SEATTLE — Looking for a little aloha spirit? Here's six ways to get one undeniable taste of the Hawaiian islands here on the mainland.
Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke - Edmonds
In Edmonds, Ono Poke is all about 'ohana, or family, and not just because of the owner's mom and brother-in-law work there.
"It's just welcoming," owner Steven Ono said. "That's kind of what it comes down to. Everyone is 'ohana in one way or another, so why not just treat everybody like it?"
There, he prepares to poke the same way he did growing up on Oahu - marinated, available by the pound, and fresh. Ono's ahi comes from Hawaii every day - so it's your chance to visit the islands without buying plane tickets.
"I just really want them to feel like they're in Hawaii, just for a second," Ono said.
Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke, 10016 Edmonds Way Edmonds, WA 98020
Kama'aina Grindz - Everett
Also, from Hawaii, Chef Dean Shinagawa fuses his childhood recipes with his background in fine dining at Kama'aina Grindz in Everett.
There, ahi is served over a bed of rice with greens and crispy wontons. It's bright, clean, and for Dean, nostalgic.
"It just takes me back home, kind of like eating on the beach and watching the sunset and watching the waves, everyone on the beach," he said. "It just brings back home."
45th Stop and Shop - Wallingford
You can also grab amazing poke to-go at, believe it or not, a Wallingford convenience store.
45th Stop and Shop serves scrumptious bowls that are Instagram-famous. Lines tend to be long, but according to co-owner John Chung, it's definitely worth the wait.
45th Stop and Shop 2323 N 45th St. , Seattle, WA 98103
goPoke - Chinatown International District
You'll find more authentic poke in the Chinatown International District. Three brothers run goPoke, where you can build your own bowl or try a version without a fork: the poke-ritto. Wrapped in rice and seaweed, you can add edamame and masago for a tasty and healthy meal.
goPoke, 625 S King St. , Seattle, WA 98104
Sam Choy's Poke to the Max - Columbia City
Known as the Puget Sound's "godfather of poke, " Sam Choy helped ignite fish salad fever with his popular food truck. His Poke to the Max is located further south in Columbia City, but there are also three food trucks that roam the city. Once there, read the instructions, order a plate, and understand why people keep coming back for more.
Sam Choy's Poke to the Max , 5300 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA 98118
Big Boys Kainan - Kent
Big Boys Kainan has one of the most unique offerings of poke in the region. Its menu fuses Filipino and Hawaiian cuisine. Try the poke tacos - they're made with steamed rice and nori shells - and prepared with a lot of heart.
"They really cook with a lot of love, and it reminded me of how my mom cooks, how my aunt cooks, and just fusing those together made a lot of sense to me," owner Nate Daep said.
Big Boys Kainan, 21230 84th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
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