Poki One N Half

I mentioned this place in a post back in May. During the Fourth of July weekend, I noticed the place had opened. And while I cringe a bit at those places that misspell "poke", I decided since this place was close enough to work, I should check them out.

Much like San Diego Poke Company; there's that fast-casual assembly line set-up. They feature three bowl "sizes" (small - $7.99, regular - $8.99, large $10.99) and a wrap ($8.99) Basically a 5 step process clearly outlined on signs behind the counter. Choose your base (here you can even get chips), step 2, add-ons (i.e. avocado, onion, surimi - sorry no Flamin' Cheetos here), protein, then sauce, step 5 are toppings, which I found to be a bit confusing with considering step 2, until I saw the difference in portioning. Looks like they are keeping things simple for the assembly line Keeping with "my rules" for checking out these poke places, I had to go with the tuna.....but man; that was the brightest cherry red (courtesy of carbon monoxide), saku (which you can even order from Amazon) fish staring me in the face.

Part of the dining area  is set-up with a very industrial style tables and stools.

Even though the tuna turned me off rules be rules, right? To hedge my bet, I got some Hamachi, and some scallops with my bowl, with the "original sauce", which was a slightly sweet soy, with sesame oil and a bit of acid.

In all honesty, the best part of the bowl was the edamame, avocado, and the sauce, which wasn't too cloying and didn't mess up any of the flavors. The Hamachi, while slightly mushy wasn't too bad; the scallops had no flavor and I really missed the briny sweetness of scallops. Everything else was fine; the rice, the almost namasu style cucumbers. I could have used a bit more onion, but that's ok.

In terms of portion size; I'd say that this regular bowl was in line with San Diego Poke Company; though there might have been a tad more seafood in this.

And while I do have an issue with the sign; especially the "Poki (or Poke)" portion and I think they've taken the "salad bowl" portion out of context. They should be made to read Rachel Laudan's fantastic The Food of Paradise especially if they think they're providing information.

Still, the folks here were quite nice; even the older gentleman, who I believe is probably the owner or some reasonable facsimile who tried with all his heart to get me to put seaweed salad on my bowl. So I made it a point to return, the next day as a matter of fact.

This time, I went with the Tuna, Albacore, and Hamachi, with the "Hot" sauce, which wasn't very hot in my opinion. I did like the fact that they don't over-sauce anything. I decided on half and half; rice and salad.

The tuna was better this time around, but not by much.......way too much "sugi". The albacore looked a bit dry and was. The Hamachi was again the best of the three items. No off flavors though.

I liked the standard issue salad mix, though I wish these places would work on dressing the salad a bit if they're serving that. The rice was really bad this time around; dry and hard.

Ok, well, another one down. I'm getting a bit tired of all this saku fish. You know, I thought about asking how they named this place....but after consideration I decided not to since; if you'd compare this place to some of my favorites back home; it wouldn't even be one-third. So why bother? I actually prefer it to San Diego Poke Company, but that's not really saying much.

Please check out Kirbie's post on Poki One N Half here.

Poki One N Half
8055 Armour St
San Diego, CA 92111

Funny thing; I had a chat with Tommy from Catalina Offshore about all these poke places recently. He's decided not to do business with them, basically because it seems to be a "reverse arms race to see who can get away with serving the cheapest product possible." He also asked me if I was "insulted at the low quality and how they're defiling such a great food item that I have ties to." I told him that right now, I'd just be happy if they spelled "poke" correctly.

Anyway, I still think you might want to check this place out. The prices aren't bad and the folks are nice. And hey, if you live in North Park, you'll have a location near you soon.

 

Comments

[alnc]

It is a good thing that this joint misspells poke--a warning sign for those who know the real thing. Considering what all these places are putting out there, they should never be allowed to use "poke" on their marquee.

[kat]

poki...eep! while I was looking online there was also a site called pokinometry...

[nhb]

Dime a dozen of disappointment. :(

[Kirk]

Yes....good point alnc.

And the very popular Pokirrito Kat....double eep!

These places are popping up everywhere Billy.

[Hao]

I think you should consider opening a poke food truck. We'll call it "Poke Man Go", or maybe "Poke Mon Go" if you want to introduce some Caribbean influence.

[Kirk]

I had actually kidded the Missus about opening a rice bowl food truck Hao. I wanted to call it the "Bap Mobile" and call my self "Bap Man"...... ;o)

[Junichi]

I wonder if these shop owners have ever tasted the real stuff?

[Kirk]

I dunno Junichi; but they've probably had the stuff from all those Poke places in the OC. In essense, it's about the concept and $$$ first; product second.

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Maybe the name Poki is to keep out lost PokemonGo players.

[Kirk]

Well, well, Ed.....trying to Poke fun at the name, huh?

[caninecologne]

Well at least it's not's spelled with two O's. ;)

[Kirk]

Lol CC!

[Kirbie]

The "poki" spelling was bothering me too. And the staff also pronounces it poki... But they were friendly here and the portions are pretty generous.

[Kirk]

Hi Kirbie - Yes, very nice folks....kinda iffy quality though.

[Sandy]

They opened a location in the strip mall on Clairemont Mesa and Ruffin Road (with Carl's Jr and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf). Now that the new Kaiser hospital has opened across the street, the eating places in the area should see many more patrons.

[Kirk]

Hi Sandy - Thanks for the update. I haven't been able to get around much we got back from our trip. There's also a location in North Park as well.