Complaint Review: foods2love.com Or Michell Baeza - Austin Texas

ALL AT PEACE BETWEEN THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THIS REPORT MICHELL BAEZA

I wanted to also state that Austin Catering is no way, shape or form was responsible in any of these occurrences-- the only way they came up in the first place was because of Michell referencing working there on multiple occasions. They have done absolutely nothing wrong, and had nothing to do with this incident. -- Aaron

MONICA & Aaron are very classy and professional people who like to waste their boring time on ripoffreport. (honestly this is what they live for) But to say the least and I am a very successful person who is not in the catering business and have no plans in it. I guess this is the kind of treatment you get when your boyfriend's "friends" expect something for free and do not get their way. I have my own business and believe it or not I started it w/out the "help" of Aaron as he says. In reality I tried doing them a favor when they thought they were helping me, what a joke. All this shows their level of maturity being the fact that they are in the 30's and have nothing better to do. This shows their true colors and I love it. Thank You Aaron and Monica for making yourselves look like immature fools. Best of wishes and you guys should really consider taking out your frustration out in the gym..hint hint~! As for me...I leave you on this note and want to say this is a waste of my time to deal with DEAD BEAT CUSTOMERS!!

I am writing to clear up a few things with this post. I am the bride who has also had to endure Miss Baeza's immaturity and unprofessional business practices. I can assure you that my husband's original post is completely accurate and true and nothing has been changed. We simply wanted to make any others aware of what we've gone through with this individual in hopes to save anyone from the same hassles. We did meet Michelle through a friend that told us his girlfriend worked for AUSTIN CATERING and was trying to start her own business. While speaking to Michelle she touted the fact that she had just helped prepare for The Jenna Bush Wedding, which lead me to believe that she was in fact a CATERER. Please Note: we had a very small wedding with only 50 guests and only asked for her to prepare hor dourves. We did not choose to go with her to get something for free nor did we expect free labor in any way. We truly thought it could be a win, win situation for all. The facts are simple, Michell was late for meetings, unorganized and unprepared time and time again and could never answer a single question without referring to having to ask her boss. When asked for quotes she was vague and would not provide an itemized quote (until a WEEK before the wedding) so that the appropriate choices could be made. I was beginning to have very little confidence that she could handle the job and even asked her if she feels like she has taken on too much or might want help. In light of this we did ask for a tasting in hopes that her cooking might make up for her other inadequacies. The tasting never happen because she decided that she got frustrated decided she couldn't do it and quit. I did offer to pay her for the food she purchased for the tasting and her time. Which she had already told me was $75 and also told me that if we wanted to find someone else that she would void the check and she would understand. She took it upon herself try to cash a check that had already been cancelled assuming that she was keeping $250 and sending back $100. I too have a lengthy email trail of all the communication that has gone on throughout this crazy experience. See below and decide for yourself (Keep in mind I did finally get an itemized quote but almost a WEEK before the wedding and more than a month after the orginal guestimate). I am disguised by the way that she has handled herself in this matter and further find it completely annoying that she has taken it this far. Her boyfriend calling my husband to chew him out and getting involved was also childish. To make matters worse while we were on our honeymoon last week she contacted the authorities saying that she was being harassed by my husband with emails, phone calls and text messages (which she could not provide). This of course was right after she found that