It has already been a part of my routine to check bridal fair schedules. Luckily right after the Feb event that we attended, there's another one scheduled this March. Not only that, VS&F and Center Table Catering were both holding food tasting events on that weekend. Perfect!All the more reason for us to spend a day of our weekend for wedding preps again. You guys must know the drill by now. I told Adrin about it, we agreed to go, and I pre-registered for all 3 events. We arranged our schedule like this; (1)VS&F food tasting around lunch time; (2) supplier scouting; (3) Center Table food tasting as late merienda/early dinner. Strategic right?! Upon arriving at SMX convention center, we immediately registered and we were handed our name tags and claim stub for the bag souvenir and other giveaways.
First stop, VS&F’s area to have our lunch. Hihi. Seems like most other participants also thought strategically so when we got there all the staff of VS&F had their hands full already. We were asked to sit first and wait for a sales person who can attend to us. While waiting for food to be served, I can’t help but notice how nice they have styled the area (was not able to take pictures since it was not allowed). The theme was Nautical with hues of Red, Blue and White. They had anchors and floaters hung on the wall, while each table was decorated with a wooden ship. Bottles filled with sand served as table numbers. Long minutes passed and we were served with soup. Their menu that day was Seafood Chowder and Creamy Spinach Soup. Both hungry, we gorged the soup and made our evaluations. They were very good so we noted in our sheets our rating. It took quite a longer time for them to serve us the main courses. When they finally arrived, Adrin and I took turns trying each course and agreed to only comment after both of us have tried the dish. I cannot remember anymore what we had but in general, we find most of their dishes a bit bland but some were noted as passable. Dessert came and they were presented really well. As for taste, let’s just say that our eyes were more pleased. We have already finished eating and yet no one came to discuss about their services so we just decided to go around the hall first and just return later to check their packages.
By now we realized that when in fairs,it's more fruitful to focus on suppliers for one key element of the wedding than just go and check everything. That's what we exactly did and concentrated on two things; caterers and ring suppliers. Not in to miss our eyed caterers and venues, we ensured to pass by Ibarra’s and Tamayo’s booth. Events venue was also prioritized since were still not really decided where to hold our reception. After that we went to every stall there is of rings supplier to canvass. Seeing all the designs offered, we were able to note a few from several suppliers including the prices.We did not intend to book back then since our wedding is still on 2014 and we want to tick off the major items first like church, caterer, and venue. With a couple more hours to spare, we also checked the stalls of the couturiers and their gown displays.
It was a bit late already and with still one food tasting to attend, we decided to go back to VS&F first before proceeding to Center Table. Sadly even with available staff, VS&F did not accommodate us to discuss their services but instead just handed out a copy of their packages with the corresponding rates. Let down, we just proceeded to Aliw theater for Center Table’s event. Stepping in to the venue, I immediately had a feeling that I wouldn’t be much impressed by them. The decorations were so simple, with tables adorned only by tall vases with a ball of roses on them (sorry, forgot to take pictures). The walls were bare too. Uh-oh, not so good so far. I just kept mum about my observations first and set them aside so I can assess the food. There was not much guest so there was no queue at the buffet table. We took a bit of everything from soup to main courses and desserts. While eating, we again noted down our ratings to each dish on the menu list that was given to us. I was right; I was not impressed by their dishes and knew that Adrin wasn’t as well. Their account executive approached us after we finished our desserts to discuss their services. He was very nice and accommodating, even throwing out suggestions on possible venues. We listened to what he has to say and made some clarifications on the inclusions of their packages. After, we told him that we’ll discuss first and just contact him should we decide to book them. As soon as we got in the car, Adrin and I both decided that we’ll take Center Table out of our choices.
Even if we were not able to consider a final supplier for any item, it was still a fruitful day for us. Until the next fair and food tasting event!
Cheers!
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