Late Night With Conan O'Brien has a segment called "If They Mated," in which the faces of celebrities like Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz are combined into one and the results are less than flattering. Roy's is like that--only the results are tastier, because Roy's merges flavors, not flaws.
Roy's serves up Hawaiian fusion to the extreme. From blue crab cha wan mushi to wood-fired mongolian lamb, chef Roy Yamaguchi's ideas are certainly original. They combine Asian-inspired seafood with fresh Hawaiian vegetables, such as sprouts and sweet potatoes. The menu will satisfy any health-conscious eater as well as any seafood lover. One of our entr‚es, the lemongrass seared scallop with shrimp and saffron Thai rice lau lau, was especially beautifully presented. The jumbo scallop was moist and soft, a nice contrast to the crispy fried shrimp. Rice, wrapped in banana leaves, also brought out the Asian flavor. Sweet potato risotto on the side balanced the meaty taste of the lamb with its pleasant, nutty nature.
To top off our six-course meal, the coconut-inspired dessert was the pi‚ce de resistance of the night. The dessert, visually aesthetic, contained all the necessary ingredients, such as chocolate, fruit, ice cream and pastry. Shaped in the form of a Hawaiian beach, complete with cookie palm tree, sugar sand and chocolate coconuts, our dessert was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Although the portions were modest, the food was superb.
Roy's wine selection was perfectly congruent with its menu. Roy's labels, ranging from dry sake to Oregon Pinot Gris, complemented the dishes well. Even the drinks played into Roy's fusion theme with its variety of rice and grape wines.
Another specialty of Roy's is its atmosphere. We were greeted by smiling hosts waiting to drape fresh leis around our necks as they chanted "Aloha!" Soothing native music from the live band and authentic Hawaiian dancers provided a relaxing yet entertaining environment. The dim lighting played off the cream-colored walls, giving the room an elegant touch. Numerous paintings of Asian flowers hanging from the walls and fresh orchids on each table conveyed a tropical feeling.
The high quality service enhanced our overall dining experience. Used to the standard "What do you want?" coming from a scowling dining worker, we were impressed by courtesies such as "pardon my reach." The hosts were always smiling, friendly and knowledgeable about the food; attentive but not pretentious, they made us feel valued.
Overall, Roy's offers a unique dining experience in a classy setting. Because prices lean toward the high end, the restaurant is geared more toward professionals. This is an ideal place, however, for holding special events. With savory food and unparalleled service, Roy's is an oasis of island warmth in chilly Philly.