he had posted the original alert on Rip Off Report. We will both submit all phone and email records to clarify that we first were not even in the country and second wouldn't waste our valuable time with such nonsense. Who's being harassed? So buyers Beware, if you don't want to have to worry about canceling checks, angry boyfriends and the authorities just for some simple food, I suggest you refuse the drama and to take your business elsewhere. -Monica Sun, 15 June 2008 hey monica, sorry i havent had a chance to give you an estimate but i have started some new projects and have been checking out prices for your wedding. I also wanted to know if you were still interested in the cheese board? I want to say the the estimated price for the food cost will be $400-600 + labor (cheap). I am looking into purchase local produce since it is in season (fruit) and sometime cheaper. I also wanted to know how can i advertise my website once i have built it? Hope to hear from you soon. Michell Baeza Sat, 26 July, 2008 Monica & Aaron, I have gathered price quotes for your menu options. If you have any question or comments please let me know. If you are not satisfied with my service and would like to look else where please feel free, no hard feelings. I will also need a check for the full amount before we begin the catering process. I will void the $350 check. Thanks! Michell 1.) Fresh Fruit Kabobs (watermelon, pineapple, honeydew, strawberries) $2 per person x 60= $120 2.) Grilled Chicken Kabobs (w/ tri peppers & mushrooms) $2.50 per person x 60= $150 3.) Petite Quiches (Lorraine) $1.75 per person x 80= $140 4.) Pulled Pork Empanadas w/ chipolte aioli $2.50 per person x 80= $200 5.) Basil Marinated Mozz. & Cherry Tomato Skewers $1.75 per person x 60= $105 6.) Peel Shrimp w/ Cocktail Sauce $2.75 per person x 50= $137.50 7.) Artisan Cheese Board w/ Crackers & Proscuitto (Aged Cheddar, Stilton, Smoked Gouda, Port Salut) $3.50 per person x 50= $175 Total $1027.5/50= $20.55 per person Tax Free Sun, 27 Jul 2008 Hi Monica & Aaron, The tasting will be on Weds. at 8pm at Jeff & I's house, we will also have beer and wine for you. I mentioned to Aaron that I would have to cash the check for the tasting menu which will include purchase of ingredients. A total of $75, the difference will be deducted from the overall total. I was not able to find my glass bowl for the cocktail sauce, you might want to look for one. Hope to see you soon. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 Hi Michell, I am very disappointed about how this all went down and think that it was handled very unprofessionally. I do appreciate your efforts and am sorry things did not work out. I would like to compensate you for whatever time and money that you've spent preparing for our day. Please let me know what that amount is when you get a chance. I assume by Jeff's words that neither of you will be attending our events and wish you both the best in the future. Sincerely, Monica Tue, 29 July 2008 Hi Monica, I cashed Aaron's check for the tasting and will be mailing you back $100. The difference will compensate for time and travel. Thank You for the opportunity and we wish you and Aaron the best of luck and happiness. Sun, 3 Aug 2008 Monica, So much for compensating me, well you can discard the check I sent you. Aaron and his classy ways obviously put a stop payment on the check or it did not have sufficient funds. Thank You for the reversal fee in my account. In my business alone, I have worked with very very wealthy people and nobody has ever been soo unprofessional like Aaron. Whatever the case, just discard the check. If you decide to cash it, the check will be disputed. Michell Sun, 10 Aug 2008 Michell, I would like to point out that Monica was not responsible for canceling the check, I was, and I will gladly list the reason(s) so that you completely understand: Firstly, Michell, you were NOT fired. You QUIT. In fact, I'll quote you, as you said, "I think if your concerned Aaron, you SHOULD find yourself another caterer". What we discovered was that you were completely unprepared, unprofessional, and consistently unable to provide the answers that we required. Part of that INCLUDES a request-for-quote, which your initial emails indicated a cost-figure of ~600 dollars, which we had specifically indicated was our