ribbon garb of your motif

Other interesting freebies in their packages are an overnight stay at their partner hotels, a torch parade during cake-cutting for outdoor or garden venues, location map for your guests, and a gift certificate at their restaurant should you opt to forego their free food tasting.

Rye's Thoughts:
He was not keen on serving Filipino or Spanish fare to our guests and the paella didn't help a bit. Rates are steep even with the venue already factored in.

My Thoughts:
I have been to Intramuros a number of times but have never thought of trying out Ilustrado. Now, I am a bit intrigued as to how their courtyard looks like. The pictures on their website are limited so I might need to drop by one of these days just to see for myself if the garden would suit our theme.

Then there's the food to consider. I loooove paella but I didn't like their version at the event. And of course, the price... Will the free venue and overnight hotel stay dangled infront of us be worth spending at least P1,180 per head? Maybe not.

Verdict:
Not for us.


7th Stop: Queensland Catering
One of our couple friends got Queensland's services for their wedding so we had an idea of how much they were charging. I didn't get to attend their wedding so I was still curious as to how they fared in the taste department.

I thought they had an interesting set of menu compared to the others. Salad was an interesting mix of watermelon, cucumber, and some greens tossed in. There was also roast beef which my tastebuds were growing tired of already, and rice. I should have stopped by their booth earlier. Since I was already feeling bloated, I only chose these:

Pita bread with Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Chicken Flambe, Fettuccine

Sorry for the messy plating. Promise, this tasted more appetizing than how it looks. The spinach and artichoke dip was really good. I loved it. Or maybe it's just because I love dips. My tastebuds welcomed the changed in texture and flavor. You could actually taste the spinach and bits of artichoke mixed in with the cream cheese. If I weren't too full, I would have gotten another serving of this. Chicken flambe tasted fine. It was my first time to try it. I didn't even know what flambe was so I can't tell if tasted right or otherwise. Pasta was al dente and was tossed in what I can only guess as olive oil. I forgot to get the full name of this dish. It was also another break from the tomato-based and cream-based pasta served by the others.

Packages:
I forgot to get materials from them during the event. My bad! I remember they have packages below P400 per head in their old website. They have a new website that I find a bit confusing to navigate. I still haven't seen where the rates are indicate. Good thing our friend shared with us how much they were charged for their wedding early this year. Without all the add-ons they availed of, food per head was priced at P335.00 only. Menu consisted of rice, soup, salad, pasta, 4 main dishes, 2 kinds of dessert, and drinks. However, they charged equipment fee, delivery fee and hauling fees which brought the cost to about P385 per head. Still affordable, right?

Rye's Thoughts
No comment on the food. He didn't eat a bite from my plate. As to price, he couldn't complain. This is the only caterer in the event below P500 per head.

My Thoughts
Next food tasting event, if Queensland is participating, I will make sure to drop by them first. I didn't expect much from them since their old website is not really informative and they have mixed reviews from various clients. However, I actually enjoyed their food. Or at least, these three that I got to taste. Plus, we found the rates they quoted our friends appropriate for our budget. Swak! Pasok sa banga! But I didn't have that "meant for each other" feel just yet... I am still awaiting their reply to my quotation request.

Verdict:
At last, a potential caterer. For another round of food tasting.


Last Stop: Purpledish Catering
For our last stop, we decided not to eat anymore since we have already sampled Purpledish the day before. We didn't even check what's on their menu for the event since we were already too full. We just dropped by to get our passport stamped.


Overall, we were glad to have attended the event. Not only were we able to sample dishes from a lot of caterers for free, Rye and I were also able to bond. I enjoyed listening to his comments. He, on the other hand, enjoyed watching me eat. Next food taste date would be at the Big Banquet 2, which is an even bigger event as it will be participated by the best and biggest caterers in the metro.

Food Taste Date # 2: Tasteful Tastings Year 2 (Part 1)

Just a day after our FTD1, Rye and I were already up for our next food taste date--an event hosted by BridalBook for the stylish bride and debutante. What's good about this event is that 10 caterers plus 2 cake suppliers will be featured. Supposedly, they will be bringing in their bestsellers. However, when we got there, we learned that Albergus and Bizu were not participating. But not to worry, there were still 8 caterers and a bite from each will surely be more than enough to fill our hungry tummies.

