Foodie Rating: Five Stars!!! (w00t)

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Second in line on the list of catering services for our food-tasting activity is Albergus Catering.  I haven't heard of this catering service before, so I had no expectations prior to the activity.  I just hoped that their showcase of food is better than what we had with the first caterer.

Albergus Catering is located at 6 Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara, Diliman, Quezon City 1119

As it turns out, *better* is too weak of a word to describe our experience.  To date, Albergus Catering is the one to beat, as far as food-tasting catering services goes.

I have nothing bad to say with how professional looking they were able to present their food, from the dining table set-up (they used REAL flowers!) to the buffet area, to the food itself.  Each detail was meticulously arranged; I was surprised that even the colors of the food complemented each other.  This made me even more excited with how the food would actually taste like.

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Left: Presentation of appetizers on the buffet table

(Left) Clockwise from top left: Steamed Pandan Rice, Spaghetti Monte Carlo, Penne with Italian Sausage & Pesto Cream Sauce, Chicken Fricassee, Baked Almond Crusted Salmon, Chicken Scallopine with Chardonnay Leek Cream Sauce, Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce, Roast Beef Filipino Style, Grilled Blue Marlin Salpicao w/ Herb Butter (middle of plate)

Unlike the first caterer we tried, everything Albergus Catering serves just screams high-end--from the names of the food to the presentation to the taste.  Everything tastes delightfully subtle; not too salty, not too bland, not to overpowering.  The first detail that wow-ed me was the appetizer; a suitable first impression.  The trio of nacho chips that came in fuchsia, purple and its original color, partnered with two choices of dips (cheese or salsa) really did wet my appetite as it should be.  The salads were divine - I absolutely LOVED how they mixed the greens and the other flavors in such a way that the salad could actually stand on its own without the dressing!  I was actually enjoying the food -- to think that I was just going through the starters.

As for the main course, everything was nicely prepared that I had no complaints -- except that I wished that they had more sahog in their viands.  In fairness, the way that they seasoned the dishes is so good, that even putting the sauce on the rice is enough to enjoy the meal, but I've noticed that there isn't much vegetables to go around, in case I want to put other things in my plate besides the meat and sauce.  What I really appreciated in their main course is that the selection isn't trying too hard to look "foreign" in fact, they were able to feature a Filipino-inspired meal.  Kudos to Albergus Catering for adding Pinoy flair to their dishes.

As for the dessert - I LOVED their flour-based desserts, and how they are able to successfully compliment them with sugar, fruits and nuts.  Again, nothing is too sweet or too plain in their desserts.  A perfect ending to a meal.

Love, love, LOVED this experience.  I hope that this will be our choice of caterer in the company's upcoming Christmas party.