By Evan Hosie
For a taste of Hawaii without getting on a plane, head to downtown L.A. where Roy’s does a Hawaiian Fusion menu that will make you feel like you’re back on the Islands.
Modeled after the original in Honolulu, which was founded by chef Roy Yamaguchi, Roy’s blends European techniques and Asian cuisine to create a memorable night out.
But back to the beginning. We started off our feast with the Lobster Potstickers with its unique miso sauce, a “Spicy Togarashi Miso Butter Sauce” to be exact.($11.95.) I could have eaten an entire plate. For an entrée we tried the “Surf and Turf” and I had the Hibachi grilled Salmon in a homemade Japanese Citrus Ponzu Sauce ($15.50.)
(Our waiter informed us that all the sauces are made daily. Roy’s should think about bottling them.)
While my salmon was cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of seasoning, my husband’s filet could have been more flavorful, though the lobster was exquisite.
With the wide variety of fish on the menu - Ono, Opakapaka and their classic Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi ($18.50), not to mention the sushi (try the Marguro tuna) and fresh shellfish— there’s plenty to choose from. And by all means save room for their signature molten mouse souffle.Wines by the glass are reasonable and they offer some fine bottles as well.
Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles just steps from the Staples Center and Theater District, Roy’s does a roaring business during the week and then on the weekends fills up with families and special occasion dinners.
As important as the food is the “aloha” spirit. After 15 minutes, our waiter made us feel like we were on vacation, no easy task.
Don’t save Roy’s for an anniversary or once a year occasion; there’s an “Aloha Menu” with $5 appetizers and drinks and a “Prix Fixe Mondays” for only $36.95. Choose a combo of an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the special menu. (At the downtown LA restaurant, the hours are 4:30-6:30.) Check their location page for your area.
It’s like a vacation without the cost of the plane ticket.
What do you think?