Foodie Review: Three-and-a-half Stars.

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One of the perks of being a senior member in the company's social club is being able to take part in various *canvassing* activities for upcoming company events (w00t!).  I don't mind being excluded in oculars and other logistic-related activities, but if the activity calls for the expert opinion of foodie lovers, count me in!!!

For this canvassing activity, the social club is to pick a caterer for this year's Christmas party.  I was fortunate enough to take part in the food-tasting activity, where various caterers would showcase their menu, and we would be tasting each meal buffet-style.  Nakakapagod rin pala, because unlike the *actual* dining experience, we have to sample EACH type of food, and be critical about the taste BEFORE giving our own ratings.  At kahit na tig-isang subo, nakakabusog pa rin.

First in the list is Josiah's Catering Inc.

Josiah's Catering Inc. is located at #34 East Drive, Marikina Heights Marikina City.

First thing I've noticed coming into the conference room (where they had the catering setup) was the table centerpiece, which consisted of candles, arranged (plastic) flowers, and mirrors.  It was an interesting touch for them to use mirrors in the centerpiece, which I think is quite useful for those vanity self-checks for formal events (i.e. those is-my-make-up-and-hair-still-in-place moments).  However, I was really disapointed that they used fake flowers instead of real ones, and that they had a cheap glittery star cutout placed in the centerpiece that further degraded the whole design.

 On with the food...

** Not included in the pictures: Pumpkin Soup, Nachos/Breadsticks with Cheese Dip, Iced Tea

Theirs was a buffet-style setup, but the appetizers were already set in the table.  As appetizers, they served nachos and breadsticks with cheese dip on the side.  My verdict? A-M-A-T-E-U-R.  Nachos weren't crispy, breadsticks taste (and look) like that Monde Bread Stix snack brand, and the cheese dip tasted like altered Cheez Whiz.  Not really your top-notch professional catering buffet material, and definitely NOT appetizing.

Soup was served at the table, and I had high hopes on the Pumpkin Soup.  I consider myself a soup lover; easy to please when it comes to soup.  That's why I was quite surprised with myself when I was actually disappointed with the soup.  For one, it tasted instant; like Knorr soup with added pumpkin whatever.  Another thing is, the soup's consistency.  I've always imagine pumpkin soup to be creamy; this being a non-clear soup.  THIS version of the pumpkin soup was far from that.  Malabnaw to the maximum level.  Basta, I really can't say anything good about this soup.  I hated it.

Next were the buffet meals.  In fairness, bumawi sila with the ulam, especially with the beef (it was soooo tender, I love it), but negative points go to the pasta (SOGGY much), and the overall saltiness (too much) of the food.  My favorite picks among the bunch were the chicken and beef viands, my worst pick is the pasta.  The rice was unremarkable, when I expected a better-looking grained rice.

Last were the desserts.  Plain.  While the others liked the strawberry and/or chocolate Pana Cotta, it was the Orange/Citrus one that caught my palette.  Not because it tasted good (but it does, in an adventurous kind of way), but because it tasted... different.  It tasted like Cecon, actually.  But in a good way.  It was the first and only non-amateur food I tasted in the whole lot.

Josiah's Catering Inc. can (and should) improve a lot more, in terms of decorations and food preparation.  Food-tasting should be the caterer's way of putting their best foot forward, which made me wonder if this was the best that they can do.  If so, then this isn't the catering service I would want to hire for a big-time company event.