Recently Linda and Mike L. McColgan's culinary journey to eat at all 3000 San Fancisco restaurants (500 plus and counting) took then to experience great food and the "Aloha Spirit" at Roys's Hawaiian Fusion at 575 Mission Street.
Founder Roy Yamaguchi opened his first Roy's in Hawaii in 1988. Today there are 6 in Hawaii, 23 in the US and one in Japan and one in Guam. His expansive dining room decor, soft lighting and open kitchen immediately relaxes you when you enter his restaurants.
Founder Roy Yamaguchi opened his first Roy's in Hawaii in 1988. Today there are 6 in Hawaii, 23 in the US and one in Japan and one in Guam. His expansive dining room decor, soft lighting and open kitchen immediately relaxes you when you enter his restaurants.
At his San Francisco location, Managing partner Keith Spragg, Chef Partner Nate Payo and Sous chef Josh Grimes created a special luncheon experience for us. Our server Will Thamsara was also very helpful and exhibited the warm "Aloha Service" that separates Roy's from the rest.
For openers, Josh prepared Ahi Poke. The Poke was the best we had ever eaten.
It consisted of cubed ahi yellowfin tuna sashimi marinated with a pinch of Hawaiian red sea salt, soy sauce, hot sesame oil, ogo seaweed, and chopped chili pepper and avocados, topped with a sour cream and tobiko caviar.
Along with the Poke, Josh brought us the Chili and Scallion Crisped Calamari that was tasty and seasoned perfectly. He also prepared the Big Island Ebi Roll Shrimp Tempura, topped with baked salmon, and tombiko caviar with dipping sauces of sweet basil chili sauce and Sriracha aioli sauce that was a work of art.
Seared scallops and butternut squash soup with Vadouvan curry, pumpkin seeds and cilantro was a great way to complete this lavish lunch.
The Grand Finale was Roy's famous Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé that is flourless Chocolate Cake with a Molten Hot Center, served with Raspberry Coulis and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream that requires additional preparation time but well worth the wait. There are also a variety of dessert wines and after drinks as well as coffee and tea.
From 4-30 to 6:30 Sunday thru Friday Roy's is a great place to "hang loose" and enjoy their $6.00 dollar Aloha Happy Hour. Featuring Roy's Hawaiian Martini as well as hand selected wines, Kona "Fire Rock" Pale Ale and featured appetizers such as Wagyu Beef Sliders, Short Rib Tacos and Crunchy Golden Lobster Pot stickers to name a few. Private dining is also available for special occasions.
In conclusion, the "Aloha Spirit" is alive and well at Roy's in San Francisco. As we always ask ourselves about these various places, would you return? Absolutely, we will be back for "Aloha Happy Hour" next week.
