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I kinda wrote this out of order... but oh wellz.
For NYE Eve, my fiance and I went to Roy's... our favorite place for special occasions. :) Also because they recently put out a new prix fixe menu which sounded awesome! We already had plans for NYE to eat dinner with my parents, so this was our fancy night out.
Roy's - Plano
2840 Dallas Parkway
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 473-6263
www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/tx/plano
Price: $$$$+
We arrived early for our 6PM reservation... we're old farts.. I know. :P I prefer to eat dinner pretty early. The place was pretty packed when we got there. So he went to the bar and hit up the happy hour while we waited for our table. Their hh goes until 6:30 or 7PM everyday. :)
Soon we got seated. Our waitress was super nice, as usual. We rarely have bad service here. And we already knew what we wanted to order.
We got the normal edamame with shichimi for the table. But they also brought out some compliments from the kitchen: Fried Duck Dumplings.
Oooooo! Amuse-bouches are not standard here... although I've had a few since I've been there so much. The plate was so cute! The outside was fried nicely and the inside was creamy and rich. It was a good little bite. :)
We came here to try the new Creative Northeast Asia Prix Fixe menu. The 3 course meal is $36.95~ (not including tax or tip).
We started with the Grilled Filet Mignon Yakitori (shoyu, cucumber, yuzu kosho).
It was a pretty big appetizer I thought. And although I found the meat to be a little underseasoned, it was sooooo tender. I was about to cut it with a knife, but it was completely unnecessary. Super super tender!!
Pumpkin Seed Crusted Ahi (kabocha squash dumplings, bok choy, citrus emulsion).
The plating was very pretty and colorful...but not a big portion. The tuna was fresh and I liked the pumpkin seed crust. The kabocha dumplings were pretty good, similar to gnocchi in texture I'd say. But the plate lacked seasoning overall. It was very light in taste. I wish there was more sauce than that little smear in the middle of the plate. However, my fiance had a genius plan. He asked for extra wasabi cream sauce that they use in the Misoyaki Butterfish (which I ordered for myself) and it was awesome. That sauce can go on anything! The manager came over at one point and we got to chatting and he actually said he's put that sauce on mashed potatoes before! Sounds divine!
Apple Tasting (five spice cake, bruleed apples, apple gelee, caramel sauce).
Since we got a dessert with the prix fixe, we didn't order another one. When the waitress brought it, I was like "whoa!" It's a pretty big cake! And it was very pretty, I loved the different types of apple chips, bruleed apples, and apple skin? on top. She did say the skin was more for decoration... may not be good to eat. We both really liked the bruleed apples with the crunchy layer of burnt sugar on top. I also really liked the gelee and sauce, gave the cake the moisture it desperately needed. I can totally taste the five spice and I liked the flavors overall, but the cake itself was too dry. And there wasn't enough sauce to make it better. I think a bit more caramel sauce, maybe a few dollops of whipped cream would work wonders. Or even better... a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Mmmm. Just a thought. :P
Of course I got the Misoyaki "Butterfish" (Alaskan Black Cod, baby bok choy, furikake rice) $34.60~ It's my absolute favorite, can never go wrong. The fish was melt in your mouth tender. And the sauce is always amaze-balls and the green is gorgeous on the plate. Thumbs wayyy up!
Ohh.. and the cherry on top... the couple in the table next to ours gave us a $25 off coupon as they were leaving. They got 2 in the mail and said one was to give to a "friend". Thanks friends!! It definitely made our night even better. :)
Another great meal. Everyone was so friendly, the food was good.... my butterfish still trumps all! Can't wait to go back again. Maybe I'll try something new next time... haha.
