Students from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school pair up with Eric Klein from Spago, Linda Rodriguez from Hachi and Osamu Fujita from Marssa to win prestigious internship


Internationally-acclaimed Chef Roy Yamaguchi adds a special event on April 7 to his yearlong 20th Anniversary Culinary Tour.  Titled "Aloha Kitchen Challenge," the gourmet competition pairs three culinary students Paul Hollins, Robert Rolen and Adam Berbereia with top chefs Eric Klein from Spago, Linda Rodriguez from Hachi and Osamu Fujita from Marssa for the chance to win a prestigious internship with a master Roy's chef. Judges for the challenge will include foodies and famous figures such as Rachel Smith, morning anchor for KVVU FOX 5, Denise Valdez, anchor for KLAS-TV, John Curtas, food critic for KLAS-TV and Nathan Burton, headlining magician at Flamingo Las Vegas. 


The partnering chef teams will be asked to create an exceptional entrée in the spirit of Roy's signature Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine utilizing a secret ingredient.  Guests will enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience of interacting with prominent chefs while indulging in the five-course meal— which will include two courses by Roy's chef partner Brandon Konishi, and one entrée from each competing team. Judges will rate each teams' creation on taste, presentation, and individuality, and will award the winning duo's student a internship with Roy's highly-trained expert chefs.


"Teaching and mentoring aspiring chefs has always been a passion of mine," said Chef Roy.  "I am excited to be working with this talented group of great chefs, as we contribute to the culinary community by cultivating new talent with a challenging and rewarding internship."


The Aloha Kitchen Challenge five-course dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $85 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Roy's in Summerlin at 702/ 838-3620.


About the 20th Anniversary Flamingo Dinner:


Chef Roy launched a nine-city Anniversary Culinary Tour and will proceed to Las Vegas for an April 8th dinner at his Flamingo location.  The evening will feature a specially prepared five-course, seated dinner prepared by Chef Roy and local Chef Partner Percy Oani, to showcase local products and produce on the menu. The menu will be paired with fine wines and cocktails from Culinary Tour partner, Pernod Ricard, which owns some of the most prestigious beverage brands in the world.  Served with the type of aloha spirit that has made the dining experience at Roy's a favorite among guests, the evening promises to be a celebration not to be forgotten. 


Reservations are recommended, and are available from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night. The cost of the event is $100.00 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Roy's is located at 620 East Flamingo Road, near Paradise. For more information or to make a reservations call 702/ 691-2053.


About the 20th Anniversary Culinary Tour:


Internationally-acclaimed Chef Roy Yamaguchi is celebrating his 20th year anniversary since he first founded Roy's in Honolulu.  He launched a nine-city Anniversary Culinary Tour in Orlando, Florida in early March which will culminate with a 20th Anniversary Spectacular in Honolulu on October 4 and 5.  Other Culinary Tour cities on the mainland include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta and Baltimore.


The remainder 20th Anniversary Culinary Tour follows:


Los Angeles, CA                     Thursday, March 20


Las Vegas, NV                        Tuesday, April 8


San Francisco, CA                  Thursday, April 10


Chicago, IL                              Thursday, May 22


Philadelphia, PA                      Tuesday, August 19


New York, NY                          Wednesday, September 17


Atlanta, GA                              Tuesday, September 23


Baltimore, MD                         Thursday, September 25


About Roy's: Founded by internationally acclaimed Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Roy's restaurants reflect his personal commitment to serve exciting and innovative Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine of the highest quality in an elegant, yet casual atmosphere. Based on childhood memories of the feelings and flavors of Hawaii, Chef Roy's unique style of cooking combines the freshest local ingredients, bold Asian spices and European sauces, with a focus of fresh seafood. Chef Roy holds the distinction of earning Hawaii's first prestigious James Beard Award. For more information, please visit www.roysrestaurant.com.