Food Tasting # 2: Patio de Tata Roque

After our food tasting with Lina Vitan, it was now time to go to Patio de Tata's food tasting at their commissary in Marikina. I printed some directions courtesy of Google Maps to aid us on the way, but I was pretty confident that we would be able to find the place easily. Ako pa?! Eh laking Marikina ata ako noh! Kaya, no, we would not get lost! Ah, the famous last words. Once again, my navigation skills were useless. We took one wrong turn and that was it: we got frickin' lost in my own hometown! Ang yabang ko pa, nawala rin naman pala kami. Bwiset.

After going around in circles for what seemed like the nth time, we finally found the commissary! Yey! The commissary is very pretty and can actually double as an events place. There were already a few people sitting at the tables and a wedding singer provided the entertainment for the event. Compared to Lina Vitan, Patio de Tata's setups were more creative and dazzling. I particularly liked their parasol centerpiece in one table. They also had a sample setup for the couple's table, which was very elegant. Sabi nga ni Mox, parang pang-kasal talaga. Haha.

The couple's table

Patio de Tata also had more entrees served during the food tasting. My plate was already filled with food and yet we haven't tasted all the dishes served. Since we were still full from the previous food tasting, we weren't able to really enjoy our meal. Masakit pa kasi mga tiyan namin eh. Also, since we got most of the entrees in one go, we couldn't distinguish one dish from another. Nagkahalo-halo na kasi mga lasa nila. Some tips for future food tastings: Never get all entrees at once. Chew slowly and truly savor the food. Kaya nga food tasting ang tawag para matikman talaga ang pagkain. Take down notes, because with all the food that you'd eat, you would bound to forget some of their names. And the most important tip of all: Wag maging masyadong matakaw dahil baka sumakit ang tiyan at maglabas ka ng sama ng loob ng wala sa oras. 

What I loved about Patio de Tata's food tasting was the wonderful array of desserts there. There were so much to choose from: from creme brulee to blueberry cheesecake and strawberry panna cotta; from cream puffs to choco eclairs and mini mocha cupcakes; from creamy buko pandan to leche flan. There were some banana and mango crepes as well. For someone with a sweet tooth, this was pure heaven. Ang sasarap nilang lahat! Get ready to drool people.

They also served sushi and mixed green salad in cute cocktail glasses. The sushi was okay although the maki tasted a little bit bland. But still, the presentation was uber cute! :)

For all those party people, don't worry because Patio de Tata got your back! They also have a mobile bar where people can all get drunk with their colorful cocktails and other alcoholic concoctions. But we didn't drink anything because we're already bursting and one more sip could lead to vomiting afterwards. Yeah I know, it's gross.

VERDICT: For budget-conscious brides like me, Patio de Tata is one of the caterers that give you the bang for the buck. Their packages are very affordable and if you're really good, you could even haggle for some freebies. I wanted to book Patio de Tata that day, but unfortunately they are not yet open for 2014 weddings. So in the meantime, let's look for other caterers, but Patio de Tata will remain in my shortlist. :)

ADDENUM (MAY 2012): I just learned that Patio de Tata now accepts 2014 bookings. I'll attend their next grand food tasting in July to once again taste their dishes and see if they are up to our standards. And yes, this time I will take down notes. :)

PATIO DE TATA ROQUE CATERING
26 Capt. Miyong Street cor Santisimo, San Roque, Marikina City 
401-4781 / 401-4782 / 546-8820
patioroque@yahoo.com