budget. Instead, later, after 3 requests for a firm quote, you came back at double the initial cost figure at $1250 dollars, and as you quoted, "Having asked your BOSS how much to ask for". Apparently I should have asked YOUR boss for a quote. Now, as far as you're "compensation" goes...I gave you multiple chances to provide quotes, tastings, etc... Instead, all I heard was, "Umm.. well, I don't have a bowl for this,, or a bowl for that, and I'll need you to provide plates, and silverwaver, ohh..and I need to ask my boss about that...". Now, lets just be frank and honest here: I was TRYING to HELP you get started in your BUSINESS. You were so unprepared for the task, especially for the price you changed last minute, that I expressed concern about you ability to deliver. And that is without mentioning your tardyness to show, and your inability to come with the materials you needed (you're "Book" as you call it, that you left at a friends house). I furthermore still tried to work with you by offering to pay for a tasting (mind you, this is AFTER I had already purchased food and wine for you to enjoy on our first meeting). But, Michell, it gets even worse. After you QUIT, you're unprofessionalism continued beyond your "business" and into your personal life as I had to endure a 45 minute phone call from your boyfriend explaining how upset YOU were because I had concerns on your ability to, well, honestly... do ANYTHING. And I think I made the right call. So, inlight of all these facts... especially (beyond the incompetience you demonstrated), a REQUEST FOR QUOTE does not, in my mind, justify any form of payment. Furthermore, the fact that I was forced, at the last minute, to acquire another caterer, because you QUIT, only further shows your inability to start a business. Now, as far as the check is concerned, out of my generosity, I had verbally offered to give you $100 dollars. Instead, you took it upon youself to decide that you should be compensated $250 dollars after providing us with nothing but hassle and wasting 2.5 hours of our time, and 45 minutes of my professional time wasted listening to your boyfriend go on about you crying and how much money he made. In light of all these events, the check for $350 was cancelled. I fully expect, and encourage, you to cancel your check for $100 dollars that you sent to us in the mail. Sincerely, Aaron

HELLO ALL, I am writing to clear up a few things with this post. I am the bride who has also had to endure Miss Baeza's immaturity and unprofessional inexperienced business practices. I can assure you that my husband's original post is completely accurate and true and nothing has been changed. We simply wanted to make any others aware of what we've gone through with this individual in hopes to save anyone from the same hassles. We did meet Michelle through a friend that told us his girlfriend worked for AUSTIN CATERING and was trying to start her own business. While speaking to Michelle she touted the fact that she had just helped prepare for The Jenna Bush Wedding, which lead me to believe that she was in fact a CATERER. Please Note: we had a very small wedding with only 50 guests and only asked for her to prepare hor dourves. We did not choose to go with her to get something for free nor did we expect free labor in any way. We truly thought it could be a win, win situation for all. The facts are simple, Michell was late for meetings, unorganized and unprepared time and time again and could never answer a single question without referring to having to ask her boss. When asked for quotes she was vague and would not provide an itemized quote. When she did finally provide one a week before the wedding it was out of line based on our original conversations therefor I asked some simple questions to justify the costs, she got upset and flustered and once again couldn't answer without referring to someone else. I was beginning to have very little confidence that she could handle the job and even asked her if she feels like she has taken on too much or might want help. In light of this we did ask for a tasting in hopes that her cooking might make up for her other inadequacies. The tasting never happen because she she got frustrated and quit. I did offer to pay her for the food she purchased for the tasting and her time. Which she had already told me was $75 