Poke Stop — Review by Food Network
Honolulu, United States — Hawaiian/Poke
At Poke Stop near Honolulu, Hawaiian-born chef Elmer Guzman takes the traditional Hawaiian poke dish and elevates it with creative Asian-inspired flavors. The reviewer was impressed with the salmon poke, praising its perfect balance of flavors, tender texture, and the delightful crunch from the sea salt garnish.
What was great: Mega gangster fresh salmon poke with perfect balance of sweet, salt, sour and spice. The crunch of Hawaiian sea salt, tender and moist fish bursting with flavor. Chef Elmer Guzman's Asian spin on traditional Hawaiian poke with quality ingredients like furikake and homemade sweet soy.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show was the salmon poke, which Chef Elmer Guzman prepared fresh in front of the camera. The salmon belly was carefully filleted and cubed, then combined with sweet onions, green onions, and Hawaiian sea salt. The chef added chili flakes for heat and furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend of seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, and dried bonito flakes. A homemade sweet soy reduction, made by reducing soy syrup to concentrate the flavors, provided a sweet glaze that tied everything together. The balance of flavors was impeccable - sweet to salt, a little sour, a little spice, with nothing overpowering anything else. The most memorable element was the little crunch of the sea salt crystals that would break down when bitten, adding texture and complexity to each bite. The salmon itself was exceptionally tender and moist, bursting with flavor in a way that showcased both the quality of the fish and the thoughtfulness of the seasoning.
The Experience
Poke Stop represents a fresh take on traditional Hawaiian cuisine, with Chef Guzman bringing his culinary education and restaurant experience to bear on a childhood favorite. The restaurant near Honolulu takes poke, described as Hawaiian soul food and an old Hawaiian tradition of raw marinated fish, and gives it an Asian spin. Beyond the salmon poke, the menu features creative variations like ahi tuna with garlic and Japanese-style soybeans, and spicy Korean octopus, showing the chef's commitment to fusion cooking while respecting the traditional foundation.
Value and Pricing
No specific pricing information was mentioned in the segment.
Notable Moments
Mega gangster fresh. Sweet to salt, a little sour, a little bit of spice. Nothing is overpowering anything else. Dude, you know what the kicker is? You get that little crunch of the sea salt. One of the best ways I've had salmon.
You're going to love this. Very tender, very moist, bursting with flavor. This is very, very good poke.
The Verdict
Poke Stop is a must-visit for anyone in Hawaii seeking authentic, elevated Hawaiian cuisine. Chef Elmer Guzman's respect for traditional poke combined with his innovative Asian-inspired variations creates a dining experience that honors the past while pushing the cuisine forward. This restaurant is perfect for visitors wanting genuine local food prepared with exceptional technique and fresh ingredients, as well as for those seeking to experience the evolution of traditional Hawaiian cooking.