A Polynesian favorite, Ahi poke is an affordable and delicious starter for any meal and can be seasoned and served in an infinite variety of preparations making it a versatile and healthy choice. Tuna towers, poke bowls and poke nachos are just a few of the selections you will find at these top five Orange County restaurants to eat Ahi Poke. Newport Beach, CA 92626 Owned by local resident Thomas Carson, this hotspot doubles as both a fresh fish market and a casual restaurant serving up some of the best poke in Orange County. At Bearflag, poke is lightly dressed with sesame oil, black and white sesame seeds, finely chopped green onion and perfectly salted tortilla chips for crunch. Enjoy it alone or mix it together with salmon poke for a unique combination that will send your taste buds on a Hawaiian adventure. Bearflag has a second location in the Crystal Cove Promenade where customers in business suits can pop-in and pick up a poke burrito to-go. North Shore Poke Company

Huntington Beach, CA 92648 With a name like North Shore Poke Company, your know the poke must be authentic. This venue doesn’t disappoint. Dedicated to creating mind-blowing Hawaiian poke, North Shore Poke Co. consistently receives rave reviews from loyal patrons for their delicious fare. At The North Shore Poke Company heaps of glistening tuna are offered in a variety of flavors including the popular Waimea where fresh poke is topped with spicy mayo, a shoyu sauce and masago. You choose your base of rice or thinly sliced cucumber and then add some exotic favorites like avocado, mango, crispy garlic, daikon sprouts or macadamia nuts for a full flavored experience. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point CA 92629 Head to salt creek grill for a more upscale dining experience and feast on their lavish ahi tuna stack featuring sushi grade tuna, thin sliced avocado, and peeled cucumber. This eye-appealing appetizer is delicately created with hand precision and garnished with pickled ginger, a touch of wasabi and ginger soy vinaigrette.

Salt Creek’s ahi tuna steak sandwich will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites with a seared rare tuna steak, sprouts, tomato avocado and wasabi mayo all served together on a King’s Hawaiian roll. Salt Creek is a bit on the pricier side but the food is worth every cent. 7972 East Pacific Coast Highwayyo sushi menu glen cove Newport Beach, CA 92677sushi grade fish rhode island Pasta chain phenom turned Seafood restaurant, Spikes Fish house continues to be an Orange County gem and a great place to gather with friends and eat fresh fish. jiro dreams of sushi san joseWith a creative menu offering many poke specialties that can be customized including lettuce wraps, burritos, sandwiches and their signature poke nachos, it’s no wonder why Spike’s continues to be a favorite among OC locals. yo sushi menu dubai difc

Other dishes of fresh fish and signature sauces dominate the menu, which also includes some non-seafood options for land lubbers. The happy hour menu features salmon sliders and combo plates for a fantastic deal. 30251 Golden Lantern St #F Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Conveniently located in the Golden Lantern Marketplace, this tiny gem offers poke that is marinated with Hawaiian sea salt, sesame oil, Japanese chili pepper, and soy sauce, which makes for a delicious combination of flavors. how to make sushi rolls ehowThe owner, ENDO created this one of a kind poke in the late 80’s and it has remained a popular dish since then. order sushi wappingWhether indulging in a Poke Bowl or a small side poke, this dish is enjoyed in many ways and is a must when dining at Good Choice.jiro dreams of sushi atlanta

Melodi Steinberg is a freelance writer out of Orange County. She typically covers food and family lifestyle topics. Roll up your sleeves for the 8th annual Lobsterfest at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Live Maine lobster is flown in fresh on the morning of the event and prepared on-site alongside a buffet that includes tri-tip, corn on the cob, salads and dessert. Purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy all-you-can-eat lobster, complimentary wine, valet parking and reserved seating. High-energy rock-n-pop band Pinch Me! performs covers from more than seven decades. Special activities for kids will be provided by Camp James. 3-8 p.m. $60 if purchased in advance, $80 at the door; Children 12 and under $20 in advance or $25 at the door. VIP tickets $150 in advance. 101 North Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. Hi-Time’s 10th Annual Charity Chili Cook-OffTaste a variety of chilies from over 30 local restaurants and businesses at the 10th annual event. Enjoy beer, wine, margaritas and specialty cocktails at the bar along with live music and raffle prizes.

A panel of judges will award the best chili as well as a people’s choice vote. 250 Ogle St., Costa Mesa, 949.650.8463. Ribs, Pigs and Watermelons Summer FestivalBring your bibs and get ready to sample fare from some of the nation’s best professional barbecue teams, enjoy watermelon and rib eating contests, listen to live entertainment and see a classic car show. Friday features bluegrass and country bands; Saturday’s festivities include a reggae festival; and Sunday offers blues and classic rock bands and a classic car show. Admission price covers the entire weekend, parking not included. F 5-10 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-$9. Food and drinks sold separately. Huntington State Beach, Beach Blvd. and Pacific Coast Hwy Lot 9, Huntington Beach, 714.897.3221. Spend your summer evenings on an LED light-adorned paddleboard or kayak at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Newly launched Moe B’s Radiant Rides leads nighttime adventures on Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day.

