Thursday, June 18, 2009

Roy's Once More

Butterfish at Roy'sI have reviewed Roy's of San Francisco once before. Part of the culinary empire run by chef Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant serves up excellent Hawaiian fusion fare in classy and elegant surroundings. I was here with a colleague on one day for a lunch meeting; I came back the next day, this time armed with my camera.

The entire staff is very prompt, helpful and friendly. The food continues to be wonderful, but what makes even a quick lunch special is the importance they attach to the presentation even during these busy hours.

Roy's San Francisco
Appetisers at Roy'sThe Roy's Power Lunch Prix Fixe is a great way to try this place. I started with a miso soup, Waimanalo mixed greens and Lumpia. The Lumpia, which is a kind of spring-roll is popular in Indonesia and the Philippines, was actually pretty good. I liked this better than the Pot Stickers I had ordered for my appetizer the day before.

Butterfish at Roy'sThe Butterfish I ordered for my main course was excellent! It was obvious how the fish got its name - every morsel was buttery soft and went rather well with the Japanese inspired sauce and the beans and other greens.

Creme Brulee at Roy'sSince I had a better appetite and there were no meetings to run off to, I did order a dessert this time. The creme brulee was good, but the carmelizing process had ended up warming most of the custard. The best creme brulee provides an appealing contrast between the cold custard and warm top layer (among other things!).

Earl Grey at Roy'sA cup of Earl Grey and I was ready to get back to my hotel and begin packing for the long trip home.

9 comments:

Vamsee Modugula said...

Oh...how I miss California Fish!! I find fish here more suited for Indian kind of preparation. I am yet to find something like a Salmon or Mahi Mahi boneless fillet that I can stick in the oven and bake. Do you know of any such fish here. The husband does not tolerate bones in his fish or meat, hence my predicament:(

Trotter said...

Hi Shantanu! How I miss Roy Yamaguchi food... Had wonderful experiences in Hawaii where evrything started... ;)

The Republic of Uzupis. Never heard? Blogtrotter has it for you… ;) Enjoy and have a great weekend!

RennyBA said...

You know as a Norwegian, I love fish and that Butterfish looks really delicious and so did the sauce and the beans too!

I'm glad you went back and even more: that you would share this with us.

Anonymous said...

I'd have the spring rolls and the crème brûlée, thank you!

Rajesh said...

That sounds delicious.

beaverboosh said...

Man, the butterfish looks outstanding! Was it blackened (glaze baked)?

Shantanu said...

@Vamsee: Heh! I am a Bengali and used to picking bones from the fish almost without thinking. :)
Surmai (king fish) is one fish which is popular here and doesn't have bones when you buy fillets.

Shantanu said...

@Trotter: Oh, I am falling behind again. Too much travel lately.

@Renny, @Zhu, @Rajesh: Thank you.

@beaverboosh: Yes it was!

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