2/2/15 Update: The Big Banquet 2: And the BEST Caterers and Winning Dishes are… @TheBlueLeaf Filipinas
Read first: THE BIG BANQUET: An Ultimate Taste Test of the Best Caterers in Manila @TheBlueLeaf!
One of the frequently asked questions on this blog is, “Who is the Best Caterer in Manila?“
It’s hard to answer that question, since you have to experience the food, the setup, and the service of each caterer side by side before you can give an objective answer.
This was the inspiration behind THE BIG BANQUET — an ultimate taste test event to showcase the Best Caterers in Manila, as certified by The Blue Leaf group.
Here’s the video highlight of The Big Banquet created by Artisano Studio:
A total of 469 Foodies about to get married or celebrate a special occasion…
…rated 11 of the best Caterers in Manila last May 4, 2014 at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Mckinley Hill, Taguig.
Each foodie was asked to rate the caterers based on their featured 3-course meal (appetizer, main, dessert) and 1 signature drink based on the following rating:
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.
Thanks to our friends from San Miguel Lifestyle Brews for providing this event with San Miguel Premium All Malt, San Miguel Super Dry, and Cerveza Negra (Free 1 bottle/ticket).
Thanks also to our Food Blogger friends for coming and featuring The Big Banquet!
Related Blog Posts:
- Between Bites | The Blue Leaf and Our Awesome Planet Presents The Big Banquet
- EricJaz Foodies | The Big Banquet
- Dude for Food | The Big Banquet at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion
- Finally Tying It | Food Tasting #4: The Big Banquet (Part 1), (Part 2), (Part 3)
- Non Stop Babble | The Big Banquet
Here are my favorite dishes and table setups from Manila’s Top Caterers during the event:
ALBERGUS
Albergus was a favorite among the foodies because of its signature Slow Roast US Beef Belly.
Albergus started almost four decades ago with the spirit of service, dedication, and sheer love for serving good food. The business was built on the principle of serving exquisite appetizers, savory and scrumptious entrees, and mouth-watering desserts, made from freshest ingredients and run through the highest standards, excellent and personalized service at a reasonable price. We value our 200 plus employees as the key to our competitive advantage.
Slow Roast US Beef Belly with Rosemary & Garlic Crust served with Pesto Mashed Potato, Ciabatta, Horseradish Cream, Mushroom Gravy, Fried Onion, Arugula, Roasted Pepper.
Salmon Tartare (Asian Salmon Tartare with Capers, Onion, Sesame Oil, Lemon, Cilantro, and Chili).
ALBERGUS
Sales & Corporate Main Office
16 Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara, Diliman, Quezon City 1109
Telephone: +632 931-FOOD (3663)
Email: reservations@alberguscatering.com
Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 8:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 9:00am to 3:00pm
Website: http://alberguscatering.com/
Albergus (SMX) Sales Office – SMX Convention Center
Seashell Lane, Pasay City 1300
Telephone: (632) 556-4507
Email: smx@alberguscatering.com
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday & Holidays CLOSED
The Big Banquet is a partnernship between The Blue Leaf and Our Awesome Planet, with Creative Juice as the event organizer.
BIZU
The cute table setup and floral arrangements by Bizu.
We kiss one another to show gratitude, happiness, excitement, love, and affection. A kiss inspires. And this inspiration begets energy. This energy, in turn, begets creativity. BIZU was born out of this inspiration.
From this inspiration came the unique selection of cakes and pastries that were truly made to inspire. It all began with a dream to have an authentic Parisian Patisserie where the finest French pastries and European breads can be savored right in the Philippines. With much training and patience, our Filipino chefs have learned the magical art of the French Patisserie. Indeed, ensuring the most flavorful and artful products are brought to your homes is a labor of love.
From a kiosk/café at the third floor of Glorietta 4 that started operations in 2001, BIZU now has three more outlets in Greenbelt 2, Alabang Towncenter, and at The Promenade inside Greenhills Shopping Center.
The menu includes all day breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner items.
Customers are not to leave without the chewy pastel-colored Macarons de Paris that Bizu Patisserie is known for.