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
Surprise! We went to Roy's again. haha. Definitely one of our favorite places in Dallas. My bf told me he had made a reservation there for dinner on the 4th because he had a project that's ending and he wanted to celebrate. Naturally I said yea sure! And I was glad that his project was gonna be done... he had been so stressed lately. :( We always go to Roy's for special occasions. They always make us feel special and of course the food is fantastic. But little did I know.. his project wasn't a work thing like I assumed. After dinner we went home and watched July 4th fireworks on his roof where he proceeded to propose! What what?? The "project" wasn't work related at all, it was his months of planning the surprise proposal and getting the ring! Awww. So... SURPRISE to me! haha. What a sneaky guy. :P And of course I said "yes!" :D He's such a sweetie. hehe.
He said the plan had to include good food and Roy's holds sentimental value in both of us so it was perfect.
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
2840 Dallas Parkway
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 473-6263
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/tx/plano
Price: $$$$
We had an earlier reservation since we wanted to get back in time for the fireworks. And I saw that they had extended their happy hour (Aloha Hour) times as well as the menu. I suggested going a little earlier and trying some of the appetizers at the bar.
It's been awhile since I've been to happy hour at Roy's but from what I remember, their wagyu sliders are pretty awesome.
I chose the Crispy Pork & Steamed Buns (green apple slaw, red dragon sauce) $6~
Very good. The buns were steamed nicely and so fluffy. The pork was crispy and had a ton of flavor with the sauce. I loved the addition of the apple in the slaw. Never had that in a steamed bun before. It added sweetness and a freshness and a crunch. I would totally get these again.
He picked the Tempura-Crusted Ahi Roll (spicy togarashi miso butter sauce) $6~
There was too much rice to other stuff ratio. We wondered if it's because it's a happy hour item. But I liked the way they did the tempura. It seemed more liked breadcrumbs instead of an actual tempura batter. But it was nice and crunchy. And the miso butter sauce was good. Just needed more tuna!
They also have a list of cocktails on special for $6. He ordered a Mai Tai.
We finished right in time for our reservation. We were seated immediately. As we were sitting down, we told the hostess that we were so happy to hear that they put the classic version of the Misoyaki Butterfish back on the menu. She agreed that it should've never been off the menu! It was definitely a highlight to our week when we found out. :) Our waiter was super friendly and quickly greeted us, and he was fantastic throughout the night.
We pretty much knew what we wanted going in. And since we had some food at the bar already we didn't order too much.
Lakanilau Roll (Wagyu beef, snow crab, tempura asparagus, avocado sesame miso, truffled greens) $16.90~
We tried this for the first time last visit to Roy's. Love it! I love the flavor of the beef with the truffle. Sure beats the tuna roll during hh! haha. It doesn't even need any additional soy sauce, it already has so much flavor.
Misoyaki Butterfish (Alaskan black cod, baby bok choy, Furikake rice) $34.60~
They brought back the Classic preparation of the butterfish!! About time! The Classic is the one with the bright green wasabi cream sauce. One of my favorite dishes of all time. He called ahead to pre-order it when he made the reservation. But then we found out they brought it back! Apparently enough people have complained/requested it that corporate knew they made a mistake. And according to our waiter, Plano is special cuz we got it back on the menu first! :D We asked them if they could split it since we were sharing. They have a $5.99 split plate charge, but we went ahead and did it since basically each person gets their own rice, bok choy, and most importantly... the wasabi cream sauce! The half portion was actually perfect. I mean, I can totally stuff more in my face, but my stomach might not be able to hold it all. haha. The fish was cooked to perfection. Melts in your mouth! Hence the name. The sauce is divine. I can just bathe in it. :P
Baby Greens Salad (shaved carrot, grape tomato, Japanese Yuzu honey emulsion) $9.90~
I wanted some veggies to supplement the dinner. In hindsight, we could've done without it. But it was good. Very light, fresh, wasn't overly dressed or filling.
Needless to say, it was a fantastic dinner. He did good by choosing the perfect restaurant. AND surprising me later on the rooftop. haha. And I guess in the future posts I have to refer to him as my "fiancée"! And thanks to Roy's for another great meal. :)
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
We had our 1 year anniversary at the beginning of February!:) He took me to Roy's where we've done several special occasions... so it's definitely got sentimental value.
