Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.okepoke.com

By Monique Valadez

CHINO HILLS – If you’re looking for a quick getaway to the Big Island, why not grab a taste of it at Chino Hills’ newest eatery Oke Poke.
What is Poke? Poke is a raw fish-based dish that originates from Hawaii. Oke Poke shares a similar Hawaiian-style poke cuisine – a rice bowl filled with a variety of fresh fish that have been marinated with special sauces.
“Oke Poke is different because it’s healthy eating, top-notch fish; we don’t charge extra for every topping, and there isn’t anything like it in the area,” Oke Poke Owner Minnie Baral said.
Located in the heart of Chino Hills at Payne Ranch Center, Oke Poke has a steady clientele from millennials and high school students to businessmen and construction crews. With a Subway-like format, you can build your own bowl with heaping spoonfuls of delectable fish including of salmon, ahi tuna, albacore, yellowtail, shrimp, spicy tuna or a combination of different meats. The poke bowl starts with a choice of a base – mixed greens, white or brown rice, or chips. You can choose from a slew of extra toppings, veggies and sides for free including wasabi, seaweed, ginger and masago.
Baral says that the quality of their fish is what brings back customers for more. “I only select wild-caught, top-grade fish.”
Baral, who is a regular fixture at the eatery found chatting with customers, giving taste samples and enjoying fresh Poke in her hometown, takes pride in selecting the freshest ingredients. “Other Poke restaurants select lower grade fish and just look to make just a profit. Not Oke Poke! We’re all about fresh and high-quality fish.”
At first glance you may feel a little overwhelmed with the variety of choices, but don’t let this dismay you. The folks at Oke Poke want you to “hang loose” and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal straight from the Islands. Oke Poke staff is very friendly and ready to help you make a selection that will get you hooked on Poke.
The restaurant also offers specialty bowls made with Oke Poke’s own unique blends of sauces and seasonings. There’s the Crunchy Garlic bowl with honey and garlic sauce, the Bailey bowl with “Oke” chili sauce, the Firecracker bowl featuring a spicy mayo and “Oke” garlic sauce, and the Wasabi Vinaigrette bowl.
For the full Hawaiian vibe, Oke Poke offers Hawaiian shaved ice. To give your sweet tooth some extra loving, ask for it with soft-served ice cream and drizzled sweetened condensed milk on top.
Customer favorites include the Crunchy Garlic bowl, which costs $9.95 for the regular or $11.95 for the large bowl. Regular-sized poke bowls with 3 hefty spoonfuls of fish are $8.95, or you can choose the large size (5 scoops of fish) for $11.95.  The Hawaiian shaved ice costs $3.50. Minnie invited us to taste a few menu items. I started with the popular Crunchy Garlic salmon poke bowl filled with brown rice, fresh cubed dressed salmon tossed with the sesame oil dressing, seaweed salad and some green onion. At first sight, the bowl was bursting with color. After my first mouthful, it was love at first bite – I was hooked! The flavorful bowl made me get up and do the Hokey Pokey Dance. And, the fish – one word: fantastic!

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills.  Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.okepoke.com