I’ve never heard of Vinny’s before arriving on Guam last month but I was told that Vinny’s was the next best place to get Chamorro empanandas. I beg to differ — this is much better than the competitor’s empanada! How to get here: given that Guam does not use street signs(if there ARE street signs — good luck finding the number — it’s literally invisible), directions using architectural or natural landmarks is the next best thing. Coming from Tamuning/Dededo/Harmon area — go up the hill as if you’re headed towards Barrigada Heights; shortly after passing the huge warehouse of GovGuam agencies on the left be on the lookout for a building with the Vinny’s signage. if you pass Barrigada Heights you’ve gone too far and you’ll need to make a U-turn. The actual store is actually a mom-n-pops kind of store with everything from batteries to grab and go food to notebooks and packing tape. Everything from frozen items to locally made food items — most likely you will find it here. I came for the much talked about empanadas. For those who do not know what a Chamorro empanada is — it’s a homemade anytime you wanna eat treat of stoneground cornmeal shell with a chicken flavored, rice reduced concoction of spicy and flavorful eats. It’s mushy innards is packed full of subtle spice and sneaky PIKA-ness(hotness). The shell is then deep fried and what you end up with is a treat that will keep for the most part of the day — but I would recommend eating it immediately. There are many other grab and go items that you can purchase — ranging from spam sushi rolls, pre-made bento boxes, boiled eggs, steamed siopao/manapua of several innards/flavors as well as a variety of sandwiches. What surprised me was the crowd of people that were here just for the grab and go items. Location wise, it’s ideal if you don’t want to make it all the way to Dededo or downtown and find out that you have nothing for lunch or snack. I’m a bit over zealous when it comes to food temps and conditions for fear of food poisoning — but this place was rated an A and the grab and go items were stored accordingly. Parking was tight and the store was dimly lit. Overall, for the location and variety of food items — it’s an ok place to grab a variety of convenience items — like those yummy empanadas!
Ron D.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Dededo, Guam
Northern version of Chodes in Anigua with a nice selection of hot foods and pastries! Saves me the drive down South! Woohoo!
