Christal P.
Yelp
Poke in the Midwest. Not the most appealing thought for a self-proclaimed poke snob who spent years in Hawaii eating fresh caught sashimi grade ahi and salmon. With that in mind, beggars can't be choosers, and my craving for poke was enough for me to give Pokéworks in Troy a chance.
Pokéworks offers good modernized poke suited to mainland tastes. Although the fish isn't sashimi grade, it tastes fairly fresh. My Shiso Salmon bowl with ponzu sauce was light and refreshing. The Hawaiian Classic Bowl came with ahi and more traditional toppings including Hawaiian salt, seaweed, roasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds. The large size is very filling, and there are a myriad of toppings to customize one's bowl.
Check-in on Yelp and receive a free Dole Whip with li hing mui powder. Dole Whip is the best soft serve I've ever tasted, and I'm glad to see that Pokéworks carries it. Pokéworks' version lacks the tanginess of the authentic Dole Whip found on Oahu, but it comes close. There is also miso soup and garlic spam musubi for sale.
Service is friendly, and the restaurant is bright, inviting, and clean. It is located in a new strip mall with ample parking.
Pokéworks is a godsend for fans of Hawaiian cuisine. Where else in the Detroit metro area will you be able to find poke, Dole Whip, and spam musubi in one place? I can now get my poke fix without waiting a year for my next trip to Hawaii.