and also told me that if we wanted to find someone else that she would void the check and she would understand. She took it upon herself try to cash a check that had already been cancelled assuming that she was keeping $250 and sending back $100. I too have a lengthy email trail of all the communication that has gone on throughout this crazy experience. See below and decide for yourself (Keep in mind I did finally get an itemized quote but almost a WEEK before the wedding and more than a month after the orginal guestimate). I am disguised by the way that she has handled herself in this matter and further find it completely annoying that she has taken it this far. Not to mention that her rebuttal was a complete LIE and she altered the text (it doesn't even make sense). Her boyfriend calling my husband to add his two cents worth and getting involved was also extremely childish. To make matters worse while we were on our honeymoon last week she contacted the authorities saying that she was being harassed by my husband with emails, phone calls and text messages (which she could not provide). This of course was right after she found that he had posted the original alert on Rip Off Report. We will both submit all phone and email records to clarify that we first were not even in the country and second wouldn't waste our valuable time with such nonsense. Who's being harassed? So buyers Beware, if you don't want to have to worry about canceling checks, angry boyfriends and dealing with the authorities for some simple food, I suggest you refuse the drama and take your business elsewhere. -Monica Martin THE EMAIL TRAIL: Sun, 15 June 2008 hey monica, sorry i havent had a chance to give you an estimate but i have started some new projects and have been checking out prices for your wedding. I also wanted to know if you were still interested in the cheese board? I want to say the the estimated price for the food cost will be $400-600 + labor (cheap). I am looking into purchase local produce since it is in season (fruit) and sometime cheaper. I also wanted to know how can i advertise my website once i have built it? Hope to hear from you soon. Michell Baeza Sat, 26 July, 2008 Monica & Aaron, I have gathered price quotes for your menu options. If you have any question or comments please let me know. If you are not satisfied with my service and would like to look else where please feel free, no hard feelings. I will also need a check for the full amount before we begin the catering process. I will void the $350 check. Thanks! Michell 1.) Fresh Fruit Kabobs (watermelon, pineapple, honeydew, strawberries) $2 per person x 60= $120 2.) Grilled Chicken Kabobs (w/ tri peppers & mushrooms) $2.50 per person x 60= $150 3.) Petite Quiches (Lorraine) $1.75 per person x 80= $140 4.) Pulled Pork Empanadas w/ chipolte aioli $2.50 per person x 80= $200 5.) Basil Marinated Mozz. & Cherry Tomato Skewers $1.75 per person x 60= $105 6.) Peel Shrimp w/ Cocktail Sauce $2.75 per person x 50= $137.50 7.) Artisan Cheese Board w/ Crackers & Proscuitto (Aged Cheddar, Stilton, Smoked Gouda, Port Salut) $3.50 per person x 50= $175 Total $1027.5/50= $20.55 per person Tax Free Sun, 27 Jul 2008 Hi Monica & Aaron, The tasting will be on Weds. at 8pm at Jeff & I's house, we will also have beer and wine for you. I mentioned to Aaron that I would have to cash the check for the tasting menu which will include purchase of ingredients. A total of $75, the difference will be deducted from the overall total. I was not able to find my glass bowl for the cocktail sauce, you might want to look for one. Hope to see you soon. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 Hi Michell, I am very disappointed about how this all went down and think that it was handled very unprofessionally. I do appreciate your efforts and am sorry things did not work out. I would like to compensate you for whatever time and money that you've spent preparing for our day. Please let me know what that amount is when you get a chance. I assume by Jeff's words that neither of you will be attending our events and wish you both the best in the future. Sincerely, Monica Davis Tue, 29 July 2008 Hi Monica, I cashed Aaron's check for the tasting and will be mailing you back $100. The difference will compensate for time and travel. Thank You for the opportunity and