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
2840 Dallas Pkwy.
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 473-6263
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/tx/plano.asp
Price: $$$-$$$$
We had to wait a little for our table which made him a little antsy but once we were seated, they've decorated it with confetti and a personalized sign with our names on it. Roy's always does a good job for special occasions. From the hostess to the waiters/waitresses all know it's a special occasion and congratulate you.
He had gotten a Mai Tai at the bar which was yummy. I decided to wait until we're seated to get a drink. I decided to try the Coconut Frappe (Don Q Coco Rum with coconut milk and coconut water)
Sounded good and it's under 150 calories! It was pretty. I liked the sprinkle of spice on the top of the white foam. It was delicious. Just sweet enough, kind of pina colada-ish but better! He liked it too so he got one later.
Our waiter was super awesome. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We actually had several conversations about their menu and other food related topics.
We started with some Sugar Snap Peas (togarashi, miso, bonito) $6.95~ Love sugar snap peas. These were cooked well. Still had the bright crisp crunch and the bonito on top added the umami factor to the dish.
My bf had called ahead for this. Misoyaki Butterfish (with wasabi ginger cream sauce) $33.95~
Since they changed the recipe over 6 months ago, you have to order at least 24 hours in advance for this version so they can acquire the proper ingredients. Why they changed it? We still don't understand. Our waiter didn't either since it was their top selling dish. But my bf called numerous times during the week to make sure we were going to get it since it's one of my favorite dishes of all time. How sweet! :) And it was perfect. The fish was melt in your mouth buttery. The miso glaze with the wasabi ginger cream sauce was sublime. I can just drink that sauce or eat it with a tub of rice and be happy. Haha. The butterfish is always good. But that sauce is what makes it a magical dish. Anyone who's had it will tell you that I'm not exaggerating!
My bf ordered the Winter Prix Fixe Menu $36.95~ Everything on it sounded delicious.
We started with the Spicy Lobster Bisque (Thai aromatics, coconut milk and Maine lobster; poured tableside).
I always like it when they pour the soup at the table. Makes it more special! :P It had a ton of flavor with a kick of spice. There was also a plump lobster claw at the bottom of the bowl. A good start to the prix fixe!
Pork Osso Bucco (crispy kimchee brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, orange macadamia nuts). Braised pork? Sounds awesome! It was fork tender and moist. And surprisingly wasn't too heavy of a dish. I wished there was more Brussels sprouts since I love them!
Butterscotch and Miso Budino (black sesame cake, macadamia nuts, sweet and sour pineapple).
Such an interesting dessert! I'd say it is one of the best "non-chocolate souffle" desserts at Roy's that I've liked. I liked the presentation in the jar. It has so many flavors. You get the saltiness from the caramel and you can definitely taste the miso. But then the caramel is also sweet along with the budino, which is basically like a thick pudding. The consistency was luscious and creamy. It had every possible flavor. The pineapple on top added the tartness. The black sesame cake was my favorite part. I love black sesame but I rarely find black sesame desserts here that reminds me of what I've had in Asia. This was full of black sesame flavor! Well done!
Of course I got the Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle (with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce).
Awww.. they wrote Happy Anniversary on the plate. :) They've changed it up a little. They now serve it in a little ramekin instead of taking it out of the mold. I asked the waiter why and he said that they come out more consistently this way and it's also bigger! Sold! Bigger, for the same price? Hells yea! It was hot and molten-y (yes, that's a word), and a perfect ending to a spectacular evening.
My bf double checked and triple checked to make sure everything at the restaurant would be good. The waiter was super nice and helpful. We had a great anniversary thanks to the people at Roy's. Be sure to consider them for your next special occasion. And don't forget to order the butterfish ahead of time!!!
