Rate-A-Restaurant #368: Jus' Poke (Redondo Beach)

Restaurant: Pokenoya

Location: 501 N. Pacific Coast Highway (Redondo Beach)

Type of restaurant: Poke / Hawaiian (new)



We stipulated: After a day at Manhattan Beach, we wanted to try something new in the South Bay. You know my frustration with mainland poke joints that just don't make 'em like they do in da islands. Here's a joint that does just that.

They stipulated: "Jus' Poke is an ohana-owned, authentic, Hawaiian poke restaurant located in beautiful Redondo Beach, CA. We pride ourselves in serving only the best cuts of fish in our traditional ohana recipes. Co-owner, Stefanie Honda, is no stranger to the ancient Hawaiian dish, as she grew up making poke along side her mother and father who are both deeply rooted in Hawaii. As a South Bay native, Stefanie has always been drawn to the sea. She comes from a long line of fishermen and surfers and continues the tradition here in Redondo with her ohana."



What we ordered: wasabi poke (jus' poke wasabi sauce, sweet onions, green onions, ogo, tobiko, serrano peppers); california roll poke (cucumber, tobiko, avocado, imitation crab) both $9. Also spam musubi ($2) and coconut/pineapple ice cream ($3)



High point:  The wasabi poke was the perfect amount of spice -- plus the fish was fresh-tasting, the rice was perfectly cooked.
Low point:  Can't think of any!



Overall impression: A trip back to Hawai'i, from the music on the speaker (Hawaiian reggae) to the wide selection of Hawaiian Sun. Plus the poke? Broke da mout'!





Will we return: Absolutely. I just wish it was closer!

Rate-A-Restaurant #367: Pokenoya (Pasadena)

Restaurant: Pokenoya

Location: 766 E. Colorado Blvd. (Pasadena)

Type of restaurant: Poke / Japanese (new)



We stipulated: Maria and I were catching a movie at Pasadena's Laemmle theatre, and looking for a quick bite before the show. Most restaurants were already closed, but Pokenoya looked to have just the right amount of food to share.

They stipulated: Like most mainland poke joints, it's a very different kind of poke than you get in Hawaii -- it's in a bowl, usually with rice, with multiple condiments.



What we ordered: regular poke bowl ($8.50) with sushi rice, spicy tuna, salmon, crab meat, avocado, cucumber, poke sauce. Plus volcano sauce on the side.

High point:  The fish tasted fresh, and the volcano sauce was a nice complement.
Low point:  Weirdly complicated. What happened to simply getting poke without all the overwhelming add-ons?



Overall impression: See what I mean? I guess I'm a purist who likes getting poke in its natural state at the Foodland. But in terms of mainland poke joints that I have visited, Pokenoya ranks on the better end.



Will we return: If we're in that part of Pasadena, I could definitely see another visit in our future.

Rate-A-Restaurant #340: Poke N Roll

Restaurant: Poke N Roll

Location: 413 S Central Ave. (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Sushi Bowls


We stipulated: Lunch time in Glendale and we've been thinking about trying out Poke N Roll for awhile via news coverage and reviews we've seen elsewhere. I love getting Poke back in Hawai'i, and although I knew this wouldn't be the same, I was hoping it might be close.



They stipulated: This is deconstructed sushi, assembled much in the Chipotle style: Pick a rice, 2 fish, 3 toppings (such as jalapeno, seaweed salad, avocado, cucumber, etc.) and a sauce.


What we ordered: Maria and I both chose the tuna and salmon (and crabmeat also comes with it). For sides, I chose seaweed salad, avocado and jalapeno. Maria put asparagus on hers. I also chose spicy sauce and brown rice on the bottom; Maria got white rice and a spicy mayo. It's a hearty meal, for $9.17.



High point:  There's quite a bit of food here, plus I like the variety of sauces available.



Low point:  My brown rice was crunchy. Nothing worse that crunchy rice. But it was still edible.



Overall impression: This is not the Hawaiian-style poke bowl you're hoping for. But move past that, and enjoy it for what it is: Deconstructed sushi. I made mine extra spicy and enjoyed it.



Will we return: Yes.