we wish you and Aaron the best of luck and happiness. Sun, 3 Aug 2008 Monica, So much for compensating me, well you can discard the check I sent you. Aaron and his classy ways obviously put a stop payment on the check or it did not have sufficient funds. Thank You for the reversal fee in my account. In my business alone, I have worked with very very wealthy people and nobody has ever been soo unprofessional like Aaron. Whatever the case, just discard the check. If you decide to cash it, the check will be disputed. Michell Sun, 10 Aug 2008 Michell, I would like to point out that Monica was not responsible for canceling the check, I was, and I will gladly list the reason(s) so that you completely understand: Firstly, Michell, you were NOT fired. You QUIT. In fact, I'll quote you, as you said, "I think if your concerned Aaron, you SHOULD find yourself another caterer". What we discovered was that you were completely unprepared, unprofessional, and consistently unable to provide the answers that we required. Part of that INCLUDES a request-for-quote, which your initial emails indicated a cost-figure of ~600 dollars, which we had specifically indicated was our budget. Instead, later, after 3 requests for a firm quote, you came back at double the initial cost figure at $1250 dollars, and as you quoted, "Having asked your BOSS how much to ask for". Apparently I should have asked YOUR boss for a quote. Now, as far as you're "compensation" goes...I gave you multiple chances to provide quotes, tastings, etc... Instead, all I heard was, "Umm.. well, I don't have a bowl for this,, or a bowl for that, and I'll need you to provide plates, and silverwaver, ohh..and I need to ask my boss about that...". Now, lets just be frank and honest here: I was TRYING to HELP you get started in your BUSINESS. You were so unprepared for the task, especially for the price you changed last minute, that I expressed concern about you ability to deliver. And that is without mentioning your tardyness to show, and your inability to come with the materials you needed (you're "Book" as you call it, that you left at a friends house). I furthermore still tried to work with you by offering to pay for a tasting (mind you, this is AFTER I had already purchased food and wine for you to enjoy on our first meeting). But, Michell, it gets even worse. After you QUIT, you're unprofessionalism continued beyond your "business" and into your personal life as I had to endure a 45 minute phone call from your boyfriend explaining how upset YOU were because I had concerns on your ability to, well, honestly... do ANYTHING. And I think I made the right call. So, inlight of all these facts... especially (beyond the incompetience you demonstrated), a REQUEST FOR QUOTE does not, in my mind, justify any form of payment. Furthermore, the fact that I was forced, at the last minute, to acquire another caterer, because you QUIT, only further shows your inability to start a business. Now, as far as the check is concerned, out of my generosity, I had verbally offered to give you $100 dollars. Instead, you took it upon youself to decide that you should be compensated $250 dollars after providing us with nothing but hassle and wasting 2.5 hours of our time, and 45 minutes of my professional time wasted listening to your boyfriend go on about you crying and how much money he made. In light of all these events, the check for $350 was cancelled. I fully expect, and encourage, you to cancel your check for $100 dollars that you sent to us in the mail. Sincerely, Aaron Sun, 10 Aug, 2008 Aaron, this is a waste of my time. I will report you for harassing me so stop. YOU NEVER HELPED ME START MY OWN BUSINESS. I AM A PERSONAL CHEF NOT A CATERER SO GET IT RIGHT. I WAS DOING YOU THE FAVOR, NOT VICE VERSA. I WORK WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE AND YOUR WERE NOT THE FIRST NOR LAST. I AM TOO BUSY TO f**k WITH THIS, GET A LIFE. DO SOMETHING GO TO THE GYM AND GET YOUR FRUSTRATION OUT THERE...YOU NEED IT. DON'T BE TACKY AND UNPROFESSIONAL. I CHANGED THE PRICES BECAUSE YOU ARE A CHEAP a*s. I WAS DOING YOU THE FAVOR. THIS JUST SHOWS YOUR LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM. NOTHING IS FOR FREE, NOT EVEN A TASTING. YOU HAVE TOO MUCH TIME TO WRITE AND THINK ABOUT THIS...HAHA...LET IT GO, WHAT A JOKE!!!!! GO EAT A DING-DONG!!!

