Unlike Alessandro’s, Javu is a positive work environment for head chef Monica. It’s a chic spot that’s especially appealing to Monica because of its squeaky-clean kitchen. “It’s not just Health Department clean, it’s Monica clean!” she explains to Chandler after her first day. Even her co-workers are cool. One of them is a bit too cool for Chandler, who gets super jealous when Monica calls him “the funniest man” she has ever met. Alas, that coworker and all of Javu itself is completely fictional and built for scene-filming purposes only.
You know, scenes like when Phoebe is singing for change to the line of Javu customers waiting to eat. She left her regular place at Central Perk for Javu because it became so popular with Monica leading its kitchen. Of course, Phoebe’s taste in music doesn’t vibe with most of the Javu crowd, including Monica herself. That’s because Javu is a classy place or, as Phoebe describes it, “pretentious-comma-garlicky.” Maybe it’s not the best atmosphere for hits like Smelly Cat, Sticky Shoes, Trapped in the Hospital Closet, and Crusty Old Man.
If Javu were real, you could visit it and eat lobster with your “lobster!” It’s probably for the best, though. Lobster isn’t great when it’s too garlicky.
