mimi f.'s Profile

if you ask around enough, you'll find that the vernacular Italian on Guam is from a hybrid of Asian and Italian influences which by definition, is not real Italian.  Don't get me wrong - real Italian cuisine does exist and if you're outside of the Hotel selections offered in Tumon (ie Al Dente at the Hyatt or Prego at the Westin), your selection for REAL Italian or as close as you can get to it is scarce.  I can still be considered new on the scene having just moved back so my palate is always searching for what's new.  Gabriel's has been around for about a year and I'm sad I've been blind to what it has to offer. Often compared to a Veteran self-proclaimed real Italian restaurant, Vitale's, I find no problem in certifying its existence as a viable place for REAL GOOD ITALIAN.  This cozy joint is in the strip of commercial building that is a remnant of typhoons and change throughout the years - across the Chief Quipuhua roundabout.  Before Gabriel's was around - the only crowds it gathered were for tattoos or dive bars.  It was a Friday night and the restaurant which seats no more than 40 people was packed, but not uncomfortably.  It was actually a sigh of relief for me a sign that the food here must be good.  The warm ambiance was achieved by the warm hues on the walls, the dimly-lit space, and the by witnessing the dynamics of the guests and the staff. You can tell people were there for something special.
It was my first time, so I wanted to get a good sampling of what they had to offer.  I tried for a Pesto Shrimp special that was chalked on the board and supplemented it with the Sausage Marsala appetizer and by my own request, could not resist to order off the menu for a side of Eggplant Parmigiana on it's own (minus the bed of pasta).  
It could not have been more perfect.  Already I was drooling at the plates that passed me by, the empty dishes that were cleaned by having been devoured, and the aromas in the air that smelled of fresh herbs and pungent garlic.  I haven't smelled these flavors since being in North Beach in my old stomping grounds, San Francisco.  
Each plate that arrived impressed me.  When I am compelled to whip out my camera and start to envision these words, I know I'm in for something good.  The flavors surpassed the presentation (and they are presented quite nice!), my expectations, and my standards  (they are damn high!!).
First came the Sausage Marsala - sliced spicy sausage simmered with Italian herbs, fresh tomatoes and green bell peppers - generously topped off with cheese, chili flakes, and fresh parsley, and served with a side of half a loaf of beautiful garlic bread.  It's a meal on it's own and I was excited.  The pesto special was tube pasta (rigatoni?) drowned in white pesto sauce with FRESH pesto, sundried tomatoes, and HUGE shrimp.  There was a good proportion of shrimp to pasta. I love shrimp and often, I have to consciously save them for the last bite just so I can enjoy the last bits of the dish. This was not necessary as there was more than enough shrimp.  I was inspired to order a side of eggplant parmigiana because I resisted to order the full dish.  I knew it would be too much food and throw off the perfect balance I was trying to attain with just enough meat, seafood, vegetables, and carbs in my choices.  I suggested to the server to tell the chef to keep the breaded eggplant as a regular appetizer because it was THAT GOOD.  I was even more impressed that they were so accommodating of my request to have it as a side.  I also asked for a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegarette to enjoy with  my bread.  As you can see, the service lived up to the food. And all this with beverage for $30.50.  There was no room for dessert but they had tiramisu and cheesecake to offer.
My only gripe was for a better beverage selection. No fountain drinks or brewed tea and a small wine selection was limiting but not a bother with the excellent food that was served up.  
If this restaurant served a more innovative dessert selection and offered a cheese platter, I could live off their menu.  They also had something tempting on their menu called "The Lady and the Tramp". For $22.00- you get two bowls of soup, two salads, a large bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, and garlic bread.  Clearly meant for TWO hungry people...but not for someone experimental like me.  Perhaps on my next visit, I'll try for that and I'm sure there'll be many more.  Writing this review is making me hungry and reading it should do it for you, too.  Pictures to follow.

The Venue manages to be a hip hang-out just as much as a safe spot.  First of all, they are the only "cool" bar in this part of town.  Secondly, they have reliable rotating bands.  The crowd is a cross section of Guam - you have your suited professionals and nocturnal party-goers in one spot. There is also a lot of local support since the men that run this place are well connected with each other and the community.  They feature an amber-colored back-lit bar.  The drink prices are also never outrageous. Another plus is that they always have "chesa" (chamorro for chaser or appetizer).