Our passport for food taste hopping

We arrived a few minutes before 11am and they were still setting up. Being early indeed has its perks as registration was a breeze (no queues yet!) and we had the liberty to choose where to dine first. What we forgot was to take photos of the table settings because I was too excited for the food. Rye managed to get a few shots to give you at least an idea of how the set ups were. Three hours later, and a heavy downpour of rain, we finally bid the event goodbye.

While I was able to visit all 8 participating caterers (yup, I'm such a glutton), I will just detail the first four we sampled. We were full by the time we got to the 5th stop that our tastebuds were no longer reliable. We just decided to share a plate to have a bite of what the other caterers had to showcase that day.

Fee: Free!
You just need to walk-in, even your companion can participate in the event. But the first 200 participants who pre-register online were given lootbags. Awww... No lootbag for me.

1st Stop: The Posh Caterer

Clockwise from top left: Fish Fillet, Grilled Chicken Teriyaki,
Roast Beef w/ Mushroom Sauce, Lasagna al Forno

Drinks served was fruit punch with apple slices but tasted of pomelo with a hint of apple juice. It was a bit too sweet for my liking. The color was a nice blush though. Appetizer was called crudites, which were sliced fresh veggies (cucumber, carrots, and turnip) in a bed of mayo. The presentation was cute but getting the veggies was a bit challenging due to the small opening of the shot glass. Dessert was just your usual mango crepe. Taste was nothing worth the extra calories.

Of the items on the plate, I only enjoyed the chicken and the lasagna. The fish (cream dory) didn't taste fresh at all. The beef, on the other hand, was tough. It was a task to slice a portion without a steak knife and chewing on it was another story. There was also nothing exceptional about its gravy. I would say it was a far cry from the roast beef we sampled from Purpledish the day before.

The Posh Caterer is actually a subsidiary of n.e. Catering. Their rates are higher due to the elegant themed wedding packages offered. Available themes are Modern Romance, Rustic, Vintage Chic, and Beach but these are upgradable depending on the couple's preference.

Packages:
Their rates start at P145,000 and are for the first 100 pax only. This includes basic styling, tiffany chairs, a 3-layered fondant cake, a bottle of wine, table numbers and menu cards, a pair of doves, program emcee, a photo booth for 2 hours, and basic sounds and lights. The highest package is at P206,000. Rates vary depending on the menu selection. You also need to add 12% EVAT, 10% service fee, and delivery charges for venues outside Metro Manila. For December affairs, prepare 20% service fee instead of just 10%.

Based on this, a couple getting married within Metro Manila will have to pay at least P176,000 for food, venue styling, and a few freebies thrown in. That is P1,760 per head! And that is their cheapest, most basic package. I won't go over their other terms and conditions that basically just adds up to your bill.

Rye's Thoughts
No way are we spending this amount for food that he didn't really enjoy. He didn't care about the freebies as we could get most of these at cheaper prices. Plus, we will definitely have to pay more as we are considering out-of-town venues.

My Thoughts
If we were willing to spend this much per head, we'd rather get Purpledish. Who knows who else we can afford given this budget. Food was nothing special, honestly. Their quotation says free assorted candy or dessert bar, but the most you get for the cheapest package is three kinds of dessert. There was also nothing impressive about the styling they showcased during the event.

Verdict:
Definitely off our list of potential caterers.

2nd Stop: The Old Bonifacio Catering

Clockwise from top left: Chicken wrapped in Bacon, Beef Kofta,
Baked Norwegian Salmon, Baby Back Ribs

Of all caterers, this one was Rye's favorite. Not mine, but I would have to agree that the dishes they served tasted better than most. The chicken seemed uniteresting until you take a bite. Good thing, Rye gave it a chance. It was simply made, maybe marinated then grilled but the taste was clean and had a distinct smoky flavor. I don't get what the bacon was for, though. It didn't contribute to the taste in any way. The beef kofta was okay, nothing I would rave about. What we loved really were the baked salmon and the ribs! The salmon didn't taste fishy at all but the meat was still moist. Love, love. We actually wanted to get second helpings. Their version is better than that of Purpledish. The ribs were tender and seasoned just the way Rye and I like, not too sweet, with the flavor of the meat still distinguishable.

