Lunch with Lauren: Poke City and Momonoki

by Lauren Townsend for The Aha! Connection

Poke city is open Publix Dunwoody Hall shopping center. If you aren’t familiar with poke, it is traditionally, a Hawaiian raw fish salad. If you love sushi, you will love poke. Choose a base (white or brown rice or salad greens), multiple proteins, veggies, dressing and toppings. I really liked Poke City because they also offered cooked protein options like chicken and shrimp for those who can’t bring themselves to do raw. I also liked that the dressing flavors at Poke City were very simple and let the ingredients do the heavy lifting. Some places overcomplicate this simple idea and it becomes too much. I chose a mix of their original and ponzu dressing which suited all the ingredients. Poke City also offers a poke burrito which is like a giant sushi roll. Just as delicious in burrito form. If you are looking for a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner, stop by Poke City. They are open every day but Sunday.

If your up for dinner or lunch in midtown, head to Momonoki. They serve ramen, tsukemen (dipping ramen), katsu sandos (Japanese cutlet sandwiches), and donburi along with salads and small plates as well as a full bar. My mom, who is Japanese, was in town and so we wanted to check it out. Anyone who knows my kids, knows ramen is their favorite food, and they shared a bowl of Yuzu Shoyu (chicken & fish broth, pork broth, chicken breast, soy braised bamboo shoots, ramen egg). My mom and I shared a bowl of Momonoki Tonkotsu (pork broth, seared pork belly, ramen egg, soy braised bamboo shoots, scallions, house chili sauce, black garlic oil). You can taste all the hard work and technique that went into each bowl. The flavors were subtle and delicate and so well done. I also ordered the octopus dumplings, which I loved, but no one else ate; It is an acquired texture. I’ve seen amazing photos and reviews for the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon Sando that look incredible, but couldn’t bring myself to do it, plus you know…I love noodles. I really encourage you to stop by and taste the amazing work they are doing at Momonoki.