See marine life only visible at night on this unique excursion. Enjoy cocktails and dinner at Back Bay Bistro afterwards. $30-$40/pp. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. Grab your bridal party for a beach bachelorette party complete with featured flick Bridesmaids on one of the largest inflatable outdoor movie screens in California. Featuring theater-quality projection and sound, you will get the ultimate viewing experience on the sand. Join other wedding parties for cocktails at a full beach bar, munchies from Mini Melts and Stetson’s Barbecue and gift bags. and note the Bride’s name to be entered into the grand prize drawing. The evening will be hosted by comedian Eric Schwartz, seen on The Tonight Show, Comics Unleashed and more. Pre-movie activities begin at 5 p.m. Showtime approximately 8 p.m. (dusk). $15/pp. VIP package $49 (includes jumbo 2-person bean bag). Huntington State Beach, lifeguard tower 14, Huntington Beach. Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Viewing Party

Join YNK for a Summer Olympics opening ceremony viewing party accompanied by its new South American summer menu. Transport yourself to Mexico, Peru, Cuba and Brazil by way of cocktail while watching live streaming of the ceremony. Menu highlights include the El Presidente with Bacardi 8, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, housemade grenadine and a vanilla-soaked dehydrated orange wheel; and the Mama Juana, served as a bottled cocktail with rum, honey, red wine, tree bark and herbs. The first 30 guests will receive a special gift bag of bottled caipirinhas. 4 p.m. 18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.553.0100. Unsung Brewing Company Grand OpeningEnjoy beer specials, barbecue and live music at the Anaheim Packing District’s newest spot, Unsung Brewery. Housed in the newly renovated MAKE building directly adjacent to the Anaheim Packing House, Mayor Tom Tait will tap the first keg to start the festivities. 500 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.224.2997. Take part in a knockout conversation with Sylvester Stallone, the creator and star of inspiring and treasured film saga, Rocky.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original film with a screening followed by Stallone giving an inside glimpse behind classic scenes with stories you’ve never heard before. 2 p.m. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121. You’ve seen him on the Late Show with David Letterman and Comedy Central Presents, now laugh along with the actor, voice-over artist and stand-up comedian in person at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Gaffigan will perform his set titled Fully Dressed. 8:15 p.m. Tickets start at $35. The Pacific Ampitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. Join Clara Adame of Kindred Supply Co. for as afternoon of modern calligraphy and lettering with brush pens. Learn the fundamentals of modern calligraphy, along with understanding how to use brush pens. This workshop includes two brush pens, a notebook, instructions and a font sheet. 305 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. Indulge in a little bit of deep-fried everything at the Orange County Fair. Bring the whole family and enjoy action sports (rodeo, BMX, pig racing), tribute bands in the Hangar, carnival with rides, La Grande Wheel, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, petting zoo, wine tasting and of course—fried food galore.

Concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire and Train. M-Tu Closed, Wed-F noon-midnight, Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-noon. $7-$12, under 5 free; $10 (cash only) for parking. 88 fair drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. Red O—The Weekend SocialGet your weekend started at Red O Newport Beach with DJ tunes and late-night happy hour every Friday and Saturday night. This week’s entertainment is from world champion turntableist and beat-maker, IFTW. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Happy hour 10 p.m.-midnight. Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. Celebrate national oyster day with Shuck Oyster Bar. The first 100 customers will receive one free oyster, the first five customers will receive a free t-shirt and the next 15 will receive a free hat. Shuck’s oysters are guaranteed fresh—just one day out of the water and delivered daily from over 60 farms. SOCO, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.420.0478. Orange County native Chef Daniel Shemtob (The Lime Truck) opens the third location of his street food concept in Newport Beach.

Dine on items such as ahi tuna tostadas (sushi grade ahi, garlic ginger dressing, pickled veggies, avocado, lime, cilantro, iceberg and sesame seeds); blue crab grilled cheese (blue crab, cheese blend, scallions, jalapenos, sambal, grilled sourdough); and pork belly adobo tacos (braised pork belly, pico de gallo, sambal and cilantro). Su-W 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Th-Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1332 Bison Ave., Newport Beach. Through Aug. Tap into your Southern roots with a savory new burger, shake and cocktail lineup. Hopdoddy’s August specials include southern staples like bourbon, fried onions, bacon and moonshine. The triple b burger includes a medium-rare Akaushi beef patty placed on a bed of peppery arugula, topped with melted blue jack cheese, warm bourbon bacon onion jam and fresh fried tobacco onions. August specials also includes the maple bacon waffle cone shake and bootleg Kool-Aid. 311 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2337. Train with Midnight HourHailing from San Francisco, Train has been setting its mark in pop music across the globe with hits like “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister.”

See them perform this weekend alongside Southern California natives Midnight Hour whose hit singles include “Running Away” and “Modern Love.” All reserved seats include free admission to the OC Fair. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. Irvine’s Sizzlin’ Summer ConcertsBring the whole family for an outdoor concert from U2 tribute band, L.A. Vation. Enjoy food truck fare and a playground for children. Bring your own blankets and chairs. 5:30 p.m. concert begins. Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge, 20 Lake Road, Irvine, 949.724.6606. Step inside the Kit Kat Klub and hear one of Kander and Ebb’s most memorable scores in theater history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the critically acclaimed production. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. Spa Gregorie’s Girls Night OutGrab your gals for a girls night out at Spa Gregorie’s.