Central Perk Cafe Offers a Big Fresh Taste of Home-made Goodness
Restaurant Review by Ken Stewart, The Guam Food Guy
March 2006

You've heard the saying that good things happen to those who wait...well, I don't think I needed to wait so long to try one of the excellent soup and sandwich combinations at Central Perk Cafe, located in the Yu-Han Building in Anigua. You can't miss Central Perk Cafe's green awning, it clearly locates the storefront. All you need to know is that they open early at 7am and close at 4pm Monday Friday and they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Though I've been into Central Perk Cafe for pastries, coffee drinks and smoothies, I had not yet sat down to rest and enjoy the scenery. It has to be one of the most charming little boutique cafes on island. It's cozy, colorfully decorated, and intimate, and leaves you to your solitude, if that's what you're seeking.

I arrived just before 3pm for a late lunch after having exhausted myself after five Career Day Sessions at Guam South High School. I was so thirsty I ordered a Passion Fruit Smoothie ($4) and an Iced Tropical Green Tea. My server, Rhiannon, pleasantly explained different menu items to me and I settled on a Soup & Sandwich Combo (full size $8.50), and selected a Pastrami Sandwich on Multi-Grain, adding Alfalfa Sprouts, Tomatoes, Pickles, Onions, Lettuce, Black & Green Olives, and Cucumbers. I also had Spicy Mayo, Dijon Mustard, and Provolone Cheese. It turned out to be a lot of sandwich! I was more than happy with this as I initially wanted a hamburger since I'd heard a lot of good things about their big, hand-made burgers. However, they didn't have any available at the time of my visit. Fortunately, the pastrami turned out to be an excellent second-choice.

The sandwich was big, yet I was able to hold each half easily and bite without too much effort. I noticed the bread quality...not as good as my personal brand, but better than most I've had at other sandwich shops. Although there were many ingredients stacked in the sandwich, I was still able to taste and distinguish the pastrami. The sandwich was remarkable, the kind I'd eat again. What this told me was that someone in charge of Central Perk Cafe really cared about the quality of their food.

The soup was a Broccoli, Cheese and Mushroom that was made earlier that day. It was a thick, hearty and flavorful offering a nice blend of cheese, cream, and broccoli, the kind of soup that you could make a meal of on a cold day. I have to emphasize "thick" as a description because this is not a light soup. The smoothie's Passion Fruit lived up to its name since it seemed to energize me and wake up my palate with it's incredible special taste.

I complimented the sandwich maker, Manny Borja, the son of owner Deborah Borja, whom I still hadn't yet had the pleasure of meeting. I did meet her sister, Olene, a few months back, and was told by my server, Rhia, that Olene had made that yummy soup. I learned that one of the house specialties is their Panini Tuna for $6.50. I like tuna so I'll have to have to add that one to my "must try" list!

I worked my way past the sandwich and soup and thought I could do some dessert. My choices were Pineapple Upside Down Cake and the last slice of Blueberry Bread Pudding. I went for the pudding, which they heated up. I started conversing with the creator of this terrific Blueberry Bread Pudding, Naomi. Like me, she started cooking at a very early age and what she did to that bread pudding was just magic.

Central Perk Cafe's breakfast menu items are served before 10am and the selection seems a little sparse but I'm told they more than make up for this with portions. The prices are good. Scrambled Eggs & Toast for $4.50, as are the Pancakes. How about a Ham, Egg & Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $4.50 as well? They also have local dish specials on Fridays.

Central Perk's Menu board is located behind the counter and has long lists of beverage and food options scrawled out in colorful pen strokes. You can find Iced or Hot Caramocha or Almond Roca Mocha (12 oz $4/16 oz $4.50), along with smoothies, juices, and sodas. It's a small and charming place to bring a book to read while you sip on an espresso beverage or tea while eating one of the baked goods or a sandwich.

Central Perk Cafe does do take-outs and you can order yours by calling 477-7372. I'll have to call in advance to make sure I can get one of those burgers so I can see for myself what all the talk is about. Based on my experience thus far, I'm sure it is true!

I'm pleased to add Central Perk Cafe to the circle of Guam Food Guy approved places where you can enjoy eating as much as you'll enjoy being there, because it's a nice place to be!

Bon appetit!