With every season comes a new crop of veggies and other good things that beg to be used in the kitchen. The chefs at Roy’s answer the seasonal call with a special fixed price menu showcasing “the freshest local ingredients with European sauces and bold Asian spices”.
I was invited to sample items from the Fall prix fixe menu at Roy’s in Downtown LA and I’m thrilled to share my report with you. If you can swing the $39.95 per person they are asking for this cornucopia, you’ll certainly savor what the menu has to offer. Let’s get started!
Oh, not to spoil things but….make sure you stick around for dessert!
Appetizers
The menu features three appetizers; I tasted two of them: the Blackened Rock Shrimp & Red Bean Soup and “Elaine’s” Kabocha Squash Salad.
The soup was reminiscent of a chili, seasoned with spicy sausage. It was more like a stew to me than a soup but who am I to tell the chef what to call it! Whatever the case, it was delicious.
The salad was a divine combination of flavors; everything on the plate blended harmoniously with the pepitas adding a nice crunch. The only exception was the squash. While it was very tasty — and I loved the firmness of it compared to the soft leaves of the salad — the squash seemed like a third wheel on the plate, not complementing the rest of the ingredients.
Entrée
Moving to the main dishes, I sampled three of the four items offered as entrées: the Artichoke and Goat Cheese Crusted Salmon, the Cilantro Grilled Tiger Shrimp, and the Tender Braised Short Ribs.
The highlights for me were the shrimp and the short ribs. The shrimp, served on a bed of stewed curried lentils, was a bit tough but the lentils made up for it. They were earthy and toothsome, described by Sarah, my table mate as “the Lentil version of al dente”. Perfect!
The short rib — tender and perfectly cooked — was also accompanied by sides that elevated the dish. In this case, mashed potatoes and green beans made this amazing dish doubly satisfying.
Dessert
There are only two desserts on the prix fixe menu and fortunately I tried them both! Dessert selections include Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle and a Pumpkin and Ginger Cheese Cake.
The soufflé is served a la mode with a tasty vanilla ice cream. Chocolate fans will appreciate the flavor intensity of the soufflé, the warm center, and the cool ice cream.
Best in show, however, must go to the pumpkin and ginger cheese cake. WOW. Everything about this dish from top to bottom was a winner. The ginger and pumpkin flavors found harmony in the smooth texture of the cheesecake while the crust was buttery, crispy, and moist all at the same time.
Summary
Roy’s seasonal prix fixe menu offers a sweet deal on some very tasty dining. My recommendations, go for the short rib and stay for the cheesecake. You won’t be disappointed!
Also, please note that the menus differ at each Roy’s location. Be sure to call ahead to get details on the menu that your neighborhood Roy’s is offering. Around LA, you’ll find them in Downtown, Pasadena, and Woodland Hills.
Roy’s – Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/cuisine/prix_fixe_menu.asp
800 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 488-4994
That was so much fun hanging out with you! Outrageous macro of the short rib!!!
Yes it was a blast! Thanks for the compliment on the picture. My flower pot technique really worked out, eh!? XD