When planning a special occasion—be it a wedding, an anniversary celebration, or an exclusive corporate event—every detail matters. Among them, food plays the starring role; after all, when the dust settles, food is one of the main things that the guests will be talking about on their ride home! While the Tagaytay view, eye-catching décor, and symphonic music add to the ambiance, a less-than-stellar meal can leave a bitter aftertaste in any guests’ mouth that’s why food tasting with caterers is always par for the (main) course. So why is it so important to taste the food you’d potentially be serving to your guests ahead of time?
Getting to Experience the Food
Be real: menus are just words, and while poetic descriptions of “caramelized bliss” or “succulent bursts of flavor” sound enticing, you’ll never truly know until you taste it for yourself. Food tasting gives you the opportunity to trust your senses: the taste, texture, aroma, and even the visual appeal of the dishes. Does the soup have that velvety richness you like? Are the grilled prawns cooked to perfection? It also doesn’t hurt to see how the plating ends up. You’ll also get the opportunity to smell if any of the dishes seem too strong or pungent for your (and your guests’) liking.
Meeting the Catering Team
A tasting session isn’t just about savoring delectable dishes; it’s also your first chance to meet the team who will be handling your food. Building rapport with the team may give you confidence that they’ll be as committed to your event as you are. On the other hand, if you find yourself dealing with a less than savory caterer, you have the chance to book it out of there instead of booking them!
Here at Hillcreek Gardens Tagaytay, we have a team of professional in-house caterers as well as have connections to some of the biggest and trusted names in the business. You’ll have no shortage of choices when looking for a catering team that meets your taste.
Gauge Their Service
As much as no one enjoys lukewarm soup, no one enjoys lukewarm service. During the tasting, you get a sense of how the catering team operates. Are they attentive and proactive? Is the staff professional yet personable? Some caterers in the Philippines offer group tastings where you get to participate in a buffet with other would-be bookers. Others might offer per-plate table service. Either way, you get to see how the caterers conduct themselves and gauge if they are the perfect match for your event.
This glimpse into their service style can help you decide if they’ll meet the high standards your event deserves. At Hillcreek Gardens Tagaytay, we prioritize impeccable service, with professional staff trained to anticipate guest needs without being intrusive.
Understand the Packages
It’s essential to understand exactly what you’re getting for your investment. A food tasting session is the perfect opportunity to dig in and pick at the catering packages they are offering. What’s the standard menu? How many dishes will be on it? How much to upgrade? What’s the costing per head? What are the inclusions in your package? What isn’t covered? Do they also offer grazing options? You will get to find out all of these things during the tasting and as you meet the caterers.
This is also a great opportunity to see how transparent the team is. Packages have to be cut and dry lest the caterers mean to sweep scraps under your noses. Luckily for Tagaytay caterers like us and our partner brands, we make sure that our packages for your wedding, corporate, or any celebratory event are easy to understand and all the inclusions will be accounted for.
Be Able to Customize the Menu
Your event is unique and so should be your menu. Food tastings allow you to explore customisation options. Whether you’re looking to add a regional twist with Filipino classics like lechon kawali or you’re dreaming of a decadent dessert spread inspired by European patisseries, the right caterer for you will be able to bring your delectable dreams to life. Not only that, but seasoned caterers provide tasty options that cater to dietary restrictions. You want to book a caterer who can make everyone, regardless of diet, have a delicious time during your event.
Pair the Right Drinks & Cocktails for the Menu
During the tasting, discuss drink options with your caterer. Should you go for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement a Mediterranean seafood-centric menu or a refreshing calamansi cocktail to add a tangy twist to a regional menu? A good caterer will provide expert recommendations; after all, they know what’s best to give every palette a great experience.
Tasting the (Height) Difference
Nestled in the lush greenery of Tagaytay, Hillcreek Gardens offers more than just breathtaking views; it offers an ambiance where flavors are savored more deeply, and to an extent, differently. According to research, eating at altitude may make food taste, muting saltiness and sweetness and enhancing sourness and bitterness. If you want to know how the food for your wedding, holiday party, corporate soiree, and any other event in Tagaytay will taste, you will need to do a tasting. Food that tastes great in Metro Manila or other lower lying areas might not taste the same when you bring the same item up in the mountains so if you’re planning an event in Tagaytay, we recommend having a food tasting and book a Tagaytay caterer.
What’s probably the best part of food tasting is, unlike booking other vendors, you get to walk away with a full belly. However, if you do find a catering partner that just tickles your taste the right way, you don’t only get a tasting, you might find yourself having a full experience.