Sumeshi Poke In House Cooking Competition

Poke, anyone? It’s the appetizer of choice in the Hawaiian Islands, so when you’re enjoying a sunset cocktail or an afternoon snack at a local cafe or restaurant, be sure to order some poke, a raw fish dish similar to ceviche, but with its own Hawaiian twist. The word “poke” means “cubed,” and that’s precisely how the fresh, raw fish is cut when served as poke. Traditional poke is made with raw tuna (ahi), soy sauce or sesame oil, onions, seaweed and finely chopped kukui nuts, but there are many, many variations for this classic local pupu (appetizer). For those of you who are in town this weekend, be sure to attend the annual Sumeshi Poke Contest, Sunday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. Just a short drive from Holualoa Inn, the Poke Contest features competition in six categories for both professional chefs and amateurs. Attendees of the poke festival will get the chance to sample all kinds of recipes, whether tradition, spicy, and cooked. Renowned Chef Sam Choy, whose namesake restaurant is right up the street, will be on hand for an in-person poke demonstration. Live music, cultural practitioners and a zany celebrity cookoff are all part of the fun. A free shuttle will operated from Keauhou Shopping Center (pickup near Longs). The poke contest is part of the King Kamehamha III celebration taking place March 15 thru 17 in Keauhou..