Juan Carlo the Caterer Emerges as the Runaway Winner of SAVOUR 2023

With its picturesque location and cool climate, it is no wonder that Tagaytay has become a popular choice for a destination wedding. To cater to this need, the PEAK Tagaytay Wedding Vendors Association brought back SAVOUR: The Ultimate Taste Test of Tagaytay which was held last July 22,2023 at Trabiesa, Tagaytay. The grand food tasting event showcased five top caterers alongside a mini bridal fair and bazaar featuring PEAK members.

Agot’s Catering Services, Alba Catering, Hizon’s Catering, Juan Carlo the Caterer, and Town’s Delight Catering and Events were the contenders in this friendly competition for taste supremacy.

This editor, with his restaurant background and expertise in the Wine and Dine scene was among the judges in this prestigious event. Other judges include Dr. Kim Fajardo, Executive Vice President of the Tagaytay Tourism Council; Ms. Wilma Doesn’t, a celebrity actress and restaurant owner; Chef Camille Zafra and Chef Lawrence Zafra of the Atlas Culinary Institute.

The catering outfits then served their best main dishes and desserts to be scrutinized under the sharp eyes and discerning palates of the five judges. When the smoke had cleared, Juan Carlo was the last man standing in both best main dish and best dessert category.

The winning main entrée was “PINNACLE”.

(Chilean Sea bass, Sweet Potato Puree, Adobo Flavoured Shitake Mushroom, Shimejie Mushroom, Amadeo Coffee Syrup, Baby Arugula, Oxalis, Red Vein Sorrel, Flowers, Fruit Salsa, Pineapple Salsa, Pickled Chayote, Crispy Don Pilas, Confit of Don Pilas with Bulalo Bone Marrow, and Jamon Iberico )

 “The dish pays homage to the locally sourced ingredients that Tagaytay and the Philippines has to offer. It is a culmination of the distinct Filipino taste elevated by French and European techniques with a mission to prove that Filipino flavors can be at the pinnacle of the culinary world”, Juan Carlo, the owner of the catering service, explained.

Likewise, the dessert the captured the hearts and taste buds of the judges was “ERUPTION”.

(Coconut Mousse, Pandan Cheesecake, Caramel Custard, Chocolate Lamington, Latik, Mango compote, Pineapple Compote, Vanilla IceCream, Ube Ice Cream, Mint Leaves, Tarragon Leaves, and Orange Fruit Caviar)

“An Ode to Tagaytay’s locally sourced ingredients and the majestic Taal Volcano. The flaring white cone symbolizes its powerful and violent eruptions; and beneath the rubbles of tragedy lies the resilient beauty and magnificence embodied by the fresh and bountiful fruits, herbs, and indigenous ingredients that continuously thrive in the pristine nature that is Tagaytay,” Juan Carlo said.

The wonderful event was a rousing success in achieving its threefold mission of promoting local tourism, elevating service standards, and fostering a closely knit community of and for suppliers of Cavite and Metro Tagaytay Area.

By Cesar Cruz Jr.