CHAMAOLE' PINO is the Place to Be for Family and Food....

“Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.”-Albert Camus

Dining at CHAMAOLE’ PINO was like a slice of home.

Owners, Chris and Melody welcomed us into their wonderful Chamorro Filipino restaurant. We are fortunate that they are just one city south of where we live. The food was excellent. My family and I enjoyed the friendly service, the openness of the lay out and the flavors of our dishes. We had fried rice, chicken kelaguen, kelaguen wraps, lumpia, shrimp patties and a trio of barbecue (feel free to grab a napkin to wipe your drool now).

The gracious owner took the time to speak to us, and naturally as all Chamorros do, we rattled off names of people who may connect us and we found many. We ordered latiya for dessert and it was scrumptious, but my daughter was most excited about the titiyas and butter (she did a chant, danced in her seat and held the titiyas in the air like it was Simba of the Lion King).

We spent two hours there, dining, conversing and connecting. Chamaole’Pino has embodied the Chamorro Filipino spirit that other restaurants aspire to.

I also met with a fellow Chamorro author, Stephen Tenorio (author of Ocean in a Cup). We were middle school classmates (dear god, about 27 years ago) and it was great reconnecting face to face.

Anyone, Chamorro/Filipino or not who loves Guam should check out Chamaole’Pino (607 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA). And I appeal to anyone who wants to experience a taste of Guam and the Philippines, this is the place to do that.

Si Yu’os Ma’ase, Chris and Melody! We will be definitely back for more of your mungi fixings!

Support Chamorro! Follow them on Facebook here!

“Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.”--Cesar Chavez

ESTA LATER!