Baby's First Poke

I'm not sure I've made it through a day in these past few weeks without hearing "poke." From adults running around, eyes glued to their phone #gottacatchemall, to people raving about one of the newest food crazes in NYC, it's all about the poke 'mon (I'm so clever I know). I've never been a raw fish girl, at Japanese restaurants I always opt for the "Kitchen Entree" portion of the menu or go with a non-raw roll, but something told me I was going to try the poke trend. 

[Source]

Since it's opening this past spring, I've heard nothing but praise for Wisefish Poké. After a bit more investigating, I knew it was my turn to experience one of their bowls. After the recent NYPost article "Everything we love to eat is a scam," a horrifying truth that I actually already knew about, I definitely had reservations about ordering fish, especially as this would be my first time going raw. Perhaps not the wisest decision (again, aren't I clever?), but as much as I hate the fact that we are being scammed and food substitutions are rampant, unchecked, and, in more instances than I want to acknowledge, unsafe, all I can do is the best that I can and I have to pick and choose my battles. My poke bowl wasn't going to be a battle; plus Wisefish has tofu and edamame on the menu so I could opt for a non-raw fish protein if I got cold feet. 

Succulents in the middle of the communal table. Love.                   [IG: @heatherjmtl]

So how was it? To quote the Terminator/Arnold "I'll be back." The restaurant is small, with one communal table and 2-3 window seats. The vibe is clean, fresh, and beachy; employees wear baseball hats that have a floral motif and the logo is a cute little fish which in hindsight is perhaps a little sick a la "I'm going to eat you." Ordering is done via iPad with an employee, next up is the pay station, and then you wait for your bowl. The man I ordered with was very kind and explained the ingredients listed that I wasn't sure of (masago? fresh ginger mojo?), he also asked about allergies which was really thoughtful and particularly lucky for me because I am allergic to certain seaweeds. Who knew that the zucchini noodles at Wisefish are seasoned with seaweed? They were easily able to accommodate me and made my bowl with plain zucchini noodles; the man I ordered with even went so far as to include "NO seaweed" in my name so the kitchen staff would be sure to see it first thing.

Not my bowl. I was so wrapped up in catching up with my friend that photos didn't cross my mind; bag blogger I know. However, this bowl looks a lot like mine and don't worry, there are forks if you need (I need).                [IG: @tjdocena]

I went the create-your-own bowl route, but they also have four "House Favorites" which you can choose from. Everything is so fresh, prices are reasonable, and the portions are pretty perfectly sized. All in all, a delicious summertime, or anytime spot. I'm already planning my next combination!

Have you tried poké or any other new foods recently?