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
It was our 6 months anniversary 2 weeks ago. :) We went back to Roy's where we had our first "dressed up" date. hehe. I can always use some butterfish and chocolate souffle cake! :P
Roy's
2840 Dallas Pkwy
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 473-6263
roysrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
In our reservation I had told the restaurant that we were celebrating an anniversary so they decorated the table with confetti and printed out a personalized message for us. I always like doing special occasions here, they make it personal for you. Our waitress was great too. Super friendly and immediately congratulated us on the occasion. And then took our drink orders.
We got some of their spiced edamame while we waited for drinks.
The bf got the Mango Mojito (Bacardi Limon, mango puree, mint, lime) $10.95~ It looked pretty tasty but I cannot try. :( Mango allergy! He said it was good but super strong!
I got a glass of Moscato since it's the only kind of wine I like. Yum!
We started off with Beef Short Rib Bi Bim Bap (go chu jang sauce, carrot, scallion, fried egg) $8.95~
Never had it here before. But bibimbap is basically Korean mixed rice and I've had it plenty of times in Korean restaurants. The best is when they put it in a stone pot and the rice gets all crispy. Didn't really know what to expect here since I've never had an "upscale" rendition of this dish. It was pretty good. I think I still prefer the traditional prep but the flavors were still good and everything was cooked well.
Misoyaki "Butterfish" (Alaskan black cod, sizzling lemon shoyu vinaigrette) $33.95~
I've been dreaming about this dish ever since I made the reservation 2 weeks prior! haha. But I was so excited that I didn't realize they had changed the description. So I was totally surprised when they served the dish that it looked completely different... No wasabi cream sauce??? Whatt? What's going on? I asked our waitress and she explained that a while back, corporate came in and changed up the menu. Took off some stuff, add a few, and decided to change the butterfish back to its original preparation. I didn't even know there was an original preparation! I've had the butterfish with the wasabi cream sauce since I first went to Roy's 10 years ago! And this is by far one of their most popular dishes. Why the decision to change?!? Needless to say, I was disappointed. It did not satisfy at all. I mean, the fish on it's own was still amazingly tender and yummy but I did not care for the shoyu vinaigrette AT ALL. There was too much of it and made everything too salty. And it was drenching all the rice! I ended up putting a small plate underneath one side of the plate so the sauce would flow to one side of the dish and I scooted the food to the higher side. hahaha. Super ghetto. But it made it better. :/ Now, most of you are probably pretty disappointed to hear this news. But the waitress informed me that they can still make the preparation with the wasabi cream sauce but you have to call them a few days in advance to request it. Trust me, I WILL be doing that next time I go!!
The bf got the Blackened Island Ahi (spicy soy mustard butter sauce) $31.95~
Good thing we didn't BOTH get the butterfish like we initially talked about! haha. The tuna was fresh, had a nice thin sear on top and good flavor from being blackened. I liked the spicy mustard sauce on this one sooo much better than the butterfish shoyu. The spicy mustard almost reminded me of the wasabi cream. It was a little too much bite (spicy) for my bf though. He didn't want that much sauce either.
So it wasn't as spectacular as we hoped it would be but then it's dessert time! haha
Pineapple Upside Down Cake (with mango sauce and coconut ice cream).
The bf got this. This also has to be ordered ahead of time like the chocolate souffle cake since it takes about 20-25 min prep. The waitress was very thoughtful since she knew of my mango allergy and brought the sauce on the side so I could try it. :) We didn't realize there was mango sauce on it when we ordered it. The cake was warm and fluffy. I liked the flavor of the coconut ice cream and it paired well with the pineapple, but not a fan of the shredded coconut inside the ice cream. The presentation is very nice and playful, and they even wrote "happy anniversary" on our plates in Hawaiian! :)
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle (raspberry coulis, vanilla bean ice cream).
