Cuisine and Romance: Roy's at Spanish Bay

In a state of self-indulgence, we took ourselves out for a very special dinner at Roy's in Pebble Beach this evening.   It was our anniversary, after all, and what better reason to break the bank than love?

We were seated by a window at a table for two and were presented with a menu specially printed with anniversary wishes, a very nice touch.  The staff greeted us and showered us with happiness and salutations.  We smiled and loved it all.  Then, as hoped, the sky presented us with a glorious sunset filled with gold, scarlet and dramatic clouds.  Surfers beyond the Spanish Bay links were catching beautiful curling waves in an unusually consistent set of breakers.  At about 6:30 the traditional bagpiper played for everyone outside on the patio that extends out to the links beyond the restaurant and hotel.  It's not required, by the way, to pay to hear him play.  One of the most romantic and unique experiences one can have on the Peninsula is to include sunset over crashing surf and bagpipes playing.  Of course, a drink and a bite to eat out there is even better.  

We had quail with mango chutney as well as kobe tataki for starters and then moved on to a complicated tower of various things comprising a delicious salad.  Edamame kept us busy as a complimentary nibbler dish, welcome change from bread or chips.

Roy's specializes in Pacific Rim cuisine with many island touches including bequeathing shell leis to celebrants like us.  Main courses consisted of sea bass with crab crust on swiss chard and seared ahi tuna, wasabi sauce, ginger and bok choy.  Dessert rounded us out - literally - with a plate of homemade cookies from the dessert chef and pineapple compote with coconut ice cream set in a small cup of crisp pastry, served with coffee.

Dinner was special, just as we knew it would be.  Roy's has a fine reputation for gracious service, a very romantic setting on Spanish Bay, and inventive foods made with products from the sea right out there beyond the window as well as the agricultural riches from all around the county.

Love was the theme of the evening, for obvious reasons, but was also felt in the staff's gracious attitude and intelligent presentation of very good food.  That special ingredient elevated the evening and added a rare serendipity that good restaurants make look effortless.  Cheers!