All in Poke at Worcester Public Market aims to build a better poke bowl
All in Poke in the Worcester Public Market at 160 Green St., bills itself as a fast-casual spot where you can savor a unique and innovative poke bowl experience. Owner Elie Aswad of Worcester, a chef for more than 20 years, says he’s committed to sourcing premium, quality food, such as seafood, meat and produce and his business “offers more variety in ingredients than other New England poke shops.”
Aswad previously was executive chef at Boardroom Kitchen and Bar (Mediterranean/American cuisine) on Water Street in Worcester before discovering the Hawaiian-styled poke dish trend. “To be honest, I really didn’t know anything about poke until my son told me that he and his college friends were eating it almost every day,” said Aswad, whose son, Tony, is studying in Paris for a master’s degree. “We talk on the phone all the time and one day I asked him to explain poke,” said Aswad. “I was fascinated and decided to research the poke concept. The more I learned, the more I knew I had to be part of it.”
In the spring, All in Poke opened in a booth located near the public market’s back entrance. Aswad and co-partner Liri McDaniel work in the business with an employee. McDaniel has worked at Boardroom Kitchen and Bar and other city food establishments.
All in Poke’s menu is displayed in front of customers and so is the vast variety of fresh and colorful organic ingredients. Building a poke bowl begins with customers selecting a base, anything from white rice to an organic mix with Israeli couscous, said Aswad. Sauces run the gamut from the chef’s homemade spicy mayo to garlic soy and coconut aminos (similar to soy sauce or a thin teriyaki sauce). Added protein includes chicken, fish, tofu, etc. The list of 30 toppings is mind-boggling. “Pick your crunch” includes wasabi peas, toasted sesame seeds, etc. The menu really is self-explanatory and Aswad keeps vegans in mind, offering many plant-based options. For example, his spicy mayo is made with vegan mayonnaise. And, there’s marinated plant-based chicken.
Don’t worry if it’s your first time building a poke bowl, staff here is very helpful.
Aswad, who is Lebanese, also was executive chef at the former Byblos Lounge in Union Station in Worcester. His Mediterranean/Lebanese menus at the restaurant resulted in his bringing tzatziki, chickpea salad and other specialties to his new business. FYI: Aswad also is in management with Boston Nights Entertainment, “helping to bring international musical performers to Rhode Island and Connecticut casinos.”
Aswad said he’s interested in franchising All in Poke “on a small scale,” explaining that it would be a good fit in gas stations or small convenience stores. “Nothing fancy, something affordable for people, especially college students,” he said. “Remember, my son is the one who gave me the idea for poke. I tell everyone how healthy it is.”
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Aswad said he supports small businesses in Massachusetts and during late fall and winter months he will buy kohlrabi from Rock Harvest Farm in New Braintree. It’s a funny looking vegetable about the size of an orange, with a bunch of leafy stems sticking out, he said. It’s packed with fiber, vitamin C and potassium. The bulk and leaves are all edible. Rock Harvest Farm in season operates a Sunday farmers market, outside of Worcester Public Market.
During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aswad and staff are wearing pink, breast cancer ribbon pin T-shirts. Aswad said the business will donate $1 for each poke bowl sold to a charity that supports the cause.
Also, college students with a valid ID will be offered a 15% discount on poke bowls and can choose a premium topping for free. Students also will get a free soda or water with the meal, he said.
All in Poke hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Customers save 10% off first online order (pickup only). Telephone: (774) 615-9645 for more information. Visit www.allinpoke.com. FYI: On Instagram, Aswad shows how he makes a specialty sauce.
Aswad is a chef who exudes love for food and what he does.
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': All in Poke eyes 'unique, innovative poke experience
