If you count the 7,000 plus islands of the Philippines, add in the eight from Hawaii and the handfuls of inhabited and uninhabited Mariana Islands, you’ll end up with a lot – a lot of history, culture and mighty fine food.
Boka Island Fusion, a newer culinary addition to Olympia in the form of a food truck, brings a mélange of island comfort foods to satisfy our Pacific Northwest stomachs. Enthusiastic owners Lorenzo Camacho and Patrick Laguana have teamed up to share the food of their Chamorro families.
Chamorro means a member of the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands, which includes Guam. Both Camacho and Laguana’s parents are from Guam. In fact, their parents were friends. The young men have known each other most of their lives, and after their younger brothers married sisters, they continually showed up at the same family events.
Lorenzo graduated from The Evergreen State College and spent two years of his schooling developing a plan for his own business. He studied economic development, finances and market strategies. Ideas he considered were shaved ice (like in Hawaii) and soup, but eventually Camacho settled on the idea of a food truck. He even designed the truck. All the while, he was working and saving his money.
After graduation Lorenzo was at a family party and ended up talking with Patrick who had recently left his job in Seattle due to downsizing. Lorenzo was looking for a business partner who had the time and money to invest and would be inspired by owning a food truck. Patrick was impressed with the detailed plan that Lorenzo had completed during college. Together, they decided to move ahead.
They liked the idea of combining flavors of the islands because, as they agreed, there was “nothing like that here in town.” The food they grew up with was tasty and comforting. After outfitting their own food truck, they opened in July 2015. “I’m pretty handy,” said Camacho, who also built their website. They spend their days introducing and educating customers about their menu. Every day they are winning over new fans that appreciate adding variety into their meals.
Their signatures dish is the Boka Taco Plate, which is one of their most popular items. The tacos are moist but not greasy – familiar in looks but not in taste to a Mexican taco. Island cuisine uses coconuts, limes and chilies. Kelaguen chicken uses all these flavors. Their menu offers gluten free choices: Boka tacos, tofu tacos, Chamorro corn chowder, Hawaiian Mochicko chicken and sisig charred chicken.
Boka Island Fusion advertises they have the best spam Musubi in town; that’s a new taste sensation for me. It’s grilled spam with rice and seasonings wrapped in nori – with or without egg inside. You’ll have to experience this island favorite for yourself.
Laguana says, “I like messing around in the kitchen.” Right now he’s incorporating tofu into the menu. “I love to cook and I love to eat,” he added which bodes well for specials with salmon and kalua pork. You can check out their Facebook page for current location and menu items.
Most nights you’ll find the black Boka Island Fusion truck in front of Northwest Beerwerks on Olympia’s Eastside. You can call in your order and receive a text when it’s ready. You can also order right at the window and take your goods with you or go into Northwest Beerwerks and sit inside.
‘Boka’ means eat in Chamorro. Take yourself to the islands without leaving Thurston County. You can reach Boka Island Fusion at 360-951-5847 or online at www.bokaislandfusion.com.
Eat Well – Be Well
