Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. The restaurant will be open to the public starting July 24, 2022.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted during the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted at the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
Father Richard Kidd of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sånta Rita-Sumai blesses the kitchen of Capitol Kitchen with holy water after a ribbon cutting was conducted on July 20, 2022, to celebrate its opening.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio talks about the “passion, love and commitment” exhibited by Capitol Kitchen President and executive chef Casey Castro as he speaks during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
President and executive chef Casey Castro, center, displays a legislative certificate of recognition presented to the Capitol Kitchen restaurant management team during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. From left: Joseph Atalig, sales and purchasing manager; Alexandria Taimanglo, director of operations; Castro; and Sens. James Moylan and Amanda Shelton.
Family, friends and other guests gather for the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted at the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
Father Richard Kidd of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sånta Rita-Sumai blesses the kitchen of Capitol Kitchen with holy water after a ribbon cutting was conducted on July 20, 2022, to celebrate its opening.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
Surrounded by friends and family, the team at Capitol Kitchen opened their new location overlooking Tumon Bay on Friday night. Formerly the site of Papa’s on Airport Road in Barrigada, Capitol Kitchen is ushering in a new era of knock-your-socks-off dining with a view.
The new location, opening to the public on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for brunch, marks the restaurant’s return to in-person dining following a season of pandemic-induced, on-again, off-again service and a full pivot to catering.
President and executive chef Casey Castro and his team were joined by local dignitaries to celebrate the occasion, beginning with emotional blessings from Guma’ Ma Higa and Father Richard Kidd.
The blessings were followed by a ribbon cutting in which Castro was joined by his son, Father Kidd, sales and purchasing manager Joseph Atalig, Sens. James Moylan and Amanda Shelton, Guam International Airport Executive Manager John “J.Q.” Quinata, and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted during the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
Castro spoke to the crowd of family and friends of his vision for the future of the restaurant.
“Capitol Kitchen will serve to be more than a restaurant. We want to be a story told through the ultimate dining experience.
“We want it to be about Guam, one which our visitors will appreciate. While we will challenge the fusion of various ethnic dishes, we will always be about our home and about our culture,” Castro said.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. The restaurant will be open to the public starting July 24, 2022.
In addition to Capitol Kitchen’s commitment to excellent food and service, Castro and his team were recognized for their efforts to serve and strengthen their community on Guam.
“He is nurturing and mentoring the next generation of folks. He’s mentoring, probably, a future business owner because he’s investing in all the talent that we have those students up at GCC in the culinary arts program that are out here and they’re learning from him and from Joey and the others,” Tenorio said.
Castro spoke with open emotion of his gratitude toward his family and particularly his mother, who recently passed away unexpectedly.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted during the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted at the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
Father Richard Kidd of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sånta Rita-Sumai blesses the kitchen of Capitol Kitchen with holy water after a ribbon cutting was conducted on July 20, 2022, to celebrate its opening.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. The restaurant will be open to the public starting July 24, 2022.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio talks about the “passion, love and commitment” exhibited by Capitol Kitchen President and executive chef Casey Castro as he speaks during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
President and executive chef Casey Castro, center, displays a legislative certificate of recognition presented to the Capitol Kitchen restaurant management team during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. From left: Joseph Atalig, sales and purchasing manager; Alexandria Taimanglo, director of operations; Castro; and Sens. James Moylan and Amanda Shelton.
Family, friends and other guests gather for the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted during the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
A CHamoru blessing is conducted at the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen, located at the former Papa’s restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
Father Richard Kidd of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sånta Rita-Sumai blesses the kitchen of Capitol Kitchen with holy water after a ribbon cutting was conducted on July 20, 2022, to celebrate its opening.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. The restaurant will be open to the public starting July 24, 2022.
Casey Castro, Capitol Kitchen president and executive chef, addresses family, friends and guests gathered for the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio talks about the “passion, love and commitment” exhibited by Capitol Kitchen President and executive chef Casey Castro as he speaks during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
President and executive chef Casey Castro, center, displays a legislative certificate of recognition presented to the Capitol Kitchen restaurant management team during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. From left: Joseph Atalig, sales and purchasing manager; Alexandria Taimanglo, director of operations; Castro; and Sens. James Moylan and Amanda Shelton.
Family, friends and other guests gather for the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
“She’s a big part of what I do, and she really was my biggest fan. But at the end of the day it means a lot for my family to be here because I grew up in a very family-oriented environment. … It really was what carried me through. I really am a byproduct of my family. Without them I’m just a normal person,” Castro said.
Tenorio echoed Castro’s dedication to the community through his connection to his mother, describing her as always sharing positivity and love.
“This is a legacy that he’s building — as he pointed out — in the spirit of his mom, Magdalena, who was a public servant for the longest time. … That’s what is in Casey, and that’s gonna give him this drive and determination,” Tenorio said.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio talks about the “passion, love and commitment” exhibited by Capitol Kitchen President and executive chef Casey Castro as he speaks during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022.
In a time when anemic tourism has kept the restaurant industry under significant stress, the size of Capitol Kitchen’s new venture is a sight to behold. Their new location features a bar, an outdoor terrace overlooking the bay, a formal dining room, and additional rooms for private events.
“I think it’s really exciting — especially during this time where we’ve been through so much over the last two and a half years — to see a local business be able to open and expand really make us all very proud of what they’re doing for our community, and offers something new and different to everyone to enjoy,” Shelton said.
President and executive chef Casey Castro, center, displays a legislative certificate of recognition presented to the Capitol Kitchen restaurant management team during the grand opening of the Tamuning restaurant on July 22, 2022. From left: Joseph Atalig, sales and purchasing manager; Alexandria Taimanglo, director of operations; Castro; and Sens. James Moylan and Amanda Shelton.
Following formal toasts, Castro and his team rolled out a mouthwatering spread featuring their signature seared ahi tuna with a wasabi aioli, blackened shrimp cocktail, beef and chicken satay, chicken kelaguen, and desserts including individually sized creme brulees and red velvet cake.
KPV and the Homies crooned as the sun set and the wine flowed, laughter filled the dining room, and Capitol Kitchen came to life. Tenorio, looking around the bar at so many people gathered to celebrate and support the team, captured the moment best.
“I’m just so proud to be here. Fine dining, and it’s by local boys.”
Family, friends and other guests gather for the grand opening of Capitol Kitchen restaurant in Tamuning on July 22, 2022.
Capitol Kitchen is located at 807 Route 10A Tiyan Parkway East (Airport Road) in Barrigada and will open to the public on July 24.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and for dinner 6-10 p.m.; on Sundays, the restaurant is open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The bar is open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to closing.
Madison Scott is a long time theatre maker and arts & culture enthusiast turned lifestyle reporter.
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