Roy's 20th Anniversary

2008 is the 20th anniversary of the first Roy's Restaurant in Hawaii. Celebrations are on going in nine selected restaurants of the 37 restaurants in the mainland, Hawaii, Japan, and Guam.

Guam is not one of the select nine, but Yamaguchi's fusion menus are available daily at our local Roy's Restaurant in the Hilton. Roy's has been open on Guam since May 1994, and the scene of many memorable dinners on special occasions. It replaced the long time island favorite Hilton Galleon Grill, home of the fondly remembered pepper steak in a deliciously creamy sauce.

For the more price point focused, try a dinner from the appetizer list. The presentation of each dish is unique and the selections blend unusual flavors and spices with the freshest of ingredients. You can sample many of the house specialities.

A word of caution though: cluster your choices in groups and be very specific with the order you want them served. Probably fifteen minutes, or so, between the groupings is about right. Otherwise, you might receive six or seven dishes almost simultaneously. Been there, done that. The wait staff is well trained and this is not a problem for them, but they are not psychic and need to know your preferences for service.

Click for the CBS interview with Roy Yamaguchi on the Early Show. Video interview and "Hawaiian Fusion" recipes too.

More recipes
Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookie
Thai Citrus Shrimp
Crab Salad
Ahi w/ Lilikoi Salsa (video demo available)
Roy's Edamame
Lakanilau Roll (video demo available)
Mahi-Mahi (video demo available)
Maui Wowie Salad
Kona Kampachi
Hawaiian Kajiki (video demo available)
Chocolate Mint Mudslide Cookies
Pumpkin Crème Brulee
Partridge in a Pear–Tini Holiday Cocktail
Braised Onaga in Soy, Nabemono–Style
Thai Style Shrimp Coconut Red Curry

If you want to meet Roy in person, he usually visits Guam in November or December. He frequently has a mini morning cooking school and a special menu during his visit. The visits are well announced in the local Guam media.

Ken Corp. Premier Club

According to today's Pacific Daily News, the Ken Corp. has a new consolidated rewards program for their Guam holdings (Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Pacific Islands Club, Sheraton Laguna, and the Country Club of the Pacific). Starting September 1, the program includes food, beverages, and accommodations for the five properties.

Bottom Line: essentially a 10% discount

"1 point for every $10 spent on food and beverage" -- Members get program credit on their cards. After spending $500 (50 points) on food and beverage, members get a $50 credit.

Fee: $50 annual fee converts to $50 credit on membership card.

In case you are a current member of a rewards club, the PDN states that all existing program memberships in Ken Corp. hotels will be valid to their original expiration dates.

October 17 – 19 :: Mark Your Calendar

Guam preparing for the biggest cultural event of the year
Friday, August 22, 2008
Travel News Daily

Guam’s largest cultural fair, hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, is being planned with an eye to this year’s theme, Celebrating Our Seafaring Traditions. The Guam Micronesia Island Fair, in its 21st year, is a celebration of the island cultures, arts, and performances of the entire Micronesia region. Seafaring traditions are the focal point of this year’s fair and the master canoe builders of Micronesia will gather to showcase their art in tribute of 2008 being the Year of the Proa, the local word for the handcrafted seagoing canoes of Guam and Micronesia.

The 21st Guam Micronesia Island Fair will be held at Guam’s Ypao Beach Park from October 17 – 19 and like past fairs, will welcome representatives from all parts of Micronesia. Currently, the islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (Saipan, Rota, and Tinian) will participate along with the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae), the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and of course, the host of the fair, Guam USA.

The Guam Micronesia Island Fair will feature cultural performances, exhibits of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, many products from Guam and Micronesia that will be available for purchase, a traditional Chamorro Hut display, and a botanical garden. A display of traditional outrigger canoes will be displayed, courtesy of Project Proa and TASI – Traditions About Seafaring Islands. TASI will also be giving rides on a real proa. Local produce and livestock will be exhibited and there will be plenty of activities to keep children entertained. Food and drink booths, many featuring authentic Micronesian cuisine, will insure tummies stay happy and full during the Guam Micronesia Island Fair.

Two other signature events will occur during the weekend of the 21st Guam Micronesia Island Fair. The 10th Annual Micronesia Cup (Outrigger Canoe Races) will take place over the weekend and on Sunday, runners from around the world will participate in the 3rd Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race, also sponsored by GVB. An exciting feature of the Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race is the live cultural entertainment that takes place along the streets of the race course and the many local spectators that come out to cheer the runners on.

Note: Micronesian crafts usually have a good selection -- early on the first day of the Fair. Some items are one of a kind only, so smart shoppers will visit the island booths first.

Taste Guam 2008

Pacific Islands Club :: Mukimono Carving















Pacific Islands Club :: Chinese Fish



















Outrigger Guam :: Local Fruit and Bread [flour tatiyas and shrimp chips]
Magdalena Taitano's tatiyas recipe















Guam Community College :: Table Decoration



















Jojo's Adobo :: Menu Poster
Click for Jojo in Beijing

“The ultimate food and beverage festival,” of Guam featured more than 25 exhibitors at the Micronesia Mall Expo Hall on August 2, 2008. Sponsored by the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, the proceeds benefit the Micronesia Chef’s Association, GCC Culinary Arts Academy and the GHRA Culinary Scholarship Program.

Click for Taste Guam 2008 set with thumbnails on Flickr.

Click for Taste Guam 2008 slideshow on Flickr.