Finding good Poke in San Diego is like finding a good carne asada burrito in Hawaii. The inaugural Musubi Map Poke Festival will not only give poke connoisseurs a chance to sample some of the best San Diego versions of the raw tuna dish, but will introduce newcomers and seasoned palates to the poke Hawaiian lifestyle.
Typically made from raw ahi tuna and seasoned with sesame oil, seaweed, and shoyu (soy sauce), the best poke melts in your mouth and is like candy for fish lovers. In Hawaii, you can find the dish everywhere from local mom and pop markets to the most elite restaurants on the island. In San Diego, good poke is not easy to find.
The Poke Festival will allow poke connoisseurs the chance to sample a variety of recipes from different restaurants and chefs around San Diego. There will also be guest appearances from celebrities and judges from the food and surfing communities.
To be held April 20, from 6-9pm, at the newly renovated Bali Hai on Shelter Island, the event will feature entertainment, tastings of over 25 types of poke, a live auction, fashion show, and a live art demo from renowned surf artist Wade Koniakowsky.
The event will be presented by Musubi Map, your guide to Hawaii in California. Sponsors include Dining Out Magazine, Japan Society, Motu Hawaii, Barefoot Bubbly, and Numero Water.
Founded by Hawaii lover Nino Camilo, the Musubi Map was created to show Californians looking for a little aloha where to buy Hawaiian merchandise and goods. Camilo’s family owns Motu Hawaii in Pacific Beach, a store dedicated to all things Hawaiian from fresh flower leis to li hing mui snacks. After countless requests and phone calls on where to find other Hawaiian goods, Musubi Map was born. Distributed at better surf shops, Hawaiian restaurants and island and Asian retailers, Musubi Map is your guide to Hawaii in California. (www.ilovemusubi.com)
