I don’t feel hunger or exhaustion when I’m enjoying so much, but after some grueling sight-seeing in Ilocos Norte’s tourist spots, finally my stomach demanded my attention. We had been out for hours, it was already 3 in the afternoon, and the only food I had for the day was the breakfast from Palacio de Laoag. It was no surprise that my belly was grumbling incessantly, with all the trekking, climbing, and driving around.
Upon arrival at the resort, we were quickly ushered in by their staff: two friendly ladies who led us inside the restaurant. Honestly, I was incredibly hungry by that time and was so impatient to the point that they could serve me any food and I wouldn’t mind, but when I saw the menu, the restaurant, and the surroundings, my mood instantly perked up.
I loved the nipa entrance as well as the spacious lobby, which had a view of the strip of suites and the elevated pool. Surfboards littered the resort, which is actually popular among surfers—and aspiring ones. No corner or nook was out-of-theme; everything was minimalist and oriental.
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Don’t miss any of these posts in the Ilocos 2014 series:
- Ilocos: First Impressions, Observations, Retrospection
- La Preciosa: The Search for the Best Bagnet in Ilocos
- Quick Bites: Ilocos Empanada
- 3 Reasons to Stay in Palacio de Laoag (plus 3 Reasons Not to)
- Here's Why You Need to Stop Reading and Go to Paoay Right Now
- Review: Evangeline Beach Resort in Saud Beach, Pagudpud
- 3 Churches You Need to See in Ilocos
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Kapuluan has an ambience that relaxes and mesmerizes—ideal for long hours of lounging around, alone with only some iced coffee for company, or with a friend over some refreshments. The restaurant is very clean, with white fixtures accented with wooden paneling, and tables laden with candles and floating fresh flowers. The whole atmosphere felt like that of a spa.
We had a hard time choosing what to get from the visual feast that was Kapuluan’s menu, but good thing the servers were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The ravenous part of me was screaming for rice, rice, rice – but when I saw that Kapuluan serves a Garlic and Herb Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes (PhP200), I knew I had to get it.
My longing for rice instantly vanished upon seeing the generous serving of perfectly cooked spaghetti, laden with green olives, basil, parmesan and sundried tomatoes. My love for simple pasta dishes further deepened after this dish. I loved how fresh the ingredients were, which were actually harvested from Kapuluan’s own organic garden.
My friend Kat enjoyed her Grilled Pork Steak—a flavorful pork slab, nicely seasoned and “clean”-tasting, with an addicting side salad. I was incredibly lucky that Kat couldn’t finish her food all by herself—that means a huge chunk of leftovers would go to my mouth, haha! We were informed that even the pork came from Kapuluan’s organic farm.
For dessert, we shared an Eggless Leche Flan (PhP150), an instant favorite in this Ilocos food trip. The consistency was different from normal leche flan—more gelatinous than creamy and rich—but the sweetness level was subtle, which I found perfect. Perfect for non-stop spoonfuls!
After eating, I availed of their Happy Hour promo, wherein you could buy 2 cocktails of the same kind for the price of one. I trusted the server’s recommendation and got the Watermelon Daiquiri (PhP75)—a refreshing drink made of white rum and watermelon slush. This drink’s girly appearance was in stark contrast to its traitorous booziness—not too strong but still, you know, deceitful.
I really enjoyed my meal at Kapuluan Vista Resort—not just the food, which was irrefutably awesome, but also the laid-back ambience and the staff’s hospitality. Delicious food is always above anything else, but what makes a dining experience more memorable is efficient service, along with the right atmosphere you’re in terrible need of. For me, that’s what makes Kapuluan Vista Resort the BEST RESTAURANT in Ilocos Norte. It made me kind of wish we had stayed here instead. If ever I find myself planning another trip to Pagudpud, I would definitely not just drop by but check-in here.
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Kapuluan Vista Resort
Sitio Baniaran, Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
+63.920.952.2528
Manila: +63.02.697.6597; Laoag: +63.77.676.0075
Email: kapuluan_vista_resort@yahoo.com
Website: Kapuluan Vista Resort
Facebook: Kapuluan Vista Resort
Instagram: @kapuluanvista
Have you dined at Kapuluan Vista Resort? Did you love their famous Alma’s Margarita? Are you a surfing enthusiast? Share your stories in the comments section below!
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