When you think of rotary, what comes to mind? Probably sushi or sashimi, right? Well, 9th Street Rotary, a casual rotary bistro opening June 2014, has a few items going around that you probably wouldn’t expect. Fresh, crisp salads, crunchy lettuce wraps, tasty edamame, and savory lumpia will be calling your name when it passes you by.  Co-owner Mark Duenas tells us, “It’s not fusion, but more of an Asian flare for your palate.”

When local produce is available, rest assured that owners Mark and Jean Duenas will be using the freshest ingredients possible, straight from the farm to table — even from ocean to table!

Mark started his career making pastries then ventured into other things after receiving his AA in Culinary Arts in Portland, Oregon. After being in the States for eight years, Mark always knew he would come back home because the “food is not yet elevated on Guam.”

“Farm to Table helped Mark put his vision down on paper,” says Melanie Mendiola, Farm to Table Project Director. “We helped him put together his business plan, briefed on what to expect in the lending process, and pretty much held his hand until he secured the financing he needed to get his restaurant off the ground. As a result of our help, Mark is employing at least six people — a direct contribution to the local job economy. Further, he is committed to patronizing local farmers and fisherman as much as possible, strengthening the Farm to Table mission of bringing food from local farms to local tables.”

9th Street Rotary is located at 107 Padre Palomo St., Hagatna, GU 96910 (behind MTB Outfitters). Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Happy Hour is from 5:00pm-6:00pm, with all sushi $1.00 off for dine-in only.  They can be reached at (671) 472-8862.