Taste Test: Downtown Roy's New Menu

Having grown up in Hawaii, I have a special place in my heart for local boy done good Roy Yamaguchi. The chef has turned his Honolulu eatery into a global empire... but smartly lets his individual chefs add their own touches, making every location a bit different.

We were invited last week to check out some new menu items from Roy's Downtown Los Angeles chef partner Garrett Mukogawa. Here's what we ate:


"Elaine's" Kabocha Squash Salad (Cinnamon Spiced Pepitas, Cranberry Vinaigrette)


Blackened Rock Shrimp & Red Bean Soup (Portuguese Sausage, Shishito)


Artichoke & Goat Cheese Crusted Salmon (Sundried Tomato Sauce)


Cilantro Grilled Tiger Shrimp (Stewed Curried Lentils & Fall Vegetables)


Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs (Creamy Mashed Potatoes Natural Braising Sauce)


Pumpkin & Ginger Cheese Cake (Pumpkin Anglaise)
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé (Flourless Chocolate Cake with a Molten Hot Center served à la Mode)


And oh yes, the drinks.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: $50 Gift Card at Roy's Restaurant

Brah, you like eat? Roy's get one "Ohana Tour" li'dat.

Ahem. (Clears throat of haolefied pidgin.) The Roy's restaurant locations in Southern California have launched a new rewards program dubbed its "L.A. Ohana Tour."

As part of the promotion, Roy's has given us a $50 gift card to award one lucky Franklin Avenue reader.

The Roy's "Ohana Tour" takes place between June 9 and August 31; diners receive rewards by visiting three locations and are also entered to win an all-inclusive trip to Hawaii, where guests will enjoy a personal dinner with founding chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Roy’s locations include Anaheim, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Pasadena, and Woodland Hills. According to Roy's, each restaurant sports a different menu, as chefs are asked to give their own spin to the Roy's cuisine.

Wanna win the gift card? Drop us a line listing your fave local kine grinds (at our franklin_avenue-at-yahoo-dot-com address) -- it could be fancy or low-brow, doesn't matter. We'll pick a winner from the entries. Shoots, chance 'um, brah!