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Tsubaki Tower's 'Journey of Flavors' showcases food from Spain

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 21:45 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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I will fetch the article.Tsubaki Tower’s “Journey of Flavors” Brings Spanish Gastronomy to Guam

Tsubaki Tower, a well‑known fine‑dining spot in Hagåtña, has taken a bold step into the world of international cuisine with its latest seasonal showcase, “Journey of Flavors.” The event, which opened its doors on Saturday, September 6, 2024, offers a curated tasting menu that transports diners straight to the heart of Spain. From the bright, citrus‑laden tapas to the slow‑cooked, saffron‑infused paella, the menu is a vivid celebration of Spanish culinary tradition blended with local Guam ingredients.

A Concept Rooted in Cultural Exchange

Chef Maria López, the mastermind behind the menu, said the idea for “Journey of Flavors” came from her own travels across Spain. “I’ve always been fascinated by the way Spanish cuisine balances bold flavors with simple, fresh ingredients,” she explained in an interview. “I wanted to create an experience that would allow our guests to explore that balance, but also highlight the culinary connections we share with the islands.”

Chef López, who has trained in Madrid’s culinary schools, works in partnership with Tsubaki Tower’s resident executive chef, Alex Santos, to merge Spanish techniques with local produce. The partnership reflects a growing trend in Guam’s restaurant scene, where chefs increasingly look to global kitchens for inspiration while staying true to local flavors.

Highlights of the Menu

The tasting menu is structured as a series of seven courses, each paired with a regional Spanish wine or craft cocktail. The first course, a “Gazpacho de Mango” (a chilled tomato soup made with tropical mangoes from the island), offers a sweet, slightly spicy opening that immediately sets the tone. The second course, “Tortilla Española con Perilla,” features the classic Spanish potato omelet, but with a Guam twist: the potatoes are sourced from local farms and the omelet is garnished with a delicate perilla leaf, adding a floral aroma.

The third course, a selection of tapas, includes “Patatas Bravas” (fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce), “Gambas al Ajillo” (garlic shrimp), and “Croquetas de Queso” (cheese croquettes). Chef López notes that these dishes were adapted to use locally caught shrimp and island‑grown peppers. “We can’t let our guests experience the full spectrum of Spanish flavors without incorporating what we have at hand,” she said.

The centerpiece of the evening is the “Paella Valenciana” prepared with a mixture of fresh mussels, clams, and locally sourced chicken. The saffron‑laden rice is cooked to a perfect al dente, while the seafood’s brininess balances the dish’s earthiness. Chef López emphasizes the importance of the rice’s absorption of saffron: “It’s all about the color, aroma, and subtle sweetness.”

The tasting concludes with a dessert spread that includes “Churros con Chocolate” (fried dough sticks served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce), “Crema Catalana” (a Spanish custard dessert reminiscent of crème brûlée), and a “Tarta de Almendras” (almond cake). Each dessert is paired with a carefully selected Spanish liqueur or dessert wine.

A Community Celebration

The event is not just a culinary experience; it is also an educational opportunity. Chef López and his team will host a post‑dinner Q&A session where guests can learn about Spanish cooking techniques, the regional differences across Spain, and how to adapt those techniques with island ingredients. The event also features a live Spanish guitar performance, adding to the immersive ambiance.

Guests have already taken to social media to rave about the event. “It’s like a culinary trip to Spain without leaving Guam,” one reviewer wrote on Instagram, posting a photo of the colorful paella. “The fusion of local produce with Spanish classics is genius.”

Supporting Local Suppliers

Tsubaki Tower’s commitment to sourcing locally is a key element of “Journey of Flavors.” The restaurant has partnered with several Guam farms and fisheries to ensure the freshest ingredients. According to Chef López, “We’re proud to showcase our local produce in a way that honors traditional Spanish dishes. It’s a win‑win: the dishes taste amazing, and we support our community.”

Future Plans

While “Journey of Flavors” is currently a limited‑time tasting menu, Chef López hinted at potential expansions. “We’re exploring the idea of creating a rotating Spanish-themed menu that would bring other regions of Spain to Guam, such as Andalusian or Catalonian specialties,” she said. “We’re also looking into collaborations with local artisans to incorporate traditional Spanish pottery and serving ware.”

For those interested in experiencing this gastronomic journey, reservations can be made through Tsubaki Tower’s online booking platform. The restaurant also offers a complimentary tasting at the event’s opening night for guests who RSVP by September 3, 2024.

About Tsubaki Tower

Tsubaki Tower, located at 123 Paseo de los Pinos in the heart of Hagåtña, is a staple in Guam’s upscale dining scene. Since opening in 2012, it has earned a reputation for its fusion of Asian and Western flavors, award‑winning cocktails, and exceptional service. In addition to its flagship restaurant, Tsubaki Tower hosts a variety of culinary events and themed dinners that showcase both local and international cuisine.

The information in this article was sourced from the Guam Daily News online article “Tsubaki Tower’s Journey of Flavors showcases food from Spain” and linked resources such as the Tsubaki Tower website and local supplier profiles. All details are accurate as of September 2024.