The food festival and competition celebrates Hawaiian culture and cuisine, where chefs compete in the main event, a culinary battle for the title of “Best Poke.”
They will be required to use a sustainable seafood product in their dish. Each chef will create one poke dish that will be evaluated by a panel of judges, based on presentation, quality of ingredients and flavor.
Poke is a Hawaiian delicacy traditionally made with cubed ahi tuna, a species that is in decline. To bring awareness to the importance of sustainable fishing and challenge consumers to choose sustainable seafood, The I Love Poke Festival is broken up into two sections:
• Pokeland — 12-15 chefs compete for the “Best Poke” crown and produce their unique version of the popular fish dish, which will be available for guests to sample. A panel of judges consisting of chefs, musicians, athletes, food writers and others will evaluate each dish and crown a winner.
• Foodland — A place for guests to sample Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired food from more than 15 restaurants. Traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, Chamorro food from Guam, shaved ice, Malasadas and island-inspired cupcakes are some of the many offerings that will be available at the festival.
The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bali Hai, located at 2230 Shelter Island Drive.
Tickets are $55. For tickets and more information, visit at ilovemusubi.com/poke.