(Clockwise from top) Bizu Mini Eggs Benedict, Savoury French Toast with Ricotta and Truffle Honey, Smoked Salmon with Dill Pistachio Mousseline on Shortbread, and Three Cheese Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli Pasta.
Nirvana Trifle with Dark Chocolate and Pistachio Creamer and Rocher, Macaron de Paris
BIZU CATERING STUDIO
First Midland Building, 109 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, 1223 Makati City
Email: catering-concierge@bizugroupe.com
Telephone Numbers: +632 845-0590 / 845-0591 / 845-05-92 / 845-02-93
Store hours: 10:00pm – 7:00pm
Bizu Commissary
Pacific Hardwood Building, 2158 Chino Roces, Brgy. Pio del Pilar, 1230 Makati City
Telephone Number: +(632) 843-6186
Twitter: @BizuPH
Facebook: Bizu Patisserie & Bistro
Website: http://www.bizupatisserie.com/
Audrey Tanco Uy of Bizu with Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara of Mesclun.
CENTER TABLE
Established in 1987 and incorporated in 1999, Center Table Inc. has been an active & innovative member of the catering industry in the Philippines. Aside from providing quality food and service for a multitude of functions, Center Table is also known for its beautiful, elegant, and lavish settings that rival the best florists & artist in town.
Client satisfaction rather than profit is what the company strives for. Through the years, the company grew through word of mouth. Every satisfied customer resulted in five or more prospective clients.
Presentation is very critical to any event the company caters; it should represent the founder’s influence. Service should be elegant and the food, delicious and visually appetizing.
Center Table, Inc. through its founder and president, Rosalie Natividad Valera, is an active and founding member of the Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP).
US Certified Black Angus Beef Shortplate with 3 Side Dishes: a) Corn Salsa, b) Baked Creamy Sour Cream Potatoes…
…and c) Baked Artichoke & Spinach.
CENTER TABLE CATERING
60 Madrid St., Merville Park, Paranaque City
Telephone: +632 824-5179, 821-3797
Mobile Number: +63 917 626-7467
Email: info@centertablecatering.com
Website: www.CenterTableCatering.com
Facebook: Center Table Catering, Inc.
Thanks to my Mercato Partners RJ and Vanessa Ledesma for gracing The Big Banquet event!
FLORABEL
Roast Black US Angus Rib-eye Steak with Peppercorn Sauce
Chef Florabel Co-Yatco is well known for her growing list of restaurants popular for their taste, both in ambiance and cuisine. Her name is a pledge of exceptional dining experience. Her name is her brand.
Florabel – a fine dining restaurant in no less than glitzy The Podium, offers an excellent spread of Filipino and continental dishes. With the Chef who has mastered the art of flavors in a wide array of cuisine, every single dish is always cooked to perfection – the texture, the consistency, the aroma, the tang – all in perfect condition for an unparalleled gastronomical pleasure, while the plating, the cutlery, the furniture and interiors, are all meticulously put together for a perfect setting that is refreshingly elegant.
Dine for two or with family and friends, and experience the culinary bliss that is only Florabel’s.
Assorted Sushi and Sashimi
Queso de Bola Cheesecake
FLORABEL CATERING
G/F Podium Mall, 18 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center, 1552 Mandaluyong
Email Address: info@florabel.ph
Telephone: +632 667-3220, 638-7527
Mobile: +63 917 857-7622
Facebook: Florabel Restaurant
Website: http://www.florabel.ph/
HIZON’S
Hizon’s Catering is an off-premise caterer specializing in weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Established in 1987, we are now one of the top caterers in the Philippines.
Our guiding philosophy is to consistently provide clients with quality food at competitive prices and to provide a service that is efficient, friendly, and courteous. In our twenty-six years in the industry, it has been our policy to treat every client with utmost integrity and the highest degree of professionalism. This is why Hizon’s Catering today is considered a trusted name in the industry, catering regularly to celebrities and many of the country’s top corporations.
