Aloha! For fans of Hawaii, island culture or the Tiki life of the midcentury, Don the Beachcomber is hosting an I Love Poke Event April 12th at 6:00 p.m. The festival of food, culture and good-natured competition is sure to transport you away from your weekly doldrums right to the islands.

The I Love Poke Festival was conceived by Nino Camilo, the creator of Hawaii-phile group Musubi Map, California’s guide to all things Hawaiian. The festival at Don the Beachcomber will feature 15 chefs from across Orange County competing in two categories – a traditional “Best Poke” challenge and a creative “Surprise Poke” competition.

The festival will also feature extraordinary entertainment from New Zealand’s Kahurangi Maori Dance group, who blend Maori song, dance and heritage in every performance. The island-inspired evening will also include an auction and raffle prizes to benefit the Rell Sunn Foundation, an group that promotes ocean awareness through the Menehune Surf Contest held annually at Makaha Beach.

“We’re delighted to host the ‘I Love Poke’ festival – it is a great way to enjoy the spirit of Hawaii, here in Orange County,” said Arthur Snyder, who owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Executive Chef Delia Snyder. “Anyone who’s had Delia’s Ahi Poke Tacos knows that we have a unique appreciation for Poke, as well as many other island favorites.”

Just so you know, poke is a staple in Hawaii as an appetizer or side dish. Most commonly made with raw ahi tuna diced into small cubes and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, inamona (roasted crushed candlenut), sesame oil, onions, seaweed and sea salt, it’s a popular dish at many restaurants and has many variations.

Tickets to the I Love Poke Festival are $50 Pre-sale General Admission or $65 at the door. $5 of each sale will benefit the Rell Sunn Foundation. Tickets can be purchased online prior to the event at www.ilovemusubi.com.

Don the Beachcomber is located at 16278 Pacific Coast Hwy. in Huntington Beach. For more information or to make reservations, call 562.592.1321 or visit their official web site at www.donthebeachcomber.com.

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