8065 Bagnet

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Hi adiks, what do you think of my new layout? Well I didn't do much, just changed the background and tweaked the header a bit. I got inspired by all the minimalist blogs that I'd been seeing round the net, most were fashion blogs, and suddenly I want to go white. Thus, the recent changes in the layout. Hope it's alright with you all.

Okay now let's move on to the topic. Today I'll share with you one of my latest discoveries, this place that used to be a curious thing I see everyday whenever the service van I'm on passes by Estrella Ave. The sight of planks of wood that stood as its gate when it is closed, adorned with a graffiti of its name had me wondering for quite a long time what's it like to eat in that place. Yes, it is a restaurant and its name pretty much says what is their specialty; bagnet. 

Oh I do remember what bagnet is... like only one of the best things I've ever had in Vigan. It is one of the well-known delicacies in the said province, a must-try for tourists. It's deep-fried pork, what we call locally as "chicharon." They say its special because it takes longer to cook which is why it is crispy, real tasty, and sinfully good! So when I saw 8065 Bagnet, I knew I had to go there. 

our ticket for this food trip

A thought that became a reality, thanks to the group buying site, Cash Cash Pinoy. That's where I learned that  8065 Bagnet was having a promo. For only Php 150, you can buy Php 300 worth of food from their resto. Sweet deal! Immediately I purchased a voucher and was able to convince two of my friends, Rhoda and Gerald to get theirs too. We finally used those vouchers last August 23, 2011. We took another friend, Alchris with us. He stood as our tourist guide/walking map since he lives around the area. 

The place wasn't anything I'd expected. It is ruggedly gorgeous! You can tell that they didn't have to spend a lot with the interiors, all they needed was a bunch of creativity and I gotta say it worked. We were totally impressed. There were paintings and sketches hanging on the walls, there's a big mirror on the right side wall, there's chalkboard hanging beside the door, written was an announcement of a quiz night (hey I haven't tried that, I just found another excuse to go back!), books, trophies, picture frames on display, and the focal point of the room, the left side wall filled with scribbles and signatures of previous customers. We were supposed to write on that wall, dang we forgot! 

The paintings on display

To say that we were amazed would be an understatement. We loved the place so much we couldn't stop ourselves from immortalizing the moment via our cameras. The staff were real friendly to us and patient too. They didn't mind us going all over the place, taking pictures. It was a good thing that when we got there there weren't many people yet so we sort of had the place to ourselves for like half an hour.

The fun was just beginning. Our excitement doubled when food was finally served. We had original bagnet (Php170), bagnet kare-kare (Php 190), steamed dory with curry sauce (Php 170), regular rice (Php 20), bagoong rice (Php 30), and soft drinks. 

It was the first time my companions tried bagnet. I told them not to worry 'cause they will love it and I was right. To compare, the bagnet I had in Vigan was still better. But it doesn't mean I liked 8065 Bagnet's any less. 

The original bagnet was good. The pork were crisp but they weren't hard to bite down and chew. A platter of it goes with a bonus; strips of green mangoes with bagoong.  

The bagnet kare-kare was everybody's favorite. Kare-kare is a peanut-based sauce dish which tastes better with bagoong..It is a popular Filipino dish and one of my all-time favorites. Homemade kare-kare is usually made with freshly-ground peanuts, just like how my grandma does it. But I personally prefer the ones made with peanut butter because it tends to be creamier and has a fuller flavor. To my delight, that's just how kare-kare is made in Bagnet 8065. It was crazy good! 

The steamed dory curry was also a winner. I loved how the fish was so soft, it didn't take much chewing. 

I was the one who had bagoong rice and I also loved it. I was expecting it would overpower the flavor of dishes but it didn't. It wasn't too salty either.

We were supposed to have pandan salad for dessert but it was not available. So we had pastillas instead. It's only 5 pesos a piece. 

We were so full we could barely get up from our seats when were done eating! The food was really great even Alchris who is a picky eater, loved it.Already we were planning to go back.

But wait there's more. Before we left I made sure we would take a look upstairs. There were signs about the area that promoted a clothing store on the second floor. I thought they were just selling printed shirts. I'm not sure where I got the idea, probably the writings on the wall. Anyway the store wasn't anything like that. In fact, it looked like a walking closet I never had! It has girly clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. I was in heaven! With the help of my friends I was able to buy two cute blazers, one for 300 bucks, the other for only Php 50. Yes! Can you believe that? The guy who tends to the store had no problem giving it to me for only 50.

I now have two reasons to return to 8065 Bagnet; the food and the clothes. God I so loved that place! We also realized that even without the vouchers, we could definitely afford the food. They were actually pretty cheap. Not that I'm complaining. If ever they post another promo in any of the group buying sites I subscribe to, I'd definitely buy again. 

For more pictures of the place (like I told you we got crazy snapping those photos), click here. 

There you go, for a little piece of Vigan in the city, try 8065 Bagnet. 

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8065 Bagnet

8065 Estrella St. 

San Antonio Village

Makati 

519-6511

Monday - Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 mn

Sunday - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.