WP: Blue Gardens: Chef Moms, Bernos (11.26.2016)

This is officially our First Food Tasting event. Reagan and I have already stopped going to Bridal Fairs mostly because I don't want to anymore. Going at those events only keep my hopes up that we are going to get married soon but is so far from the truth. We don't have a date, I don't even have a ring (why did I even tell him I don't need one?) to even validate that this is indeed happening and not just "one of those talks". My heart sinks a little at those bridal fairs whenever I get the question of "when" so might as well not go altogether.

It's a blur on how last weekend (Nov 26) we ended up at Blue Gardens (Commonwealth). We got the easiest way to go there: MRT up to Centris, hailed a taxi there and whoala, we've already arrived.

My initial impression going there is not too good, the road is just too cramped for comfort. It is absolutely far from being a subdivision at all. When we arrived there was a bride posing for photos at the fountain and a huge ass truck of M Catering in front of her-- who needed a trophy on how he got it there in the first place.

Before the actual food tasting we were showed around by one of their staff and from there we realized that while we are food tasting downstairs, their Chateau upstairs have an event going on. We both were surprised that they were able to have 180 people inside! The area is just too tight even if the ceiling is far way up. They do have a 2nd floor overlooking the event downstairs, said can hold 60-80 people (but with a different charge). It does seem that it is possible to have both to accommodate more people, or to even distribute them a bit but it's like you need to put your least liked people upstairs since not all of them can watch the program when they're sitting.

Their Garden is also at the process of being decorated. We assume that it must be for the bride we saw earlier. It was also a bit tight like Chateau (there was even a chair that was right next to a plant who won't be able to see anything AT ALL), the electric fan is not enough (it has to be an evening event, an afternoon like this would be a torture to guests) and you could hear traffic outside as well. Not sure if they have a bridal room like the Chateau which is at the 3rd flight of stairs.

They have another garden area, which is at the other lot. It has it's own parking space, venue and bridal makeup room. It can also accommodate 300 (?) people, more than what we need. I don't want to spend too much on the feeling of "this is it" like most brides (haha, am I one now?) want to, I simply wanted to know if this is something I would not regret of having. The answer is yes. That is at the hopes that a good combination of weather and air coolers and electric fans would fix the humidity issue of holding an event outdoors. Although this area is much more expensive (like +15k if you wanted this one) I would rather be here for exclusivity. And that parking is a huge plus.

Mushroom Soup, 4 Seasons and Buko Salad not in photo

+ Bernos +

Food: The food is delicious in spite of being cold which is understandable, they are probably here a long time already. Their juice though needs more sugar because it tasted too bland. The chicken they served us is our favorite.

Decoration: They have themes and are good enough. They allow mix and match for as long as the same items on their current book is used.

Rep: Friendly, we like her.

Price: Cheapest. Probably because they only offer either beef or pork and not both in their packages and very simple styling too.

+ Chef Moms +

*They were a bit late, even the rep got to us late. Must have forgotten us :-(

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Food: Reagan likes them better (although I liked Bernos' Carbonara better, and to think I don't eat it). Their sampler plate is also filled to the brim. Their beef looked dry but it was unexpectedly tender. For 200 guests they could provide you with a dessert bar (around 10k additional for Bernos) and a salad bar.

Decoration: Much more detailed than Bernos and they can help you if you have some items in mind.

Rep: Also friendly, she could talk to your for hours I'm sure of it.

+ Blue Gardens +

Their people are very nice. Their CRs are clean and pretty, perfect for your guests. Parking could pose a challenge if all three venues are booked and all your visitors have cars. But one huge pro for those who are on budget is for 200k++ for 100 guests you can have almost everything you need here in one comprehensive package-- if you can overcome going there, that is. And don't be too harsh on them as well, their place is really pretty at the evenings. It really transforms when the lights are on. I noticed myself smiling especially when we visited that wedding on the venue next door (the one with the parking which we both liked).

Not closing any doors, but seeing that our target (giggles) is July of next year (he said it when asked! I would be lying if I didn't feel kilig at this new development), we'll see.