48-Hour Sous-Vide Roasted US Beef Belly
Sunken Island with Vanilla Custard
HIZON’S CATERING
22 Renowned Lane Sanville Project 6, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 925-0107, +632 925-0103
Email: info@hizonscatering.com
Facebook: Hizon’s Catering
Twitter: @HizonsCatering
Website: http://www.hizonscatering.com/
JOSIAH’S CATERING
Sundred Tomato and Cream Cheese Stuffed Roast Chicken
The right amount of diligence, talent, and faith—that’s what the CEO of one of the country’s leading catering companies, Josiah’s Catering, will tell you when asked about the ingredients for the sustained success of their 20-year old business.
First catering for their friends in the 90s, the Versoza couple behind Josiah’s Catering landed the chance to cater to Nayong Filipino, and has since continuously provided their first-class services to an ever-growing list of clientele.
“When we first started this business, all we wanted was to earn enough to provide for our children,” shares Jet Versoza, CEO of Josiah’s Catering. “From our humble beginnings in our backyard, we are thankful that through word-of-mouth, our reputation and business grew into something we never thought it would become.”
Part of the Josiah’s Catering reputation was built on their uncanny knack for introducing innovations that would later become industry-wide ‘defaults’ such as the concept of ‘worry-free catering’ in packages that included all the necessary reception requirements in their package offerings, and being the first to use Hollywood-inspired chairs such as the famed ‘Sorrento Banquet Chair’ during events. Their long list of Philippine catering firsts include color motifs (1990s); special linen (2000); chocolate fountains (2005); lighted glass buffet tables and upgraded dessert stations (2006); hanging cocktail bars (2007); and dessert cabinets (2008). With this, it’s no wonder that Josiah’s Catering earned the title of being the wedding and banquet specialist in the Philippines.
Baked Salmon with Mango Butter Sauce
S’mores and Peanutbutter Mousse
JOSIAH’S CATERING
34 East Drive, Marikina Heights, Marikina CIty
Telephone: +632 475-2703
Website: http://www.josiahcatering.com/
Joanne T. Tumalad
Banquet Sales Consultant
Mobile: +63 917 562-6570
Telephone: +632 934-2163, 475-2703 x 109
Email: joanne.tumalad@josiahcatering.com
Sales and Marketing
Direct Lines: +632 941.7032 | +632 934.2163 | +632 934.5134 | +632 934.9252
Magic Jack: 1.408.9054802
Telefax: +632 934.6734
Showrooms
SMX Showroom
G/F SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Telephone Number: +632 556.5734
Matus Wedding Boutique
5/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: +632 706.5391
Mobile Number: +63 918.9021154 | +63 918.82MATUS (62887)
Thank you to the Creative Juice Team for the smooth execution of this event!
JUAN CARLO
Engr. Alex Michael U. Del Rosario, owner of Juan Carlo The Caterer.
As a professional organization, it is important that clients and customers are aware that the people behind JUAN CARLO – The Caterer, Inc. are themselves professionals in the catering industry, providing excellent Catering services that guarantee satisfaction
Coming from a family of caterers from Cavite, the owner-manager Engr. Alex Michael U. Del Rosario and his wife, Teresita Macatangay Del Rosario, a Medical Technology by profession combined their unique talents and ambitions that led to the conceptualization and realization of a lifetime dream. They honed their skills in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by putting up a mini-restaurant in Al-Khodair campsite and doing small catering projects for Filipinos and foreigners as well. The exotic Arabian, Egyptian, Indian, Pakistani, Palestinian and Tunisian dishes became a part of their daily lives, contributing a lot to their knowledge of international cuisine.
August 1995, the Del Rosarios, fully equipped with the necessary information and capital, finally came home and settled for good in Batangas, signifying the birth of JUAN CARLO – THE CATERER, INC. Since then, it gained phenomenal success conquering the whole of Batangas even crossing borders to Tagaytay, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Mindoro, Bulacan and Pampanga. Truly, Juan Carlo – The Caterer, Inc. continues to surpass its Catering in Manila by extending its reach to many other areas in the country.