Hands down, the best choice for late night dining. They are open daily until 4am and can satisfy your Unagi or Ramen fix any time of day.  After a long night out, this is the most guilt-free meal you can have.  They have a wide variety of "don" dishes, bento boxes, sushi rolls, appetizers, and ramen.  Worth raving about is the Kalbi-don, Korean-marinated short ribs over a bed of rice and sauteed onions.  A favorite of mine is the Tofu Salad...fresh greens with slivers of silken Tofu and sliced tomatoes.  Their Unagi Don is also a generous portion and won't disappoint.  I did order their ramen and feel that their noodles were overdone.  The broth, however, was memorable.

This is a TRUE hidden gem. Soft Serve Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, Italian Sodas, Fresh Fruit Smoothies, and Milkshakes galore made me more than bright-eyed when I found Aqualicious.  The  ice cream parlor stealthily operates in a water and ice vending business.  This must be a best-kept secret because regulars were continuously streaming in while I was gloating over my fresh watermelon smoothie made with non-fat frozen yogurt from their soft serve machine.  This is the only place on island that I've found to have all of this in one place.  This is the only place on island where I know they make smoothies with REAL fruit.  I am officially addicted and don't mind the 20-mile pilgrimage from Tumon to get my fix.

I've always called the Atrio "my place". Since it opened its doors in May, I planted myself here even before the popular bands and faces came rolling in.

Their drink menu prices are higher than standard but you'll rarely be fussed with the wrong crowd.  And even if the crowd wasn't around, you'll enjoy the ambiance.  There are pool tables, outdoor seating, elevated semi-private lounge seating, and a generous bar area.  The bartenders have been here since it opened and they are kind to the familiar faces...and you will be, too.  

Their crowd-pleaser cocktail, "Bangin' on the Rocks", is a Guava Rockstar and Cranberry Vox concoction.  Friday, their most popular night, features Vox premium vodkas on special.

You won't find Rachel, Ross, Chandler and the gang hanging out at this hidden gem.  You might be dissuaded by the salvaged hotel furnishings, chinese-ish generic decorum, and peach and green interiors...but close your eyes and your palate will be more than pleased.

A group of vibrant young people well-known to the local social scene have put a lot of passion into this place and it is a start for transforming the dilapidated area in this side of town.  They are a part of the newly returned...young professionals who have trained off-island and have returned to make their mark here. They breathe new life into the instinctive reaction of returning restauranteurs. The easy and obvious thing would be to take their New American cuisine training and create pacific fusions that have been done before (like many of the new joints that have sprung up in recent years) and add local twists such as marinated meat loaf, kalbi, ahi tar tare, crab sandwiches...you might have tried the many versions of these dishes and not that they aren't notable....they can get repetitive. Their menu boasts daily changing specials and rare and memorable combinations of food.  You also get a sense of family at the way they scramble around to please even the busy lunch crowd.

Sure you'll find you'r crowd-pleasing pastas and salads...but you'll come back for the Grilled Shrimp goat cheese wrap like I did.  You'll wonder how they made roasted onion soup so unordinary.  You'll ask if they made their own chicken-apple sausage.  You'll feel like you weren't on Guam when you taste their Clam Chowder.  It's nice to support new business when they can bring their food with such humility that it exceeds your expectations.  The flavors will make you forgiving of the shortcomings of their space. In due time, I am certain, their patrons will elevate the rest of the ambiance.

I admire the efforts of the owners and the chef that have passionately pursued this undertaking - bringing gourmet fusion cuisine and high-end casual dining to the heart of Tumon.  Colors Restaurant RED is situated at the Acanta Mall - the colorful landmark that's survived in spite of economic and trend-inspired struggle in recent years.  It will definitely bring new life across the board for those looking for something new and willing to spend the money.  The prices definitely aren't far reaching but I must say, $50 for lunch for a party of 2 is quite unconventional around here. I'm sure they were going for anything but conventional when they envisioned this place.  Again, it is a new business and I would have to give them some flexibility when someone like me is looking for perfection at their first operational week.  

I've tried their lunch - which is a set menu of 4 courses for $21 and you get unlimited iced tea, an appetizer/salad bar, an entree, and a dessert.  I've also had happy hour here on several occasions since they've opened and enjoyed the ambiance and the friendly staff.  I wish happy hour had actually happy hour specials to make it happier. I wish the bartender knew how to make a mojito the right way and in the right glass. I wish they had asked me before they blended my margarita if I wanted it on the rocks.  I am excited that they have breakfast and brunch offerings because since the cafe in this shopping center closed, I've got nowhere to walk to for sunday indulgences of eggs benedict or waffles.  

