Uno Grille Vigan

I have very high expectations of Uno Grille in Vigan.  The very good reviews I have seen on the net were indeed quite promising.  Unfortunately, my first hand experience was far from satisfactory. 

 

We came in past lunch time, a little after 1:30pm, but there were still  a number of guests coming in - I think that would very well explain, why the waiters and attendants were running all over the place and service was quite slowwwww...

 

 Service: Poor

 

 

 

We came in such a bad time. The only place left for us to occupy is a table underneath a tree.  There is a makeshift net that blocks the tree leaves from falling down on our food.  However, it was not as effective on falling insects. 

 

Ambiance:  Felt like I was gate crashing to someones birthday party.

 

 

 

We ordered the Vigan staples poki-poki, Vigan longanisa and bagnet! 

 

VERDICT: Over rated! Price was okay, but food wasn't great!   

 

 

Eating is a social experience, especially if you are eating in scenic Vigan.

In this case, we were just glad we were finally served, we ate and went our way.

 

 Uno Grille Restaurant is located at

 1 Bonifacio Street, Vigan City

 

 

Vigan's Hidden Garden is actually not so hidden :P (Lilong and Lilang Restaurant)

Too bad we were not able to come earlier - traffic was so bad we arrived in Vigan two hours later than we have expected.  I am almost certain than this place is lovelier with the sun out - it was near dusk when we came and too dark to get good photos.

 

Homey ambiance in a garden setting. 

 

The well maintained and beautifully kept garden should have made wonderful backdrop for picture taking (sayang). 

 

 

 

 

 

We ordered bagnet sisig, pochi-pochi and sinigang na bagnet with rice.  For dessert the boys had fruit shakes and halo-halo.

 



Food was delicious.  The boys loved the bagnet and sinigang, while I just can't have enough of the poki-poki  (I love POKI-POKI... I really do :9 )  

 

 

 

 

 

My youngest requested for this shot by the bar :P

And another one on the "duyan".

 

 My family so loved the food (indeed quite special).  If you are looking for a unique dining experience in Vigan -  search out for the Hidden Garden. 

 

The hunt is all worth it  (to save you time searching for the place - rent a kalesa going there to amp the experience).

 

 

HIDDEN GARDEN LILONG AND LILANG RESTAURANT

(Located At The Heart Of Hidden Garden Vigan)

 Brgy. Bulala, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

viganhiddengarden@yahoo.com
hiddengardenvigan.com
(077) 722-1450
(0906) 332-8309
(0928) 965-9190

 

 











DULCELISE (yummy) Dessert Shop

 

Our visit to Dulcelise Dessert Bar is an accidental one...

 

We needed a break from the scorching summer heat, a refuge and a place to relax our so tired feet :P.  We needed an airconditioned restaurant.

 

Behold the answer to our prayers: Dulcelise Dessert Shop.

 

 

The entrance to Dulcelise is quite unassuming.  That is okay, we weren't expecting much, we just needed a place to cool down anyway. 

 

 

 

 

The shop interiors is all white, with antique brass chandeliers hanging from its ceiling.

 

 

We had brewed coffee and dessert.

 

The peanut-butter banana and lemon cake we ordered were just heavenly.  Better than most desserts we have had.

 

My boy posing by the shop's window.

 

 

 

 

Dulcelise Dessert Shop is highly recommended. 

 

Stop by and include in your Vigan itinerary.   Order and indulge on one of their creamy desserts to go with a cup of coffee or tea.

 

 

Dulcelise is located (near Calle Crisologo where the Kalesas are parked)

at Mena Crisologo St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

The Search for the Best Empanada

 

Everyone I know who has toured Vigan told me to try Vigan's famous Empanada.  The best place to get them, they added is at Irene's located along the well photographed Calle Crisologo.

 

 

So there I was, 5th or was it 6th in line with all the other first timers of Vigan Empanada.  When it was my turn, I ordered the best seller.  It would take another 30+ minutes to finish my order and since the house was packed (and it was too hot to eat there anyway) we decided to do takeout  (and eat elsewhere with airconditioning) and go on pasalubong hunting as we wait for our order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ordered six (6) pieces of empanada for 2 kids and 2 adults.  Vigan's empanda is indeed different and special.  It is nothing like the empanada we have in Manila. Filling is quite heavy and a lot more oily.  Taste is unique.

 

My family finished all six empanada in one sitting, so I would say they liked it. However, I am not sure I would go as far as to rave about it and keep coming back for more. 

 

I think..., I love that I was in Vigan and I was able to try their premier empanada more, than I did in the actual eating.