They also served Penne in Tomato Garlic with Arugula (not in photos though). Rye had no interest in trying it and there was really nothing to miss. It was al dente pasta with a subtle taste of tomato and garlic. The arugula, I didn't find.

What we didn't like: Drinks served was your usual powdered iced tea. No desserts, too.

Packages:
These packages are net, meaning the taxes and service charges are already factored in. However, this applies to Metro Manila venues only.

100 pax - P85,400

150 pax - P128,100

Rates already include standard venue set up, a 3-layered fondant cake, wine for toasting, table numbers and menu cards, and complimentary food tasting for two. And just in case you're wondering, they use tiffany chairs. No added costs, yey! They have higher packages if you wish to serve a greater variety of dishes in your reception but the most you'll pay is P164,700 for 150 pax.

Rye's Thoughts
He regrets getting just a small portion of the ribs and salmon. He definitely wants to try dining in their resto, which is in Mandaluyong. But as our caterer, he simply shrugged his shoulders.

My Thoughts
At P854 per head, this is one of the more affordable caterers from among the participants. Honestly though, that is still too much for food and venue styling alone. I had no problems with the food but I didn't have that "this is it" feeling just yet. Let's see how a date with Rye in their resto will turn out.

Verdict:
For future consideration

3rd Stop: Josiah's Catering
Among the participants, this is the CATERER. Probably, almost everyone knows Josiah's Catering. And due to its brand, expectations were really high, at least from my end. So, here's what's on my plate:

Clockwise from top: Penne with Sundried Tomato Pesto, Slow Roasted US Beef,
Sugar-glazed Pork Shoulder, Stuffed Chicken, Pan-seared Cobbler w/ Mango Butter Sauce 

Presentation was unarguably from a high-end provider and you can tell the wait staff is really trained. As for the food, it was the chicken that stood out. It was stuffed with sundried tomatoes and cream cheese. The meat was tender and still juicy and the taste of sundried tomatoes went well with the cream cheese. Even without the sauce, the dish will still be a hit. The pasta was al dente but I totally forgot how it tasted. The fish would not have survived without the sauce, which in this case was mango butter. I was surprised to know that this two blends well. Might try making my own version of mango butter sauce at home. The pork was too sweet for a main course. Nakakaumay. I  could have enjoyed this more if we were served rice to balance the flavor. The roast beef in its au jus was tender. It was good that the portion I got was more meaty than fatty. Rye tried it with what seemed like mushroom gravy but found au jus more enjoyable.

What excited me about our stop at Josiah's were their sweet offerings! The array of desserts was a visual feast. I love displays like this. Makes eating dessert more fun! Soon, it was time to taste them and I must say Josiah's didn't disappoint. My tastebuds were having such a blast. Each had a distinct flavor of its own even when I ate them bite after bite. I also got to try their Peanut Butter Mousse (not in photo). Full of peanut butter goodness albeit too sweet for my liking. Serving was small which I think is just appropriate for a dessert that rich. Too bad though, their packages only allows you to choose two kinds. Well, you can always pay more for an extra dose of these sweet things.

Clockwise from top left: Peach & Mango Panna Cotta, Red Velvet Cake,
White Chocolate Cake, Mango Shortcake

Packages:
Their Luxe Wedding Package for a minimum of 150 pax start at P165,000, all in. So, no more worries about service fees and taxes. For venues outside Metro Manila, fee is P15,000 and up. This package already covers basic styling, banquet essentials, candles and table numbers, bottle of wine, and even personalized note cards for guests' messages to the couple. For seating, they use Sorrento banquet chairs with cushion.

Freebies are also given depending on your number of guests but may range from cakes, emcee, or even a bridal car. Josiah's also offer a broad range of themes, samples of which are on their website.

Rye's Thoughts:
He prefers Old Bonifacio's food and that Josiah's dishes were too fancy for his taste. But if the rates are within our budget, he wouldn't mind getting Josiah's. After all, he did enjoy the desserts and the Stuffed Chicken.

