Award-winning Japanese-American chef Roy Yamaguchi is known for blending California, French and Japanese cooking traditions using fresh ingredients from the Hawaiian Islands. He recently opened the luxurious oceanfront Ocean House at OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa in June this year.
Roy spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
It always starts with the people who take care of the land – the farmers, fishermen and ranchers.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
When I was a little boy, I went with my parents and brother to a small outdoor eating place called a yatai in Japan, where I was born. We ate grilled innards and chicken. I still remember it.
FAVOURITE BAR
430 PKWY Cocktail Lounge. It has great drinks and a friendly, low-key atmosphere.
I order the sloe gin fizz.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
They used to call me the Tanqueray kid.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Ramen, any kind, or saimin. Hot broth fixes everything.
BEST BAR ACROSS THE ISLANDS
Lewers Lounge at Halekulani in Hawaii. I’m more of a lounge guy. I like low-key places with music, good drinks and conversation.
FAVOURITE WINE
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Castello Vicchiomaggio in the Chianti region of Tuscany.
NEXT DESTINATION
Back to Miyajima Island in Japan.
WHAT ARE YOUR DISH INSPIRATIONS AT OCEAN HOUSE?
The inspiration is Kaua‘i itself – its land, ocean and people.
HOW DOES GEOGRAPHY REFLECT IN YOUR KITCHEN APPROACH
Every great meal starts with the hands that farm, fish and ranch. We work with as many local producers as possible, then build the menu around this.
HIGHLIGHT DISHES AT OCEAN HOUSE AND HOW THEY’RE PAIRED WITH WINES
The Bag & Boil showcases Kaua‘i’s bounty with fresh local catch, clams, Portuguese sausage and corn, all finished in a brown-butter coconut sauce. It’s Kaua‘i in a bag.
DINNER PARTY WITH THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE
Chefs Fernand Point, Auguste Escoffier and Marie-Antoine Carême. I’d love to “talk story” with them about their culinary journeys.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
Everything – learning, teaching, bringing people together and creating memories. Opening Ocean House at OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa with this community around me is a perfect example of that.
