Maikai Poke Bowls, Puerto Vallarta

Aloha! Let’s start with the basics! Google says: Spelled POKE…It is pronounced POH-KAY. This traditional dish, “poke”, literally means to portion, slice or cut. Of Hawaiian origin, Poke is ubiquitous in Hawaii and is emerging in other parts of the globe. Despite the distance and…time warp, this scrumptious and very healthy import might just become the new culinary rage in PV. Poke Bowl, located in Old Town, presents a menu of poke bowl options..Brown rice is the common denominator. One then selects from a choice of ingredients.. mine included marinated tuna which, unbeknownst to me was raw, mango slices, edamame beans, carrots, cucumbers, avocados, sprinkled with sesame seeds. The bowl, when served is a work of art. All ingredients beautifully cut and arranged in a pattern. Being from Minnesota, state of 10,000 lakes, where eating raw fish, in any form, is an anathema, I must confess that I gingerly used my chopsticks to remove every piece, total at least 15, of raw tuna. This was indeed a chore since the pieces were small and dispersed among the other ingredients, but well worth the time and effort! Regrettably, I would have preferred to gift to a cat. Come to discover, however, one can order vegan and there is a tofu option, as well. So, no need to shy away if raw fish isn’t your forte. Very generous portion!.Absolutely delicious !Highly affordable! Actually too much quantity to consume for my lunch..but I finished it all as left-over childhood illusions of starving children world-wide floated in my guilt ridden psyche. The restaurant isn’t yet physically completed.. It will resemble a Japanese noodle bar when done; a couple rows of counters with stools that accommodate customers sitting next to each other and facing the same direction. Right now, there is only literally ‘street service’.. that is, a food stand with three tables situated on the street… May I add that the ‘current’ ambiance is unique. Where else can you enjoy a fabulous meal while being privy to the sight and sounds of a building construction site in one’s midst? Puerto Vallarta, of course. At one point, when a huge truck was backing up, I literally panicked, thinking I was going to be run over. Gripping the poke bowl, for the next couple of minutes, I ate in great haste to savor the memory for the hereafter! Now that I know the ropes, I will be back soon! I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to the attentive staff with their eagerness to please. Presentation was lovely, a far cry from what one would expect from street food. {Temporarily qualifies as street food..until the store front is completed] To get to Poke Bowl, don’t be pokey…coming from the Malecon, go east on Madero to 315, right before you hit Insurgentes. Be prepared to order take-out or eat on the street while the new eatery is being completed. Que aproveche!More