Today we’d like to introduce you to Hussein Castillo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Garifuna Flava is named after the Garifuna (pronounced, ga-RI-foo-Nah) people, a rare ethnic group of only 500,000 people originally from St. Vincent that now reside in the Central American countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Who are the Garifuna?
The Garifuna are descendants of Carib/Arawak Indians and West Africans, all free peoples that once resided on the island of St. Vincent. In the late 1700’s the Garifuna were exiled from their homeland by British forces and thus made their way to the shores of Central America. Today Garifuna communities are mainly found along the coast of Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Roatan, and well as Guatemala. Garifuna communities are also found in the United States, primarily in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and New Orleans.
Traditionally, Garifuna men were hunters and fishermen while the women did most of the farming. The traditional Garifuna foods are based around seafood, poultry, cassava, bananas, and plantains.
Opening Garifuna Flava was equal parts about sharing this culture as much as it was delicious takes on our traditional cuisine. Our cuisine is filled with Latin American, Caribbean and African influences, from our seafood style Panades (empanadas), to our top-rated Jerk Chicken, to our Hudut Baruru Falumou (a West African “fufu” style coconut milk stew). The best part of the Garifuna dining experience is not only the cuisine but the ability to learn about the culture, history and how it relates to our flavorful dishes.
Owner and Chef Yolanda is very passionate about food and how it intricately relates to our lives and experiences. She learned to cook from her mother and grandmother, and has taken those recipes to another level with her own unique influences. Her husband and Co-Owner Rhodel has always been passionate about promoting educational awareness of the Garifuna culture throughout the United States. Opening Garifuna Flava was a natural progression.
Since our inception in 2008, Garifuna Flava has garnered praise on a host of local media and print’s “Best Of” and “Must Visit” lists. Garifuna Flava has also been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives”, ABC7’s “Hungry Hound,” WTTW Chicago’s “Check, Please,” WGN’s “Chicago’s Best,” ABC7’s Windy City LIVE, and the “Taste of Chicago.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have had quite a journey since our inception. Garifuna Flava opened in May 2008, directly in the midst of the historic housing and stock market crash. The devastatingly historic recession affected southwest Chicago neighborhoods like Marquette Park, West Englewood, Gage Park and Chicago Lawn especially hard, causing tremendous challenges to its residents, as well as existing and new businesses like ours.
Despite those difficulties, we have poured our heart, soul, and resources into making Garifuna Flava a beacon in the area. We have been the only full-service sit-down restaurant in the neighborhood for nearly a decade, and while almost every business surrounding us have shuttered their doors, we have persisted. Things are starting to turn around in the area, with more construction and businesses starting to return, and we’re proud to say that through all the sacrifice we’ve been able to keep things going.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Garifuna Flava: A Taste of Belize story. Tell us more about the business.
Garifuna Flava: A Taste of Belize is an exciting culinary and cultural experience on Chicago’s Southwest Side, providing a unique blend of Belizean and Indigenous Central-American cuisine.
Garifuna Flava is also setting the standard in Caribbean Office Catering for the Chicagoland area. We have worked with hundreds of downtown Chicago and Suburban companies, from 10ppl to 500ppl, to provide catering for lunches, dinners, special events and more. Find out more at GarifunaFlava.net/catering.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Not necessarily luck, but the timing has been everything. We’re always keeping our eyes open for any opportunities that may arrive, whether small or big. Sometimes it comes from a customer tip/idea, sometimes it comes from an article we read in the paper or notice on television, etc.
Some have worked out great, others not so much, but not being afraid to take advantage of any opportunities that may arrive has been helpful in keeping our business growing and innovating.
Pricing:
- Food Price Range: $11-30
- Bar Price Range: $3-10
Contact Info:
- Address: 2518 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60629
- Website: https://www.garifunaflava.net
- Phone: 773.776.7440
- Email: garifunaflava@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garifunaflava1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarifunaFlava1/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GarifunaFlava1/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/garifuna-flava-chicago
- Other: https://garifunaflava.net/catering/
Image Credit:
uber eats, chicago sun times, food network
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
