Food Tasting #4: The Big Banquet (Part 1)

I'll be dividing this post into three parts due to the volume of pics and because it consisted of 11 caterers.

The Big Banquet (Part 2)

The Big Banquet (Part 3)

Last Sunday, I was accompanied by my ever-supportive ento/cousins/sister to The Big Banquet Food Tasting held at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, McKinley. It was not cheap considering ang dami kong alalay. haha. For Php500 (Php400/couple) you get to try appetizer, main course, dessert and signature drink of all the participating caterers. We didn't eat our lunch in preparation for the battle. :) We chose the 4-7pm slot and we arrived on the dot. We registered and was assigned to proceed to Jade hall first then Banyan then last would be Silk. I thought the 2 hours is more than enough to try all the caterers. We were proven wrong.

The event occupied all 3 events hall (Silk, Jade & Banyan)

Our "passport" (Front view)

Back View with how the caterers are spread out

The "passport" is where the detailed menu per caterer is printed and we need to grade each dish/drink and it will be our raffle ticket. We need to give it back after we finished with the 11 caterers.

                               Ratings:

                                            1 - Thanks but it could be better

                                            2 - It's Okay

                                            3 - We had a good time!

                                            4 - I love it!

                                            5 - Awesome! I would recommend it!            

Josiah's

We started with Josiah's. We are the first ones to arrived so we get to check out the untouched table decorations and buffet set-up. We were ushered to our seats and the food selections were served plated.

Boursin Cheese on Melba Toast - 2

California Seafood Springrolls - 4

Sundried Tomato & Cream Cheese Stuffed Roast Chicken - 2

Baked Salmon with Mango Butter Sauce - 3

S'mores - 3

Peanut Butter Mousse - 2

Raspberry Iced Tea - 4

Overall Comment: They are the only caterer who served two varieties per category. Taste is OK. I particularly liked the Seafood springrolls and the iced tea.

Hizon's

We already tried Hizon's during their FT at Fernbrook. But for the benefit of trying everything, we drop by their corner, too. I thought they will be serving their Baked Fish with Spinach but that's not what they served that day. 

I super love the contrast! Sadly it wouldn't fit our theme and motif.

Crisped Beef Ssam Rolls - 2
48-hour Roasted US Beef Belly (with Herbed Marble Potatoes) - 2
Sunken Island with Vanilla Custard - 2
Iced Tea - 2

Overall Comment: Sadly, those where also our least favorite from the first time we tried their food. I still don't like the Roast Beef and the Rolls. The dessert is too sweet.

Albergus
I don't often read or hear about Albergus catering. So I'm kinda excited on what they're gonna offer. Side chika: this is where we saw Maxene Magalona with her (boy)friend.

simple but elegant set-up

Salmon & Tuna Tartare - 4

Slow Roast US Beef Belly with Mashed Potato - 4

Red Velvet Duo - 2

Pandan Lemongrass Juice - 3

Overall Comment: Food is not great but still above OK. I love the Tartare. I forgot how the dessert tasted so I guess that's not really special. Their juice tastes like Andok's marinate - in a not yucky way. Haha. 

Continuation on next post...