Recently, the Missus sent me to National City an urgent mission to get an ahem, "essential item". So off I went. I really don't get to the area as much as I used to....you know, when we used to complain about gas being $3.50 a gallon? Since my destination didn't open until 11, I decided to pick up lunch....but the question was where? It was a rather warm day for November and I decided that a revisit to Poke Etc. would be in order. I knew I hadn't been there in a while; but man, it had been over 7 years since my last visit! Time sure has flown by, hasn't it?
I was surprised to see the parking lot only half full....on a weekend! It looks like they've refreshed the sign since I last visited and now even call themselves a "Hawaiian Restaurant". Hmmm.....
Well, at least from what I remember, they aren't one of those "Chi-poke" places...you know 2 ounces of poke and all kinds of other "stuffs" for twenty bucks....
I just went with the "create your own bowl" priced at $14.95. I'm glad the guy working asked me how many scoops of rice. I only wanted/needed one scoop. I got my plate and headed on home.
I saved the seaweed salad for the Missus, not a fan of the stuff. The rice was moist and cooked decently.
I had checked out the poke and ordered the Spicy Garlic Ahi and Ahi Limu.
The ahi in the spicy garlic was really chewy and tough, not great quality fish. It was however, decently spicy, so much so that I really couldn't make out any garlic.
The quality of the fish in the ahi limu was better, though not great. But at least it didn't have too much "sugi" (connective tissue). I love the crunch and the oceany with a slight touch of salty-iodine flavor of good ogo. I do wish there was more of it. The seasoning wasn't overly salty; I could taste a bit of sesame oil and of course shoyu. Overall this was not bad. I'll put the place in the "etc" category.
My curiosity abated; it's back to HFS at Centerpark Labs for me.
Poke Etc
916 E 8th St
National City, CA 91950
Current Hours:
Mon - Sat 10am - 730pm
Sunday 10am - 7pm
Ah yes -- Poke Etc. This was our go-to poke place when we lived in East County for 5 years or so -- until I discovered HFS (on your blog as I recall). I don't buy poke often anymore, but when I do, it's HFS for sure!
Posted by: Peter | Monday, 11 December 2023 at 03:41 PM
Yes, HFS sure changed the poke scene for the better here in San Diego Peter!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 11 December 2023 at 03:57 PM
bummer
Posted by: kat | Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 02:09 AM
Yes, just so-so Kat
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 06:56 AM
We've all been spoiled by HFS.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 09:56 AM
We have Junichi! And it's good to be spoiled!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 10:06 AM
Very timely Kirk! We just did an HFS, 8th and B Poke and Poke Etc comparison last week, just for kicks.
Posted by: Jack | Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 04:39 PM
Howzit going Jack! Funny thing, I also went to 8th and B, but need to do another visit before posting! Great minds, right????
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 13 December 2023 at 11:54 AM
Yes HFS is the one! Look forward to seeing how 8th and B is, their Instagram says they have lau lau on Sundays.
Posted by: Mar | Friday, 15 December 2023 at 12:08 PM
Maybe I'll try to get down there on a Sunday Mar! Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 15 December 2023 at 12:30 PM