Editor Ellise Kakazu presents Japanese Restaurant Aki’s Tuna and Avocado Poke ($12)
Today, the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams go head to head for the title of Super Bowl LIII champions. Who do you think will be victorious?
In all honesty, I am neither a Patriots or Rams fan, so the game isn’t necessarily the cause of my excitement. What I am most pumped for are the amusing TV commercials and onolicious game day treats.
Greasy, cheesy and fried are some of the words that can be used to describe food that is typically consumed during football games, but there is one dish that is far from that — poke. Coming in a variety of textures, flavors and colors, poke is many kamaainas’ idea of the perfect game day grind.
I think you know where this girl’s play is headed, so let’s hut one, hut two and catch some scrumptious bowls of poke this fine Super Bowl Sunday.
SCORE FRESH FISH
Much like the Patriots and Rams, Japanese Restaurant Aki is on top of its game.
The popular eatery located in Kaimuki has made a name for itself by dishing out authentic Japanese fare, and top-of-the-line sashimi and sushi. According to general manager Eric Rogers, Restaurant Aki provides customers with fresh seafood from Hawaii and Japan. A few of the many selections one can choose from are tuna, yellowtail, squid, otoro and uni.
A closer look at Japanese Restaurant Aki’s Tuna and Avocado Poke
Japanese Restaurant Aki also offers a refreshing Tuna and Avocado Poke ($12). Chunks of local tuna, avocado and sliced white onions are tossed in a flavorful combination of steak sauce, shoyu, sesame oil and spicy chili oil to create this poke masterpiece. A beautiful cloud of shredded radish and green onions top the mix, and a mayo-wasabi sauce is placed in the bowl for guests wanting to add in some mild heat.
In between bites of poke, Rogers suggests guests sip on a cold beer like Asahi, Orion or Premium Malt’s. Japanese Restaurant Aki offers happy hour, which features discounted drinks and eats, every day from 4 to 6 p.m.
Besides succulent seafood and good times, the restaurant also presents yummy yakitori sticks fresh off the in-house grill and steamy hot pot selections.
Providing everything one could ever want from a Japanese eatery, Restaurant Aki is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Genki Sushi’s Spicy Tuna & Ahi Poke Bowl ($5.95 Ward location)
MOST VALUABLE POKE
Genki Sushi is by far one of the most popular sushi spots on the island, as the restaurant offers fast and affordable bites via a fun delivery system. So when I decided to feature poke bowls this week, I knew Genki had to be on my roster.
Offering a myriad of tasty creations that are made to order at one’s whim, Genki’s menu can be a little overwhelming at first glance. But once you dig a little deeper and tackle the hardest part of dining out — deciding what to order — you will be filled with happy anticipation waiting for your selections.
Every Genki Sushi item features quality ingredients and mouthwatering flavors, so there’s really no going wrong with any order, especially when you have Spicy Tuna & Ahi Poke Bowl ($5.95 Ward location, prices may vary upon location) in your lineup.
Spicy Tuna & Ahi Poke Bowl arrives to one’s table piled with white rice, ahi poke, fragrant spicy tuna and green onions. According to director of purchasing David Moon, the jewel-toned Ahi Poke pieces are seasoned with Hawaiian salt, ogo, sesame oil, ichimi (red pepper flakes), and green and white onions, while the recipe for Spicy Tuna’s tantalizing sauce remains a secret.
Keeping the bowl ball rolling, the restaurant also offers kalbi and teriyaki chicken bowls for guests to enjoy. And with Genki Sushi’s prices, you don’t have to just order one item, you can go hog wild and try one of each.
Whether your team wins or loses today, you can feel like a champ with a poke bowl in hand. So, don’t be afraid to grab one before, during and after the big game because after all — it’s bowl time!
See more articles from: Genki Sushi, Japanese Restaurant Aki
