Poke Is An Art Form At The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach

It's hard to decide the thing we love most about Hawaii. The beaches and crystal blue water? The lush tropical landscape? The interesting history and culture? Or maybe it's the food, with fresh fish as the staple. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach is offering guests an opportunity to experience all it with a single concept. The resort now offers "The Art of Poke," an immersive culinary program that will teach guests about the history and evolution of this popular Hawaiian food, and how to create their own signature poke bowl.

Poke, meaning "to cut or slice," was how fishermen originally served their catches of the day at Hawaiian feasts, simply prepared with sea salt, roasted kukui nuts, and seaweed. Today, poke is prepared using many different types of fish and ingredients, but the Ritz-Carlton experience aims to give guests an understanding and appreciation for the more traditional dish and its role in classic Hawaiian culture. 

Executive Chef Eric Oto of G.Lion Hawaii leads guests in this class that begins with the history of poke and how it made its way into traditional feasts and celebrations. Chef Oto, a trained lawai'a (fisherman), offers a tableside demonstration that starts with the fresh catch of the day—often ahi tuna—and then explains how to cut and prepare the poke.  

The Art of Poke Experience is available for $250 per person and available for two to four guests. 

This property has created a variety of food-themed immersive concepts that celebrate the traditions and cultures of Hawaii. The Kualoa Ranch Culinary Experience features an excursion to the nearby award-winning ranch, while the Sushi Sho Sunset Beach Experience treats guests to a gourmet secluded beach picnic with bento boxes from legendary sushi Chef Keiji Nakazawa.