Keep in mind...I was only preparing the food (i am not a caterer but I am a chef) ..and nothing else. all serving materials: bowls, plates, etc were disposable and they wanted 8 menu options IE:gourmet cheese board, fresh shrimp, lobster, etc on a $600 budget for food and labor. He expected me to provide a free tasting, free serving materials, & free labor. I always had to go to their house to meet w/ them for hours only to realize they had not decided on any menu options. Plus I would endlessly email and call the bride only to have unreturned calls/emails. He & his fiance offer to "compensate me" to later put a stop payment on the check. Very tasteless and unclassy people & he claims to have "helped" me start my business as a caterer...which i have no intends of doing. This guy always said "its not about the money...b/c there is plenty of it" only to find out he didnty even want to pay $1000 for food + labor...so I quit b/c he became very verbal and consisently called me only harrass. /begin quote of Aaron's Email Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 14:34:28 -0700 From: [email protected] Subject: Re: Fwd: RE: tasting To: [email protected]; [email protected] Michell, I would like to point out that Monica was not responsible for canceling the check, I was, and I will gladly list the reason(s) so that you completely understand: Firstly, Michell, you were NOT fired. You QUIT. In fact, I'll quote you, as you said, "I think if your concerned Aaron, you SHOULD find yourself another caterer". Now, as far as you're "compensation" goes...I gave you multiple chances to provide quotes, tastings, etc... Instead, all I heard was, "Umm.. well, I don't have a bowl for this,, or a bowl for that, and I'll need you to provide plates, and silverwaver, Now, lets just be frank and honest here: I was TRYING to HELP you get started in your BUSINESS. You were so unprepared for the task, especially for the price you changed last minute, that I expressed concern about you ability to deliver. I furthermore still tried to work with you by offering to pay for a tasting (mind you, this is AFTER I had already purchased food and wine for you to enjoy on our first meeting). So, inlight of all these facts... especially (beyond the incompetience you demonstrated), a REQUEST FOR QUOTE does not, in my mind, justify any form of payment. Furthermore, the fact that I was forced, at the last minute, to acquire another caterer, because you QUIT, only further shows your inability to start a business. Now, as far as the check is concerned, out of my generosity, I had verbally offered to give you $350 dollars. Instead, you took it upon youself to decide that you should be compensated $250 dollars after providing us with nothing but hassle and wasting listening to your boyfriend go on about you crying and how much money he made. In light of all these events, the check for $350 was cancelled. Sincerely, Aaron Martin /end of Aaron's Email Now if you read his report..he claims to have never emailed me...he also called me several times. I quit just b/c i dont not appreciate being harrassed nor emailed by an emotional pyschotic groom aka: Aaron Martin

This person, Aaron Martin, employee of AMD, wrote the report. I clearly stated to his fiance I am a Personal Chef not a Caterer and she agreed to that stating that all serving dishes and utensils were disposable and I would just have to prepare the food. I only dealt with the bride not groom. After his fiance and I decided on a fixed price for food and labor ($1200) he stated that was too expensive and wanted me to work for free...and hardly pay for any food costs!! I lowered my price to $1000 being more understanding..and still it was no good. This man become insane, he consistently called/emailed harrassing me saying I was overcharging...he wanted a free service. The fact that I did not provide my Food Service for free considered me unprofessional & incompetent, according to his standards. After I refused compesation his fiance still gave me a check for compensation and he later put a stop payment on it. It just shows his lack of professionalism and maturity. I have no need to lie or steal from anyone. To all of you who own a business you know that nothing is given out for free. So he posted an email of mine...of course altering it. He states he helped me start my business, thats a lie and he also states he NEVER emailed me...well that a lie too...he did.... Please Enjoy :) Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 14:34:28 -0700 From: [email protected] Subject: Re: Fwd: RE: tasting To: [email protected]; [email protected] Michell, I would like to point out that Monica was not responsible for canceling the check, I was, and I will gladly list the reason(s) so that you completely understand: Part of that INCLUDES a request-for-quote, which your initial emails indicated a cost-figure of ~800 dollars + labor Now, as far as you're "compensation" goes...I gave you multiple chances to provide quotes, tastings, etc... Instead, all I heard was, "I need a security payment first" Now, lets just be frank and honest here: I was TRYING to HELP you get started in your BUSINESS. You were so unprepared for the task, especially for the price you changed last minute, that I expressed concern about you ability to deliver. So, inlight of all these facts... especially (beyond the incompetience you demonstrated), a REQUEST FOR QUOTE does not, in my mind, justify any form of payment. Furthermore, the fact that I was forced, at the last minute, to acquire another caterer, because you QUIT, only further shows your inability to start a business. Now, as far as the check is concerned, out of my generosity, I had verbally offered to give you $100 dollars as a compensation. Sincerely, Aaron Martin