The poke revolution continues, food lovers of Long Beach, as DTLB becomes home to a second poke joint, this one called Poki Star and located in the Pacific Court next to Johnny Rockets and Donburi on Pine.
Shortly after opening its homestead location in Huntington Beach earlier this year, it became quickly popular amongst OC diners, earning an astounding 4.5 stars on Yelp! and showing off the beauty of fast but fresh seafood options.
Poke (or poki) had its humble beginnings in Hawaii as an appetizer and has since become a culinary icon. Its explosion in popularity has made poke Hawaii’s hamburger of sorts (yet another food item that began with humble origins and has taken on a cultural identity of its own). Hawaii’s easy access to fresh deep sea fish, such as ahi, fueled a steady supply of poke and prompted home and professional cooks alike in Hawaii to experiment. Since the 1970s, poke has remained an essential food group within Hawaiian culture.
Much like its easterly neighbor, Poke Bar, you can choose a base such as white or brown rice or salad, and then pick a layer or two (or more) such as crab, cucumber, onion, pineapple. The ultimate layer, however, is the fish. We’re talking salmon. Tuna. Octopus. Albacore. Poki Star is your poke oyster. Finally, you can choose from a variety of drizzles and sauces—ponzu, spicy mayo, or you can even venture with their self-dubbed volcano sauce.
Congratulations, you’ve now created your very own Poki Star bowl.
A regular bowl with three scoops of fish is $8.99. Choose a large bowl with five scoops for $11.99. I can’t wait to try it.
Poki Star is located at 245 Pine Ave. in DTLB.