Of course. Can't go to Roy's without getting this. They also wrote on the plate on my dessert. hehe. I was excited! But when I cut into it, nothing came out. It wasn't molten... meaning it was overbaked or it sat too long. :( I debated saying something since I rarely ever send things back. But given that I was already disappointed from my entree. I wanted a great dessert! haha. I think one of the managers walked by and I mentioned it to her. She was super nice and said they would make me another one if I'm willing to wait. And of course they would take it off our check. I said I definitely will wait for another! While waiting, she brought over 2 glasses of champagne on the house and apologized again for the cake. I didn't expect them to do this. It was very nice of them. Our waitress came by too to apologize and assure us that my cake is coming soon. When it finally came, they wrote "Sorry" on the plate! hahaha. How funny! I liked that. This time it was perfect. Gooey and melty on the inside. Slightly crispy on the outside. It was a great ending to a still wonderful night!
Despite the surprises and changes in the food, we had a great time. I'd say this was one of the best service I've gotten at Roy's in all my years being there! Our waitress and everyone else really made the night more special. :D And I'll be back for sure. And I won't forget to call ahead and request the better preparation for the butterfish! haha. Which still baffles me btw... that dish has been super popular. Why change it?? Please tell corporate to bring it back!!!!!
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
I went back to Roy's last weekend for a friend's early birthday dinner. We chose Roy's because I had another $20 off discount. :P But also she had never been so we HAD to go try it...since Roy's is freaking awesome!
When I made the reservation, I had told them it was my friend's birthday. So when we were seated, they had decorated the table with confetti and inserted a personalized birthday message inside the menus. That was pretty cool. I've always heard Roy's was a good place for special occasions. We were definitely hoping they would give us a free dessert!
There were 3 of us so we decided to get the Summer Prix Fixe Menu and another entree to share.
They had recently changed their Prix Fixe ($35~) to the Summer Menu so it was a good opportunity to try something new AND get the chocolate souffle cake of course!!!
For the appetizer we got the Curried Ahi Tuna (Nicoise Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette). 
The salad was very good and it had a lot of different components. Everything was very fresh and had lots of flavor except the tuna. I definitely tasted some of the curry but I wish it could've been stronger and a bit more seasoned. There was a flavor in the vinaigrette that I couldn't quite figure out...it had a floraly scent and taste. It was different and very refreshing.
The entree was "Pulehu" Sirloin (Truffled French Fries, Roasted Shallot Jus). 
We ordered medium rare but the steak was a little overcooked. I'd say more like medium to medium well...a little tougher than I wanted. But the flavor was still good. The french fries were thinly sliced potatoes that were fried. They were super crispy and sooo yummy! They sprinkled some sort of seasoning on the potatoes...we couldn't stop eating them!
Lastly, the dessert was Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle (flourless chocolate cake with a molten hot center served a la mode). 
I have yet to try any other dessert at Roy's because I HAVE to have the chocolate souffle. It is in my top 5 of best desserts of all time!!!! It was just as good as always...and never big enough! The chocolate in the middle oozed out as we cut into it, and the vanilla bean ice cream is always a classic pairing to the chocolate. Warm, gooey, and chocolatey...one of the best combos EVER! :D
I was hoping we would be able to get the souffle with the prix fixe and that they would give us another dessert for her birthday (b/c they usually do that for birthdays). I even asked the waiter...but he was new and said he would check. I don't think he did because we never got that free dessert. He didn't even put a candle on the souffle... I was quite disappointed.
For our other entree we got another one of my Roy's favorites...Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish (bamboo steamed rice, sweet ginger wasabi infusion) $28.95~ 
If you ever go to Roy's, you HAVE to get the butterfish. The colors on the plate are so vibrant and fantastic. And it tastes even better than it looks! It is soooo tender that it literally melts in your mouth...no joke! It was delicious! The creaminess of the wasabi sauce with the steamed rice and the fish was just amazing. I recommend this dish to everyone when I mention Roy's. This and the souffle are MUST HAVES when you dine there. Everything else you can go back and try...gotta have these the first time you go. You won't be disappointed!!
So all in all, it was a great dinner because you can't go wrong with the dishes we ordered. But I was disappointed that they didn't do anything special with the dessert for her birthday... Oh well, the yummy food still made it a good night!
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~~CHOMP CHOMP~~
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