Dinner at Roy’s

In keeping with our very reckless behavior this past weekend, Ali and I ventured off the beaten path to have dinner at Roy’s restaurant.  I first visited Roy’s in San Francisco and even though I wasn’t a fan of seafood back then, I absolutely fell in love with the restaurant.  So I was thrilled when Roy decided to open several locations in Southern California, the closest to us in downtown Los Angeles.  

Downtown isn’t really that far from us distance wise, but with traffic it can take up to 40 minutes.  Since everything in L.A. revolves around the freeway, traffic conditions, long distances, and the Maya barf-o-meter, Ali and I usually think twice about going downtown for anything.  But since Maya was spending the night with her grandparents, and because Ali and I were nearly giddy with excitement about our new sofa, we decided to live on the wild side and enjoy dinner at a nicer restaurant for a change. 

I hadn’t been downtown in quite a while and was really pleased with how busy and full of people it was.  I guess the revitalization is fully underway!  I tried to take pictures of the skyline but the car was moving and, well, you know how challenged I am with a camera.  Since the pictures came out very blurry I’ll spare you. 

Roy’s specializes in Hawaiian Fusion cuisine – lots of fresh seafood with a few steaks thrown in for good measure. I must note how ironic it is that I had to come back to the mainland to get some good Hawaiian food.  When Ali and I went to Oahu a few years ago, we had a fabulous time with the exception of not eating one single good meal.  I mean not one!  We resorted to Benihana’s and the ubiquitous ABC stores for something decent to eat, and I use the word decent quite loosely.  If you’ve been to Benihana you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Anyway, we learned the hard way that researching restaurants ahead of time is NOT optional when traveling. 

We reached Roy’s at about 6:45 and it was hopping.  Luckily we scored a last-minute reservation and were seated immediately.  

Our server brought us complimentary edamame: 

I can’t eat soy anymore but I do remember these being really good because of the salt/spice/sugar combination sprinkled on top.  I was surprised to see Ali eat quite a few because green foods and my husband are usually at odds with each other. 

The best thing about Roy’s is probably the service.  The servers literally bend over backwards to accommodate your every need and once our server found out I was gluten-intolerant, he immediately retrieved a list of safe appetizers and entrees for me.  

I ordered the Carmelized U-10 Sea Scallops: 

Roasted Wild Mushroom Risotto and Spicy Kung Pao Drizzle.

I have to say that while this was good it isn’t the best thing I’ve had at Roy’s.  I usually love scallops but these were a bit rubbery.  Maybe they were overcooked?  Their flavor was good though so I ate all four scallops and most of the risotto. 

Ali’s entrée came and after a bite he realized they sent him the wrong Petite Filet, but I took a picture because it was so artfully displayed. 

Loaded Red Bliss Potatoes, Shiitake Mushroom Pan Sauce.

Ali’s correct entrée came after another 20 minutes – he’d ordered the Surf and Turf combination: 

Grand Petite Filet, Lump Crab Oscar, and Maine Lobster Tail.

I really wanted to try this because I love lobster and crab.  But after eating way too much amazing lobster while on a trip to Turks and Caicos last year, I realized that I cannot continue to eat something that dies in such a horrible way.  Maybe I’m ignorant but is boiling the lobster alive really the only way to cook it? 

The highlight of the evening came when our server informed us that the Chocolate Souffle is flourless and gluten-free!  I was beside myself with happiness.  

Roy's Signature Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle

This is the most decadent dessert I have ever had!  Since I could totally see myself going overboard I ordered a decaf to accompany the souffle.  

I drank so much coffee that I had 2-3 spoons of the rich chocolate center and was quite full.  I used to be able to eat an entire souffle all by myself but since cutting out sugar I can barely eat a bite or two of something sweet without feeling kind of gross.  A huge milestone for me and my battle with sugar! 

Ali had no problems with being too sugared out and finished the rest of this dessert plus another scoop of vanilla ice cream that he ordered separately.  This was after consuming a giant piece of Baskin-Robbin’s ice cream cake earlier in the day, so he was definitely feeling the effects afterwards, and I had to drive home.  

So even though our evening was Maya -free, I still found myself asking the question, “Do you feel like you need to throw up?”  I do believe those words may be engraved on my tombstone.