Roy's Rancho Mirage
Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine

By Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives

We've always enjoyed our trips to the Palm Springs area for rest, relaxation and of course the excellent dining. We know Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine Restaurants well, as we have met Roy and dined at his restaurants in other cities. We even own one of Roy's beautiful cookbooks and have recreated the cuisine fairly successfully but only after several hours of preparation. Roy Yamaguchi has built an empire since 1988 with his unique Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine and now has over thirty locations around the U.S. Each restaurant has its own local flair but stays mostly true to Roy's menu. Rancho Mirage's Chef/Partner Charles Andres has added his own touch to Roy's famous cuisine to cater to the clientele that can range from golfers to families who are locals or tourists, as well as celebrities who like to winter in the Desert.

We were warmly welcomed as we arrived by Managing Partner April McCaa and were seated at a comfortable table in the center of the dining room with a view of the exhibition kitchen. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet casual and we started out with Roy's refreshing Fresh Hawaiian Cocktails. We loved the Original Hawaiian Martini which is shaken, not stirred and made with Maui pineapples, Skyy Vodka, Stoli Vanilla Vodka and Malibu Coconut Rum served with a slice of fresh pineapple. Equally enjoyable was the 1988 Cocktail which is a tribute to Roy's opening year in Honolulu. It is a perfectly balanced blend of tart grapefruit and tangy pomegranate with Absolut Ruby Red Vodka, SOHO Lychee Liqueur and Patron Citronge Liqueur served with Lychee garnish.

We perused the menu then opted for their three course Seasonal Spring Fusion Prix Fixe Menu which was well priced at only $35.00. There are multiple options for each course which makes it a great way to order. The appetizers that we really enjoyed were the Mochi Crusted Ahi Sashimi with ponzu, truffle emulsion and the Wagyu Beef Pot Stickers with kim chee cucumber and hot Firecracker sauce. The entrée that we loved was the Herb Grilled Lamb Chops with port wine bordelaise sauce served with herb au gratin potatoes, carrots and broccoli. The wine list is extensive and the Rutherford Ranch "Roy's" Cabernet paired perfectly with the Lamb Chop. The Desserts were both fantastic and so were the espressos. We loved Roy's signature dessert which is the Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé that is a Flourless chocolate cake with a molten hot center served with excellent vanilla ice cream a la mode. The Strawberry Cheese Cake with kaffir lime essence was also terrific. The cuisine was both excellent and reasonably priced. The attire is Desert Casual and we enjoyed the overall atmosphere of the restaurant and the professional friendly service. Roy's Rancho Mirage is a worthy dining destination!

Roy's Rancho Mirage
71959 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA. 92270
760-340-9044
www.RoysRestaurant.com