My Thoughts:
Having already established a reputation in the industry, I don't doubt Josiah's could deliver. However, getting them will mean P180,000 (ncluding the out-of-town fee) off our budget or P1,200 per head. On a lighter note though, I was actually expecting higher rates and was surprised to learn they charge even lower than other (lesser known) caterers.

Verdict:
We like Josiah's but the budget pie says otherwise.

Pretty long post, huh? I wanted to include so much details in their packages to make this useful and informative but that will mean a much longer post. Besides, you can always drop these caterers a note and they immediately reply. Up next will be Ibarra's, Queensland, and Ilustrado.

Food Taste Date # 1: Purpledish Catering

Rye and I finally had our first try of food tasting and I must say we had fun! Sorry for the lengthy post and crappy photos (taken by Rye using his camera phone). I hope I do justice to our first food taste date.

Fee: P500 per couple
I was a bit hesistant when I learned we had to pay for the event. I thought all food tastings were free, silly me. But after being handed the menu for the afternoon, I thought the fee was actually very minimal. All in all, we were to taste 32 dishes! Whoa! I was already strategizing how to fit everything into my tummy.

Appetizer:

Clockwise from Top: Veggie Roll, Asparagus in Bacon,
Spicy Salmon Bruschetta, Eggplant Parmigiana

Salad

Asian Chicken Salad

Mango Salsa Salad

Honestly, the salad were nothing too remarkable. They looked and tasted like your usual salad with just minor tweaking. The vinaigrette maybe? I couldn’t exactly tell. The greens were fresh though. We didn’t finish our portions. Better save some room stomach for the main course.

Soup 

Mushroom Trio Soup

French Onion and Cheese Soup

I liked both soups. French onion cheese soup had a stronger flavor but not assaulting to the palate. It tasted of onions balanced by the cheese. I thought it was good, especially while hot. However, it was the mushroom trio soup that won our hearts (and tastebuds). 

Pasta
We forgot to take photos of our pasta because we were chatting with our AE when these were served. Rye was served Beef Lasagna (tomato-based) while I had the Creamy Veggie Fusili (cream-based). We took forkfuls from each other’s plates though. We exchanged plates afterwards since I was more inclined to the bold flavor of the lasagna while Rye preferred the laid-back taste of the fusili.

Main Course

For the main course, we both had a serving each of honey-glazed pork and their famous 10-hour slow cooked roast beef. Mine came with chicken ragu and fish margherita while Rye had the pollo diavolo and baked salmon.

The chicken ragu tasted like chicken relleno topped with cream cheese. The fish margherita was actually cream dory which I’m not really a fan of. The sauce seemed like a combination of tomatoes and basil, with a few kernel corn thrown in for more color. Personally, I don’t like basil. The fish was coated appropriately and the fish meat was tender but the sauce was too much for my taste buds. I thought it tasted strongly of cumin.

Clockwise from top left: Honey-glazed BBQ Pork Spareribs,
Chicken Ragu, Fish Margherita, Roast Beef

Moving on to Rye’s plate, the teeny weeny slice of baked salmon came with a quarter slice of lemon. He loves salmon and it tasted fine to him. Originally, I was the salmon-lover but ever since I got pregnant, it just became too fishy for my liking. Hence, I only forked a bite and let Rye finish what’s left.

Clockwise from top left: Baked Salmon, Roast Beef,
Honey-glazed BBQ Pork Spareribs, Pollo Diavola, 

We were both served with the beef and pork but decided to eat just Rye’s portion and take mine home. (Yep, they do allow you to take home your leftovers. I’m glad they do. Sayang lahat yung tira kung itatapon lang.) The honey-glazed pork was tender, flavorful, and comforting. It paired well with the rice. I would say pasok sa panlasa ng Pinoy. A bit sweet, salty, and saucy.

The basil rice was just steamed white rice topped with chopped basil. We were feeling full by this time but the rice offered a refreshing break to our taste buds. We managed to eat half a cup.   