Juan Carlo – The Caterer, Inc was the official caterer for Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado Centenial Wedding; Ogie Alcasid and Michelle Van Eimeren Wedding; Katherine de Castro and Eric Cruz Wedding and recently Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez’s Wedding last December 22, 2010 at Punta Fuego. They also catered for Kyla and Rich Alvarez’s Wedding last November 28, 2011 at NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio. And recently, Juan Carlo handled Miss Universe 1st Runner Up’s wedding Miss Miriam Quiambao and Mr. Ardy Roberto at Ville Sommet, Tagaytay City , 18th grand birthday celebration of the 2014 teen queen Kathryn Bernardo at Blue Leaf Filipinas and the newest teen heartthrob Daniel Padilla’s birthday celebration at his own residence. When it comes to Wedding Catering and other special events, Juan Carlo – The Caterer, Inc. is the perfect partner for that great toast!
Truly, it is the unquenchable love and passion for the catering profession that spelled the big difference for Juan Carlo – The Caterer, Inc.
Salmon with Tequila Cream Sauce
Kathryn’s Tahitian Punch Drink
JUAN CARLO THE CATERER
24B 11th Jamboree St. Tomas Morato Quezon, City
Telephone: +632 929 -3674, +632 416-5134, +632 413-7511
Email: info@juancarlothecaterer.com
Facebook: Juan Carlo The Caterer, Inc.
Twitter: @JuanCarloTC
Website: http://juancarlothecaterer.com/
Thank you to all the foodies who supported The Big Banquet!
K. by CUNANAN
Kaye Cunanan, the lady behind one of the top caterers at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion.
K. by Cunanan is popular for its rustic wedding setup.
Seared Tuna on Crisp Tortilla with balsamic reduction, arugula, and caramelized onions.
Paella Soup — my top favorite dish in The Big Banquet!
K. by Cunanan Catering
Email: emailus@kbycunanancatering.com
Telephone: +632 710-6445 (Main), +632 711-0940 (Commissary)
Mobile: +63917 5327997
Facebook: k. by cunanan catering
Website: http://kbycunanancatering.com/
Thank you to Maxene Magalona for attending The Big Banquet!
MESCLUN
Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara with husband Marco, the couple team behind Mesclun.
Mesclun (mes-klən) is old Occitane for “mixture” and in popular culture, refers to mixed greens. And what is gastronomy if not mixing? A creative blend of colors, flavors, and textures. A harmonious marriage of temperatures, techniques and even cuisines. Most of all, food is an exquisite point of convergence, regardless of interests or backgrounds. And that is what Mesclun celebrates.
What Mesclun Brings to Your Table.
We are passionate in creating new dishes. We are personal in designing unique experiences. We are professional in executing our events.
At the helm of our group is Chef Katrina Arce Kuhn-Alcantara, who espouses global culinary standards and draws from a rich array of flavors and techniques. Her family has been behind the renowned Arce Dairy since the conception of its rich ice cream style in 1935. She received formal training in France from the premier culinary arts school Le Cordon Bleu (Paris) and gained further professional experience in several restaurants in the country. Since her return to the Philippines, Chef Katrina has thrived as a caterer and restaurateur. Apart from Mesclun, she applies her wide array of expertise to other food ventures in Manila, namely, Chuck’s Deli — an American-style super-sandwich and burger shop boasting of homemade breads and cold cuts; and Paulene Chocolat Suisses — a premium line of made-to-order chocolate confections.
Roast Pork Belly with Lechon Rice
Paulene Chocolate
MESCLUN EVENTS CATERING
Mesclun Bistro
G/F Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Telephone: +632 551 1626
Mesclun Events Catering
Telephone: +632 919 6216
Mesclun Restaurant & Café
2/F The Linden Suites, 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig
Telephone: +632 638-7878 loc 8207
Email: info@mesclun.ph
Website: www.mesclun.ph
Facebook: Mesclun Restaurant & Cafe
Twitter: @MesclunPh
Thank you to the Weddings at Work team for the support!
RED CHEF
White, Red, and Black table setup by the Red Chef.
The Red Chef and Events is a catering and events management company owned and run by Aphat Martinez and Mike Profeta who are driven by their passion for excellent food and unique events.
