Since my Mom lives in Orlando, we're down here frequently to visit and we usually go out for dinner almost every night. One of our favorite restaurants has always been Roy's, but - for one reason or another - we haven't been there for two or three years.
Well, last night, we took Mom out to Roy's - and I confess I was a little worried. Sometimes it happens that a favorite restaurant decides to rest on its laurels or management lets things slide or some other thing happens and you just don't enjoy eating there any more. It is sad, but it's true - and I am so glad that it hasn't happened with Roy's Orlando!
We have always loved all the Roy's we've visited for the superior service and the excellent food, a combination I've long considered to be a very good bang for the buck. No, they're not cheap, but I believe that Roy's really gives excellent value every single time. Of course, they're not quiet, intimate restaurants with classical music playing subtly in the background and waiters smoothly catfooting around your table, but Roy's are always full of boisterous energy, cheerfulness and good humor - exactly my style!
Last night we were served by two lovely and attentive young ladies: Carolyn, our server, and Elizabeth, who bussed the table. They were both very focused on providing an excellent dining experience, and they did wonderful credit to the Roy's reputation. Carolyn took care of any needs we had and struck the perfect balance between hovering and ignoring us; she never interrupted conversation, but it seemed we only had to glance up for her to be there, ready to bring us what we wanted. Elizabeth whisked away dirty dishes, filled water and iced tea glasses and kept everything running smoothly with a smile. Her friendliness and hospitality would grace any fine establishment!
There was only one bobble the entire evening (and it was only a mere bobble) - Carolyn misheard me and thought I'd ordered the signature blackened ahi appetizer instead of the dinner. However, with the typical "can-do" attitude I've encountered at each and every Roy's, she took care of the mistake quickly, courteously and very professionally - I had the proper order in front of me in about five minutes! That attitude is one of the best things about eating at Roy's: if you have a request, they can accommodate you; if there's a problem, they will fix it to your satisfaction with speed and grace - Roy's loves their customers, and makes sure they know it.
Finally, of course, my daughter and I finished with Roy's signature flourless chocolate soufflé, served with a drizzle of raspberry coulis and a scoop of vanilla ice cream; no trip to Roy's, as far as I'm concerned, is complete without this deliciously decadent flourish! Mom is a bit sensitive to chocolate (although she loves it - drat those allergies!) and truly enjoyed her vanilla crême brulée. And you can imagine our surprise and delight when the manager, Sid, came over to make sure everything went well and comped us our desserts! He was very gracious and wanted to welcome us back after our long absence - now, isn't that the aloha spirit taken to the max?!
So, if you're going to be in Orlando and want a wonderful, fun, and top-notch dining experience, I earnestly urge you to go visit Roy's - and tell 'em the kooky ol' Kat sent you!
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