Guma Spicy Pies Factory and Gumax Cafe & Grill — Restaurant in Baltimore

To paraphrase from one of my most beloved movies: In many ways, the role of a restaurant customer is easy. The prevalence of dining choices and proprietors who are vying for our (generally hard-earned) paychecks means we risk very little in terms of labor, yet our ability to insert a chip at the prompting of a buroing chip reader or swipe a piece of plastic in order to satietiate the slightest hint of hunger means we, in the West, enjoy a position of discriminating privelege over those small dining establishments whose owners offer up their work and their dreams to our judgment. The dawn of review-centered apps means we enjoy the immediate power to strike an instant, collective blow to a restaurant from the safe shelters of whereever our smartphones recieve reception.

We in the NOVA/DC area thrive on voicing our negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read, made all the more gratifying when we can be among the first to review and critique and receive kudos for our own scathing input. An electronic thumb up or. Down, like the Caesars of ancient Rome, can be the life or death of someone's restaurant vision and dream.

But the bitter truth that we customers and Yelp contributors must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average bad meal, over-priced drink, poor dining experience, or bad decor is probably more meaningful than our virtual criticism designating it so.

But there are times when a customer truly risks something beyond an overpriced meal or $60 for an undercooked steak, and that is in the discovery and defense of newer restaurant with "passion". The world is often unkind to passionate talent, passionate missions that extend beyond the food being served. The passionate restaurant owner needs friends.

This morning, I experienced something passionate: an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected passionate staff and owner. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about restaurant owners only being in it for the money is a gross understatement. My culinary preconceptions and the extraordinarily delightful tastes of Guma's pies and breakfast rocked me and my Sunday brunch-seeking tastebuds to the core. In the past, I have made no secret of my belief that there was nothing new to discover in the way of culinary explorations. Guma's motto is "Love is Spicy". Seemingly quaint, but when you have the entirety of every ethnic food and major chain restaurant within reach of your nearest grocery frozen food aisle, it is hard to believe there is exciting food and stories to be discovered.

But I realize, only now do I truly understand the human expression of love in the form of food and spiciness. Spicy does not always mean love; but love can indeed be spicy. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius and humble beginnings of the owner now cooking at Guma's, who is, in this customer's opinion, nothing less than the finest cafe owner in Northern Virginia. I will be returning to Guma's, soon, hungry for more.

Service? Excellent. Food? There is not ONE pie you will not enjoy. I suggest dipping your crab and lobster pies in the steaming, dripping butter. How is the breakfast? Imagine going to Fiola's or Le Diplomats in DC and ordering a pancake. Now imagine if your pancake, with REAL orange rind and the taste of luxurious crepes, came out in the portion of something you'd find in a southern diner. My wife's Augustine Omelet was on par with a four star establishment and nearly hung over the plate. Each meal could EASILY have been priced between $15-$25 dollars without a DC foodie feeling cheated. Instead, I believe they were sub $10. Seven people dined for $60. I have paid $150+ for similar quality.

The owner, Guma, spoke with every person who came through the door. Take note, I predict you will see Gumax pies in national. The owner shared his story and vision for expanding Gumax and jobs. He will, indeed, achieve his dreams because he is fueled by two things; a passion for Faith and a passion for...

a wonderfully delicious experience! the Guma Cafe offers an incredibly diverse menu with something for everyone for breakfast, lunch, dinner.

definitely try the amazing Guma Omelette~ cheesy eggs, with a terrific blend of fresh vegetables, & the right touch of flavorful spice. be sure to add a side of the fluffy tropical pancakes for a terrific blend of sweet & spicy. it is over-the-top delicious goodness!

the staff is welcoming, kind, professional, and efficient. they know the menu well, made spot-on terrific suggestions, happily accommodated requests, & cheerfully refilled the piping hot & fresh coffee.

we will definitely stop in to try the hot roast beef & gravy, with a side of loaded fries, and, some of the signature spicy pies with a fresh side salad, as the lunch choices looked absolutely amazing!

a clean & inviting cafe with a friendly staff, & a delicious eclectic menu! thumbs up & five...

This place needs immediate customer service training!! On my first experience, I tried the chicken sub which was not tasty. I then sat for about 10 minutes after I finished my meal, & the waitress had the nerve to say some slick stuff out of her mouth. She said, "If you stay longer, we are going to have to keep you all day"? WTH is that suppose to mean? I took as, get the hell out? I gave them another chance today to try the horrible pancakes. I walked in & had to seat myself since none of the 4 waitresses behind the counter would do so, & they were NOT busy. I sat for almost 5 minutes & still no service? I must be a ghost since the waitress immediately sat the next couple that came in AFTER me? I went O to the FF..!! Then to top it off, my son's plate & my plate had hair in it..!! Can somebody say, NEVA EVA...