Jalapeno Stuffed Croquettes with Spicy Salsa and Callos
Arroz Con Leche
RED CHEF AND EVENTS
95 Guirayan St., Brgy. Dona Imelda, Quezon City, Philippines
Email: info@redchefandevents.com, the_redchef@yahoo.com
Telephone: +632 741-2762, +632 524-0980
Mobile: +63 927 342-4036, +63 917 830-7471, +63 922 827-5137, +63 922 827-5139
Facebook: The Red Chef and Events
Website: http://www.redchefandevents.com/ (in construction)
TJIOE (pronounced “chew”)
Edwin Tjioe Tan, owner of Tjioe the Caterer.
Tjioe The Caterer (Tjioe is pronounced as Chew) began as a quaint Chinese restaurant in Carvajal St. Known as Quicksnack, most of its customers were Chinese migrants & “Tsinoy” from Binondo. It was as it is still today famous for its oyster cake and dumplings. More importantly, it was popular because “eating at Quicksnack made it feel closer to home” – as Chinese customers have put it. The concept of fast-food wasn’t popular then but this hole-in-the-wall was positioned as such.
Quickly enough, the restaurant became a household name in the community and 40 years later, the “New Quicksnack Corporation” was incorporated, thus “Tjioe, The Caterer” was born and has become one of Chinatown’s best caterers.
Distinctively Chinese, yet Tjioe has managed to marry the taste that is uniquely Filipino, thus it has become synonymous to an authentic “Tsinoy tradition”. Tjioe’s heritage is rooted from mainland China. It’s well guarded recipes passed on from four generations. Its knowledge of Chinese cooking has made it the premier choice among the Chinese community in Manila.
Tjioe is regarded as one of the most sought after caterer. It boasts of the only Chinese caterer accredited in Manila’s top-10 exclusive venues. To date, Tjioe has handled corporate & wedding events of up to 1,000 guests, a feat that showcases not only good food but settings that can be lush with sheer elegance.
Constantly innovating, recreating and infusing influences from the west, Tjioe’s menu offers a distinct Tsinoy experience dazzled in an aura of what can only be referred to as Tjioe’s unique palate. Today, Tjioe’s triumvirate casts a solid palate experienced from Beijing, Shanghai, New York and Manila.
Tjioe the Caterer has placed the art of catering, deep in its passion.
Barbeque Pork Short Ribs Chinese Sausage Rice
Crispy Shell with Chicken Filling Yinyang Shrimp
Raspberry Iced Tea
TJIOE (pronounced as chew)
594 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, Parañaque City
Telephones: +632 854-6600 & 851-0226
Mobile phone: +63 918 903-0446
Facebook: Tjioe the Caterer
Twitter: @tjioethecaterer
Website: http://tjioethecaterer.com/
Contact: Chef Rey Lim
Mobile: +63 932 876 8148
Email: acoke109@hotmail.com
It’s finally time to announce the Top 5 Caterers and Top 5 Dishes of the first ever The Big Banquet. And the winners are…
(To be continued)
THE BIG BANQUET @ THE BLUE LEAF Series:
- THE BIG BANQUET: Battle of the Top Caterers in Manila! @TheBlueLeaf (A Photo Essay)
- THE BIG BANQUET: Top 5 Best Appetizers, Main Dishes, Desserts & Drinks @TheBlueLeaf
- THE BIG BANQUET: And the Best Caterer in Manila is… @TheBlueLeaf
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: Our Awesome Planet in partnership with The Blue Leaf group co-founded The Big Banquet concept. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.
P.S. The net proceeds from the ticket sales are for the benefit of The Peter Project for Yolanda victims.
Hi Anton how are you? You make me hungry again with the foods and dishes that you posted. Well, the foods and dishes are also great for important occasions like weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, graduations, and so on. Thanks for sharing this one. We can choose the caterers that will fit or suit for your special occasions.
If I will get married soon, I wish that my wedding reception will be like this. Have a nice day always.
I would not recommend Albergus. We got them for our wedding last year. We booked and paid for 240 persons for their buffet with US slow roast beef. The total headcount who came to our event was 180 persons only. To our surprise they only brought roast beef that’s enough for 100 persons only. We did not get what we paid for.
pls advise which caterer turns out the best in terms of services, food and decors?
pls email to alyathriftyeshop@gmail.com
hello. when is the next Big Banquet event? This would really help us know which caterer to book on our Big Day. Thanks
Wow. very interesting and impressive. Its looking awesome. thanks for your sharing.