Jay Eats Worldwide

It has been many many years since I first dined at Chef Roy Yamaguchi's first restaurant in Los Angeles, 385 North.  You may remember the exterior of the restaurant, it was used in the movie "Beverly Hills Cop." The restaurant has since closed, but I knew that Chef Roy was ahead of his time. Since then, I've been to original Roy's in Hawaii Kai on Oahu, on Maui (sorry Paula, not the one you worked at), the Big Island of Hawaii, and a few Roy's on the mainland (Including Los Angeles, Newport Beach, La Jolla, and Rancho Mirage).  Each is unique, with great food and exceptional service.   On this night, I was down the street at Roy's Pasadena  See What Jay Eats... Clams and Mussels They could've poured the broth in a coffee cup and I would've been happy, i t was that good! Shrimp Starter It was almost too nice to eat, loved the mini watermelon looking cucumbers. Santa Barbara Sea Urchin with ...

Being in the food industry, I've been to a lot of food events, tastings, and food festivals.  Although I haven't been to the Food and Wine Festival in Aspen or South Beach, but for me, the Food Event of the Year is in Hawaii.  I was fortunate to attend the first two years of the Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival and enjoyed every minute of the 4 day festival!  This year, the 3rd Annual Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival is September 1 - 9, 2013.  If you're a foodie, this is the event to be at... Here's some of my highlights from the  2012 Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival See What Jay Eats... The First Daytime Event "The Bounty of He'eia" Presented by the Kamehameha Schools We assembled at Paepae o He'eia, which is an ancient fishpond. As we look for sustainable food sources, we can learn from what the ancient Hawaiians did to survive 700 years ago. Learning how the fishpond works and ...

"Aloha Cupcakes" While attending the 2012 Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival's "Cuisines of the Stars:  A Magical Journey of Food and Culture" I was surprised to find out, I'd be enjoying part of "Cupcake Wars" Yes, that Cupcake Wars ! With my event ticket, I was  ready to eat! Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa and JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina served as venue hosts See What Jay Eats... As you enter the festival grounds, (I mean, beach) you can't miss the   Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival / Cupcake Wars show piece That and the camera crew too... The festival was set-up on the beach at the Aulani and Ihilani. Lots of great chefs and incredible food! So many chefs from Southern California  participating at this event,  I felt at home. Now back to the cupcakes... This is what a thousand cupcakes looks like... Roasted Pork Cupca...

After four fun food-filled days, I arrived at the Ko Olina Resort for the final Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival event.  After two nights of wonderful tasting events, I had the option to dine at another venue, but I chose to attend this event.  Since about half of the participating chefs were from Southern California, I had to represent.   Entering the event through Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa Mickey didn't recognize me last time I was here, but that's another story... lol The event was held on the beach at the Ko Olina Resort. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa served as venue hosts   Chefs Jackie Lau and Jennifer Hamilton with the Roy's Restaurant crew ready to serve 3 different desserts Braised Beef Chef Mourad Lahlou Aziza San Francisco It was a beautiful Sunday evening at the Ko Olina Resort Photo by Ed Morita Meeting Chef Tetsuya Wakuda Tet...