Uncle’s Keeps It Fresh, Simple

Aubree Kane, a student at Myron B. Thompson Academy, has a single request every time her family ventures from their Ocean Pointe home to stop by Uncle’s Fish Market and Grill at Pier 38. After attending her performing arts class at the school last Wednesday, Aubree talked her mother into stopping to sample her favorite seafood restaurant. It was Mom’s first visit, but it won’t be her last time.

“She had the poke tower and I got the seafood pasta (made with fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, calamari rings, mussels and clams) and everything was delicious,” said Lisa Kane. “We traded plates halfway through. We’re definitely coming back.”

Uncle’s has a full menu that includes salads, entrees, cocktails and, most important, pupus by the pound. Seriously, these things are hearty.

The Uncle’s Famous Poke ($8.95) is a hunkin’ bowl of fresh caught sashimi-grade ahi that is bought every morning at the fish auction and mixed with onion, sesame oil and Hawaiian sea salt.

If you like your ahi appetizer a little larger, the Large Ahi Sashimi Platter ($27.95) is a smart choice. The ahi has a soft, buttery texture. Wrapped with a shiso leaf and daikon cut into vermicelli-sized curls, the fish takes on a whole different character. Plus, with 27-30 not-small pieces, there will be plenty to share.

The Fresh Steamed Clams ($14.95) is served with crunchy garlic bread and a white wine butter broth with garlic and onion. The broth is perfect for dipping the garlic bread and does not overpower the taste of the clams. Executive chef Ernie Gray uses a light touch with all his ingredients, understanding fully that fresh, high-quality ingredients are best when left alone. Plus, his presentations are first rate.

“Ernie is like a food artist,” says general manager Sean Simpson. “Our dishes are just beautiful.”

None more so than Uncle’s Signature Poke Tower ($15.95), Aubree’s favorite. The light, fresh appetizer for many that is stacked high with sushi-grade rice, poke, fresh guacamole, tuna tartar, masago, toasted sesame, nori and served with fresh tortilla chips. The creamy guacamole blends perfectly with the fresh fish and the chips provide a crispy texture change — it’s just fun to eat.

If that’s not enough, the Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell ($11.95) are sweet and come with a tasty cocktail sauce. If you happen by from Thursday through Sunday, Uncle’s offers eight types of sushi for you to try.

Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill