Introduction
What is Poke? Poke, pronounced poke-ay, is a traditional Hawaiian dish that means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian and refers to diced cubes of protein, usually in the form of raw fish like salmon and tuna, marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other condiments and served over rice and topped with vegetables and crunchy toppings. Poke is a variation of sushi and appears to be as popular, if not more so, than Japanese sushi.
Poke has slowly made its way to New Jersey, bringing an explosion of newly-established poke restaurants near Mountain Lakes. Although Inspiration Roll in Denville is closed, two other poke restaurants are thriving, both of which are less than a year old and serve as excellent options for poke. One is Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi in Denville, and the other is Poke Works in Rockaway.
1. Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi
While I was in Princeton, New Jersey, I had the pleasure of dining at the Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi there. I was pleased to find that another opened in Denville and to discover that it had done so at the hands of the same owner.
The restaurant offers fresh, flavorful poke in addition to other healthy and unique offerings, including açaí bowls, chia bowls, kale bowls, oatmeal bowls, and pitaya bowls. I have only tried their poke bowls, though their other options seem just as nutritious and appealing.
As far as their poke goes, they offer pre-made selections, including the Traditional, the Forbidden, Taco Poke, Spice It Up, No Rice Poke, and the Korean Rib Bowl. My favorite is the Traditional, which consists of tuna, mango, seaweed, cucumber, edamame, and a Napa cabbage salad. The Forbidden is made of octopus, chipotle aioli, red radish, jalapeño peppers, and other vegetables; Taco Poke is made of taco shells, tuna, and guacamole; Spice It Up is made of brown rice, salmon, cucumber, scallions, radish, and pickled mushrooms; No Rice Poke is made of mixed greens, tofu, quinoa, and other vegetables; and the Korean Rib Bowl is made of pork ribs marinated in gochujang sauce (red chili paste), along with pickled mushrooms, asparagus, and other vegetables.
Crunchy toppings are also available and include sesame seeds, fried garlic, and fried onions.
The açaí bowls, chia bowls, kale bowls, oatmeal bowls, and pitaya bowls all appear to be vegan and are served with fruits, nuts, oats, and seeds. Pitaya is a pink or white fruit that tastes like a cross between a pear and a kiwi and is rich in vitamins. A pitaya bowl is a smoothie bowl made with pitaya as its fruit base and is not commonly seen in poke restaurants.
The interior of Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi is inviting and there is a small eating area. Its location is excellent, as it is located on Broadway in a central part of Denville, and their service is friendly and efficient.
I highly recommend Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi if you are interested in trying poke or one of their other nutritious bowls: their wide array of healthy and appetizing options to choose from ensure a unique dining experience.
2. Poke Cafe
Poke Cafe is located in Rockaway in the area behind Olive Garden and offers a variety of options in addition to bubble tea and fruit teas, slushies, and smoothies. Specializing in both Chinese and Japanese cuisines, their poke bowls go beyond the typical salmon/tuna offerings to combine the two cultures.
Though Poke Cafe’s portions are large, their ingredients are fresh and savory. Dishes include unique combinations such as General Tso’s Chicken and Shrimp, Beef/Chicken Poke, and other standard Tuna/Salmon options. Their spectrum of dishes ensures that people of all food preferences will be satisfied, including those who prefer cooked protein.
Poke Cafe’s menu options are similar to ones at Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi: bowls may be custom or pre-made. Poke Cafe allows their customers more freedom, however, in that we can select a base (such as rice, salad or zucchini noodles), a protein (salmon, tuna, or cooked protein like the ones in General Tso’s Chicken and Walnut Shrimp), toppings (including avocado and seaweed), and sauces (such as sriracha aioli and ponzu sauce, a tangy sauce made of citrus, rice vinegar, mirin, and soy sauce).
Inside the building, there is a small dining section that is frequently occupied but rarely full.
Despite Poke Cafe being located further from Mountain Lakes than is Fresca Bowl and Poke Mahi, it is worth the drive. On the plus side, it conveniently stands near Rockaway Mall, offering a palatable culinary affair following a shopping spree!
Overall, Poke Cafe offers a satisfactory option for those who want a bowl without raw fish. Therefore, I highly recommend it for its value, quality, and multitude of offerings.
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