The Big Banquet Theory

I've been blogging more about food lately than anything. And that's one of the reasons I'm fat heehee! I'm not really that adventurous with food, I stick to the ones I know are good and recommended by friends. But there are times when I like to try new things.

A few weeks ago, I went to The Big Banquet 2 at the Blue Leaf Filipinas in ASEANA City. It was a one-of-a-kind food tasting event of the top caterers in Metro Manila. I only got to do food tasting for my sister's wedding. So I was excited about going to The Big Banquet 2 and try out what the caterers have prepared!

We were given this score card to rate each dish of each caterer. Feeling food critic for a day! Heehee

There were nine caterers: Albergus, Bizu, Hizon's, Josiah's Catering, Juan Carlo, K by Cunanan, Mesclun, The Red Chef, and TJIOE. Nine stations with four course or more each, I was so full by the end of it!

My first stop was Bizu. Their space is styled to a T. Loved everything, the set up, the food (OMG! I love everything they served! Everything was delicious!), even the staff are nice and the one handling Bizu (forgot his name) even engaged with us.

Egg en Cocotte with Smoked Salmon and Spinach Crepe

Shrimp Ricotta Lumaconi with Cherry Tomatoes and Wild Arugula Angus Beef Brisket Lyon with Pommery Mustard Sauce and Tartiflette with Bacon Lardons

Reblochon Cheese and Black Truffle

Mango Soleil in Pot

Passionfruit Mimosa

Next stop was Red Chef. Nice setup but the food was okay, nothing really special.

They served Croquettas, Spanish Callos con Pandesal,Aioli Olio Pasta with Smoked Milk Fish, Creme Brulle Pudding and Fruit Blended Juice

Each table has a different theme and table setting

Food was okay lang.

Next stop was Josiah's Catering. I was with Fleur and her family by this time. I've heard and read about Josiah's Catering but it was my first time to try Josiah's food. And the food was disappointing except for the salmon and mango salad. Food was cold and. Sayang :(

They served:

Crab and Shrimp Salad in Mini Brioche Buns, Arugula and Tomato Confir

Baked Whole Salmon with Mango and Pepper Slaw, Cilantro Hollandaise

Smoked US Beef Brisket with Cajun Vegetables and Potatoes

Beignets with 2 Dips: Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate

Vanilla Iced Tea

Another of the memorable ones was Mesclun Events and Catering.

Barbecue Brisket

Buffalo Balls

Paulene Ganache, took this home for the kids

Left: Raclette Wheel which was prepared right in front of us. Yummy too!

Right: Sparkling Lychee was also good. I want to replicate this at home!

Another one of my favorites was TIJOE They did the catering for my nephew's birthday in Tarlac and we were also supposed to get them for Y's birthday but I never heard back haha but I've heard great things about them from friends so I was happy I was able to sample their food.

They got the Oriental vibe going on. We had to wait to be seated!

Clockwise: Scallop Mash, Forbidden Cosmo and Trinity Egg Custard

This was so good! Braised US Beef Short Ribs

Sesame Balls with Salted Duck Egg Custard

Hizon's Catering was one of those with nice setup, a known caterer, but the food didn't deliver. :(

Served in a paper plate :( Such a nice setup then they used disposable plate and utensils

They Served:

Crisped Beef Ssam Spring Roll

Grilled Rib Finger with Cous Cous Salad

Carving on Station: Thrice Cooked Pork Belly with Mango Cilantro Salsa

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Butterfly Iced Tea

Our second to the last stop was K By Cunanan who had the most elegant set ups with beautiful centerpieces I want to make for my own home. Food was great! One of my favorites too.