EVERETT, Wash. — “Guam food is kind of hard to come by in the States,” said Julita Atoigue-Javier as she boxes up another feast of red rice, barbecued ribs and chicken, pancit, chicken kelaguen and shrimp patties.
Hidden inside the Everett Mall food court is a unique island getaway, offering a feast for anyone craving Chamorro cuisine - food from the U.S. Territory of Guam.
Atoigue-Javier owns Guam Grub, she opened it on July 22, 2023, one the day after Guam Liberation Day, the territory’s biggest holiday. Atoigue-Javier grew up on Guam. And if you look closely during the lunch rush, you'll see that many of her customers are from the Island Territory too. Customer Jeralyn Roco has a canvas bag with a print of the Island of Guam on it. Another customer sports a bright red jacket with Guam embroidered on its back.
"It's very exciting because it gives us a little taste of home,” explained Roco. Atoigue-Javier says folks have come to her place from all over Washington to try the food and support her business.
"Guam people are really supportive of what one of their island daughters is doing and what we're bringing to the table. So I'm super grateful for all of them too,” Atoigue-Javier said.
What Atoigue-Javier brings to the table is fare you'd find at any celebration - or 'Fiesta' - in Guam. Red rice flavored with annatto powder, grilled pork ribs and chicken, chicken kelaguen, empanadas, shrimp patties and Spam musubi with red rice are just a sampling of what you’ll find here. Guam Grub is a melting pot of food influences from Spain, Japan and the Phillipines.
"Our little motto is 'sharing the culture one dish at a time',” Atoigue-Javier said.
There's one thing every dish Atoigue-Javier makes has in common - she learned to make it from her mother, who passed away in 2007.
“I think that she would be really really proud of me. Everything that she basically taught me is what I'm bringing here today," Atoigue-Javier said.
Atoigue-Javier shares more than her food with customers.
"People get to tell me where they're from on Guam, their family name, and they're very, very proud of where they come from. So we get to exchange stories," Atoigue-Javier said.
The bestselling Fiesta Platter easily feeds two people, and costs $18. And if you get there before they sell out for the day, Atoigue-Javier and her Guam Grub will take you the Island of Guam quicker than a jet ever could.
“Every day I get to wake up and I get to live my dream. I'm awestruck,” Atoigue-Javier said.
Guam Grub is open at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 1402 SE Everett Mall Way, (425) 308-9997
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