Fans of the spicy, tasty raw fish delicacy eat it up

by Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva

Sam Choy's famous pokeMy husband, Richard and I, are both poke fans. We always find the best places to get in when we're on Maui. This includes Times Market for take out and Gannons Wailea to dine out.   So my ears perked up when I heard about the  Kauai Poke Fest that's happening on Kauai in June. May just have to switch islands and head over there, especially since it's being hosted by one of our favorite island chefs, Sam Choy.Poke bowl at Gannon's Wailea by Richard PietschmannThe Poke Fest--which pays tribue to Hawaii's most famous dish-- takes place at  Kōloa Landing Resort  Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 4 – 7 p.m. HST. Along with  James Beard Award-Winning Chef Sam Choy, there will be live entertainment, food and drinks, poke demonstrations and a poke competition—incorporating more than 500 pounds of ahi—between professional and amateur chefs showcasing their original poke recipe. A portion of the proceeds of the event will be donated to the Kaua‘i Charity Walk which supports local charities throughout Kaua‘i Island.Poke is an acquired taste. And once you take your first bite, it's heaven. The raw fish teases the taste buds with sprinklings of  sesame oil, soy sauce and ginger. When you serve it over rice, it makes a complete meal.  I like to also have some fresh island mango, papaya or pineapple on the side and of course a glass of wine doesn't hurt.

Early bird tickets are available now through June 3 at a 10% discount; $90 per person at kauaipokefest.com. General admission tickets purchased at the door are $100. VIP tickets are available for the first 200 guests for $115. VIP ticket holders will receive early access to the grand ballroom with judges and contestants. All tickets include access to the poke tasting room, two drink tickets and official Kauai Poke Fest merchandise.

“The Kauai Poke Fest has been a success in bringing the community together each year to celebrate poke, which you can find now in restaurants and supermarkets across the globe, in its birthplace here in Hawai‘i,” said Aaron Bambling, general manager of Kōloa Landing Resort. “Chef Sam Choy played a key role in putting poke on the map and curating our menu here at Holoholo Grill, and we’re looking forward to another exciting and sold-out event again this year.”

Photo courtesy of Koala Landing Resort

Backstory

The first Kauai Poke Fest took place in 2019 with the vision of celebrating Hawai‘i’s favorite dish with Chef Sam Choy, the “Godfather of Poke.” Each year, the festival features a live poke demonstration by Chef Sam Choy and a poke competition between professional and amateur chefs. The grand prize winner receives a complimentary night stay, poolside cabana rental, food and beverage credit, and their winning original poke recipe will be included on the Holoholo Grill menu. Winners of the 2022 Kauai Poke Fest included: Anatta’s Thai Street Food with Anatta’s Twisted Thai Poke; Kaua‘i Poke Co. with their Banh Mi Summer Poke Roll; and in first place Zensai Kaua‘i Style with Unagi Poke Crunch.

Courtesy Koala Landing Resort

A Kauai Poke Fest room package is available for those traveling between neighbor islands or visiting for the festival. Guests will receive a 10% discount off room rates, two free general admission tickets and complimentary parking with a reservation including June 3, 2023 at Koloa Landing Resort. To make a reservation, visit kauaipokefest.com or call (808) 240-6600.

For more information about the Kauai Poke Fest visit kauaipokefest.com.