Best POKE BOWL I HAVE EVER HAD
This Saturday I’m planning on staying home and making homemade poke bowls for dinner. I’m going to be experimenting with different toppings and sauces and determine the best bourbon pairing. It’s an unexpected pairing, but I’m confident the two can complement each other beautifully. Rice will certainly balance out the richness. And the bourbon will enhance the umami flavors in a good way.
All this planning has me thinking about the best poke bowls I have ever had. Immediately, I think of Pakalana’s Poke Wagon in Madison, Indiana. In August, we drove up to Madison for their annual Ribberfest. We loved the blues music and all of the BBQ. Of course, I ate ribs and then I inserted myself as a hype guy for the rib-eating contest. Check out a video of that below or on my IG. I love being everyone’s hype guy and since it was too late for me to enter the contest cheering contestants on was the next best thing. Next year I’m hoping to participate and take home the trophy.
Mayor Bob recommended to us Pakalana’s Poke Wagon for lunch. He said it was the best place to get a fresh and delicious poke bowl. I’m a poke bowl aficionado and since it was almost 100 degrees I figured a poke bowl would be refreshing. I ordered the Kilauea Volcano because I like that spicy life! I can handle my heat in the heat! LOL.
The Kilauea Volcano has white rice, marinated ahi tuna, spicy crab, red chili flakes, cucumber, jalapeños, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, wasabi mayo, green onion, nori, wasabi, and masago. Mayor Bob said that one was his favorite and I appreciated his recommendation. The Kilauea Volcano did not disappoint! The marinated ahi tuna has a mild flavor and is perfectly balanced with the spicy crab.
For all my Louisville area friends reading, Pakalana’s Poke Wagon is going to be in Sellersburg tomorrow from 11 AM - 2 PM! They seem to be found easily in Madison a few times a week. And if you haven’t been to Ribberfest it is worth checking out August 16-17.
If you’re craving a poke bowl that’s more local I like Rikishi’s in Crestwood. Rikishi adds an abundance of seaweed to their poke bowls. If you have never tried seaweed expect a salty taste with a chewy texture. My pretty lady orders the salmon poke bowl and I order the ahi tuna one. And I know what you’re thinking “how can one poke bowl be enough for Zander?” Well, it’s not. My usual order is a poke bowl, steamed edamame, miso soup, salad with ginger dressing, the New Orleans and Sumo sushi rolls, and a big plate of sashimi and washing it all down with hot sake.
You may be wondering which poke bowl I’m going to make this weekend. I’m thinking of a salmon poke bowl with spicy mayo sauce or a citrus-based sauce. My initial thought for a bourbon pairing would be Marker’s Mark because of the sweet and caramel notes. Or it may be Bulleit. We have plenty of Bulleit here and it’s time to put it to good use. My trusted bourbon advisor gave us a smoke kit for Christmas and I’m thinking it’s a good time to put that to use as well. Check back on my IG for how my first time making a smoke old-fashioned turns out!
Do you like poke bowls? Hit me up on IG @bourbondappergent or comment below!
