I’ve made it a whole month since reviewing a poke restaurant, which is not easy considering how many new ones have sprouted up. On the docket is Poke It Up, which has one distinguishing feature over its brethren, and that’s the poke burrito. Is it enough to lure customers here?
The burrito is an interesting and messy way to eat a poke bowl. Think of it as a much larger sushi roll. Seaweed is used in place of a tortilla for the wrap, and it binds everything inside amazingly well.
The burrito is not closed at the ends, so you will have some of the components fall out while you’re eating it. Also, the rice-to-ingredients ratio, which is usually too high in many rolls, is exacerbated as a burrito.
I tried the Spicy Style ($11.50) as a burrito. I was disappointed that nothing–not the spicy tuna, not the spicy salmon, not the spicy aioli and not the sliced jalapenos–was even remotely spicy. Not surprisingly, it’s overloaded with edamame; the rest of the ingredients include red onion and fried onions. I recommend you ask the staff to hold the lettuce, as it doesn’t contribute anything to the burrito.
The other house creations were fairly similar to each other. The main difference in the Lover Bowl ($13.95) is that you also get shrimp, which were tiny and overcooked, as well as spicy tuna, salmon and an assortment of veggies. The tuna and salmon were delicious, especially in the creamy poke sauce, but as a whole, the dish didn’t wow me.
You’ll also find a bowl with unagi ($11.50) and one with just veggies ($9.50). There are no appetizers or desserts.
Poke It Up is located on campus where Erbert & Gerbert’s used to me. It is open every day for lunch and dinner.
