Project Poke — Restaurant in Fountain Valley

My wife and I prefer Hawaiian-style poke but I gotta say...this place was probably the closest I've had to that flavor.

It's definitely Japanese-style (they got the Japanese flavors and add-ons), but I think the way it's all mixed together is reminiscent of the Hawaiian-style I'm used to.

Note: they sell bowls and poke burritos. I have yet to try a burrito - you decide what goes into your bowl, but the burritos are predefined.

I ordered a small bowl (3 scoops) with mixed greens as my base. Your main protein choices are tuna, salmon, yellow tail, shrimp, and spicy tuna (which looks pre-mixed/mashed). Your base could be sushi rice, brown rice, mixed greens, or half of any 2 (Maybe 1/3rds? You should ask).

At your typical Japanese poke place their sauces tend to run the same gamut: ponzu, spicy mayo, and then some house-flavor with different heat levels. What caught my eye here was that they offered the standard 3 (minus the heat) and these other 3: sweet onion, black sesame, and wasabi ginger. I opted for the wasabi ginger because I love the flavor of wasabi. I don't really dig the flavor of ginger, but beggars can't be choosers.

The small bowl runs a minimum of $9.50; large is $11.50. Now...I don't know how many poke places you've been to, but to me that's a good deal. I was skeptical at first but it turned out good! The portion size was good and the flavor was good!

The workers seemed nice - not much conversation to have here. Also, the place is tiny yo. Inside is about...4-5 window bar seats. I think I saw 2 or 3 tables outside, but I get the feeling this is more of a to-go type of place.

MY RECOMMENDATION: Get whatever you want, but try the wasabi ginger sauce! It wasn't as spicy as I thought, so if you're worried about that then you can probably relax. OR GET A POKE BURRITO. My wife got one and it was big!

tl;dr = make your own bowl or order a predefined poke burrito. Get wasabi ginger. The place is tiny. The service is good, the...

This place is a lot of fun. The donuts might get all the social media love, but as far as what to eat...the real star here as are the Sushi Burritos. Good size + flavors. Not a whole lot of rice on the outside or over abundance of veggies on the inside ... this is a solid amount of actual fish.

Also go for the crispy spam burrito... I know spam... but just do it anyway.

The sushi donuts... Taste good and look even better. So yeah, maybe a bit more of a novelty, but you've seen the photos and now you have to get one. They're fun to eat too.

You're likely to see people crowding around their purposely simple tray with sushi donut, carefully composing their Instagram shot. Have a good laugh as you discretely do the same.

The sushi donuts are made in house... but they're pre-made. I get they take a while to make, but I couldn't help but look at the options they had, and wish I could combine elements of two of them into the perfect sushi donut. Maybe if it was situated as a table service venue instead of counter service they'd have the time to make them to order, but the storefront isn't big enough for that.

Poke bowls are on par with the general area....

I love Poke. Came by because I was craving it and the staff was so extremely friendly when I told them it was my first time there (though, should have clarified that because they thought it was my first time having Poke). Though what surprised me most is that their spicy tuna is mashed while other places I have been to had sliced spicy tuna cubes. Either way, the food and the service is absolutely great. Actually, I don't think I have ever had a bad experience at a Poke place ever. Definitely stop by if you want Poke and are...