The operating hours are very ambitious - 8am to midnight daily, and until 2am on fridays and saturdays.  I have yet to try dinner but am waiting until I have more money to splurge and some people who will be willing to give it a try.  I can imagine the local vernacular won't be quick to respond but I'm sure Colors will make it through the newness of it all.  They promise to have local entertainment and pride on a daily changing menu, which I am hoping they will provide some means to be updated - such as a daily updated website.

The space is grand and gives a modern industrial aesthetic but I wish they were more agressive and playful with the design....but all this coming from someone in the Architecture industry.

I would like to come back and add stars when it is in full swing and I am fully convinced about their food.  The one day I had lunch there, the entrees were not living up to the way they had described it. It was dry and cold and unoriginal in taste.

3/17/08
After my dinner experience, I am convinced that $31 for their filet mignon was worth it.  It was served atop a bed of snow peas and a buttery au jus.  I like to think a chocolate souffle makes a restaurant and their chocolate souffle...available in either bittersweet, raspberry, or mint combinations was a saving grace.  If you want to try this place, bring deep pockets for dinner and go home happy.

If they were open for lunch, I would probably give this hidden gem a full 5 stars.  But the exclusivity at Dinner, makes sitting here on any given night worth the while. I must say, coming from the Bay Area, my standards come very high when it comes to Japanese food.  Kai sits between two well-traversed Japenese fixtures on Guam - Aji-Ichi and Tariyo, so it is easily overlooked.  I almost don't want to share the greatness of this little place since a close friend of mine introduced me to it. There is only one sushi chef and I'm told he hails from one the island's reputable 5-star hotels in a previous life.  He will make anything you want. There were rolls and combinations not in their already extensive and unique menu...that he willingly provided. They also have o-den, a traditional japense winter meal of steamed items such as daikon, fishcake, and boiled egg.  On one occasion, a companion of mine wanted chirashi and the chef whipped out a fantastic selection.  I am officially in love with this place and so glad that I've been introduced to it.  You must order their mushroom salad!  An assortment of marinated warm mushrooms sit atop a bed of fresh greens and you won't believe you were enjoying mushrooms this much.  Even better? The prices....Rolls range from $4-7 and these are dinner prices.

My true safe spot...centrally located on Tumon's strip. Where the crowd is never a chore, the staff knows what they're doing, and where I go for the best mojito selection on island.
I can go here on any given night and not have to worry about where I am, who I'll be running into... or what I'll be drinking.

I see their corporate offices have not yet updated their website so I have yet to revise and complete their contact information.  I was fortunate enough to attend a soft opening with a select number of invitees and was throughly impressed.

The decor of the space upgrades the caliber that you already see in a number of our chain restaurants on island - Outback, Roma's, etc.  Dark-wooded interiors, carpeted floors, over-sized ambient lighting, leather booths, a large intimate bar, and splashes of warm hues make you feel like you're in a different kind of local establishment.  The staff, which I was told trained in a week, was able to hold up to the large crowd of eager and hungry onlookers.  

The highlights - the FRESH salad bar, Henry Weinhard's Reserve ON TAP (FOR ONCE, NOT JUST BUD!), quick mojitos (although, premixed, not-muddled), and comfortable staff.  It would be hard pressed to say that they were novices. Drinks were served quickly and they seemed to be genuinely proud to be part of the new scene.  

Now the food samplings for the pre-opening evening might be different from the actual menu, which I have yet to see.  They offered glazed ribs, quesadillas, glazed battered shrimp, warm spinach dip, and what I thought was the best of the bunch - sliders which came in either beef, turkey, or crab patty-form. The crab was a favorite of everyone who had it. There were also helpings of quartered ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies....which were rich enough to qualify as a dessert rather than a quick pick-me-up snack.  

Back to the mojitos - which I am a seasoned frequenter of.  I watched from the sidelines as they pre-made the concoctions.  Lime juice, soda, triple sec, and rum are pre-mixed in large quantities and then garnished with lime, mint, and a sugar cane stick before they are served up.  They come quickly and were a refreshing (although a bit too sweet for my taste) treat. However, they ran out of mint. This is not an uncommon instance with our scarce supply on island.

I have yet to return to feel out the crowd and fully gauge their worth from the local price points...and I'm sure I'll wait until everyone has had their run with the hype of the new joint. A staffer informed me that their normal dinner hours will run until 11pm on the weekdays and then midnight on the weekends. Sounds like it will be a good choice for a reliable dinner with cocktails before heading out to hit the rest of the nightlife.

Updated
I agree with kenni k. Price points are far too high.  I had dinner with my eleven year hold and the bill was $80.