[Seattle, WA] Just Chillin’ at Ohana Belltown

Screen Shot 2024-06-12 at 3.32.37 PM2207 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Hours: 3 pm to 1:30 am (12pm Tues)
Phone: (206) 956-9329
Menu: http://www.ohanasushigrill.com/menu.html

Hawaiian food can be unique, and to say it’s a fusion of other culinary styles brought to the island depends on who you ask. I’m sure most folks agree it really is a combination of ideas from other regions and when I’m craving something authentic, I just have to visit Hawaii and hope I get invited to a Lūʻau. I want to experience that true Ohana spirit, and this operation is so aptly named, I want to come back!

What’s provided at Coco Grill (review) is “real” but it’s not the food I’m looking for. Where’s the poi? As for all the pokes, they’re a dime a dozen and while they come from humble island origins, that’s not what I’m after. There’s always going to be some pork dish at all diners, but what about the seafood? With eel, having enough to feed the masses can be problematic. And who would’ve thought Seattle would have the ideal outlet to get my Japanese and local flavour right. At Ohana, the environment felt just right, and I dived right into the ocean blue as easily as a dolphin into water.

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At Home with Island Poké

Island Poké
1674 Douglas St
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11am to 9pm
Phone: (250) 590-0801

I’m not sure how long it will take to eat all the available salad combinations available at Island Poké. After two visits, I need three more to go. That’s because there are four signature bowls — the Ohana, Island, Salemona and Earth — and the last visit, I craved a build your own crazy combo. Scallops with masago, pineapple, sesame seeds and jalapeno peppers is a crazy combination. I could’ve asked to double up, but didn’t want to set my mouth afire.

When my craving is for seafood burritos, they got a Rock & Roll and CRUNCHii which I have to try out. Each of these have way too many ingredients to list. Instead of naming them all, I will point out the highlights.

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