And now, the beef! Rye and I were both looking forward to this dish and we were careful not to overeat because we wanted to enjoy this. The verdict? We were not disappointed. Our sighs were both of relief and utter satisfaction. It came with two kinds of sauce: caldereta sauvignoun and mushroom wine, but we forked a bit of the meat without any sauce first to savor its taste. And that first bite was simply heaven. Melts in your mouth, savory without being overbearing. Then, we tried it with sauce. The mushroom sauce was yummy. It tasted earthy and just complimentary to the beef unlike the caldereta sauce which we felt masked and overpowered the taste of the meat. For us though, the beef tasted perfect even without any sauce. I don’t think I would have minded even if it were the only item served as main course for the food tasting. It was that good.

Desserts

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat a bite more came the desserts. Can I spell that with a lot of ‘s’ in the end? Because really, what we were served were platefuls of sweet endings. 15 to be exact! And the serving slices were more than enough to please any dessert-lover like me. But even when I’m such a cake-eater, I had to raise the flag and surrender. Best take the goodies home. 

Devil's Food cake, Pistachio Sansrival, Dark Forest 

Blueberry Cheesecake, Toffee Coffee Cheesecake, Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake,
Super Moist Choco Cake, Belgian Choco Cheesecake

Day & Night Eclair, Belgian Creme Brulee, Caramel Custard Creme Puff,
Fruit Tart, Mango Creme Brulee, Belgian Truffle, Brownies (not in photo)

Since there were a lot of these sweet things, I will just tell you what we liked best: super moist chocolate cake. We were told it was a new creation of Chef Velmor, the owner, and it has no official name yet. So, it might already be called differently by the time you do your own food tasting. It’s super moist, not too sweet, not bitter, just comforting chocolatey goodness. The other items failed in comparison. Rye enjoyed the blueberry cheesecake though and the fruit tart which I didn’t get to sample. The rest were just okay I guess. Nothing too unforgettable. 

Also to be noted is that their house-blend iced tea didn’t taste like the usual powdered iced tea served by other caterers. During the reception, drinks will be free-flowing. Plus, they serve 50 cups of brewed coffee and 20 cups of tea. Additional charges apply if you want to serve more.

Packages
I guess that’s enough for the food. I know I already wrote too much. For the packages, here’s what was on the quotation:

50 pax - P69,000

100 pax - P109,000

150 pax - P149,000

200 pax - P189,000

250 pax - P229,000

300 pax - P269,000

Plus 10% Service Charge and out-of-town fees, if applicable

These rates include standard amenities, basic event styling by their partner Stylento, and 10 free buffet meals for suppliers. And yes, they use tiffany chairs. No additional fees for that. They customize and offer discounts and freebies depending on your needs, mode of payment, and, of course, negotiation skills. I tried asking if there were any way to lower the rates since we wouldn’t be needing tables and chairs. The venue comes with furniture so I was hoping we could get discounts or savings from this. Sadly, the rates remain the same. They will just offer you other items, service, or upgrades to compensate for the things you don’t need or want in their packages.

For a complete quotation, best to visit their site here. I heard they will be adjusting prices this October so a price increase may just be around the corner, unless you book or reserve now to lock-in their current rates. 

Rye's Thoughts
For our 150 guests and factoring in the service charge and out-of-town fees, we would have to pay around P1,200 per head or a whopping P180,000. That’s just for food and styling. And to Rye, it just wasn’t logical.

My Thoughts

I’m the kuripot one here, so if Rye thought it was too pricey, I’m sure you can already guess what my thoughts are. Seriously, I’m glad we pushed through with the food tasting. It was a different experience for Rye and I and we felt bonded discovering what Purpledish had to offer and discussing what we liked and didn’t. And we love our take home goodies!

Overall, we enjoyed the food and we like the idea of our VIP guests being really attended to. However, getting Purpledish will take up more than 75% of our budget. That just doesn’t sit well with us. I guess what hooks most bride is the inclusion of a dessert buffet in their package which consists of 1 fruit, 4 cakes and 3 pastries of your choice. But even when I’m such a big fan of cakes and pastries, the dessert buffet isn’t enough to make me overlook our budget.

Verdict:
Basically due to the rates, it's a no for us.