Poki Poki, Escondido, California

Poke is one of those things that when my husband first suggested it, I had no interest. When the Poki Poki opened here in Oceanside, my husband saw a post from a coworker, and immediately suggested we go and try it. I was having none of it. I did not want to try it, my suggestion was that he go and try it when I wasn't with him. 

Yes, I do eat sushi, but I do not like any of the raw tunas. Actually, most of the raw fish I do not like. I guess that I am one of those with a texture issue with sushi, not an issue with the fact that it is raw fish. 

Finally, my husband got me to try Poki Poki when they grand opened in San Marcos, and I have been a huge fan ever since. I even suggest it for my husband when he has to work. I go pick it up and take it to him. 

I like that Poki Poki is fast casual. The recent trend of more and more fast casual restaurants opening is really something that we have definitely enjoyed. Whatever you like, you can get it on your food, exactly how you want it. Try something different each time you visit. Get a salad, get a rice bowl, get a poke burrito, try it all. 

I am the type of person who does not like anything hot or spicy, where my husband wants all the spice he can get. Fast casual places allow us to customize exactly what we want.

When we visited Poki Poki in Escondido, it was during their grand opening. They were organized to keep up with the long line. My only note was that there were things at other stores that was not available, and there were things that are not an extra charge that they were charging an upcharge. 

South Carolina BBQ?????

South Carolina Barbeque??????

I honestly, I never knew there was such a thing. 

We were traveling day one, going from Virginia to Georgia. We stopped for BBQ for lunch. 

It was only when we got in the place did we realize that it was South Carolina BBQ, whatever that is. 

Memphis style is known for the sweeter sauce

Kansas City is known for its dry rubs

North Carolina style is known for a vinegar based sauce

Texas BBQ is usually beef

So South Carolina is .................. ?????????????????????

MUSTARD

WHAT?

No, I am not kidding. This is not a joke. These crazy people coat and I mean COAT their meat in MUSTARD. 

It is the weirdest thing I have ever seen. We stopped in SC for lunch and I tell you, my taste buds were going WTF????

They take a pulled pork and smother it in mustard, and then serve it with this thing they call HASH, which is disgusting. 

The first picture is my plate, the roll was on top of the pulled pork. That large serving of SLOP was the "hash". 

I wouldn't feed this crap to my worst enemy. 

The bottom is my husband's brisket. Disgusting. They ruined a nice chunk of meat with mustard. 

Avoid Piggie Park if you have any taste buds or want to keep what you have. 

The Rim, Taj Mahal, Atlantic City

It is really not enough that we have a favorite casino in Atlantic City, we have to have a favorite casino restaurant. 
Normally, we eat nothing but casino buffets at the casinos. 
Why, well simply two reasons.
One, the casinos won't hesitate to comp you a buffet because the food per person cost is low. Secondly, they are usually faster and require no reservations. My husband wants to get right back to the action as soon as possible. 
So honestly, I know casino buffets. And since food is the main item comped at casinos, I know casino food in general. I can't remember the last time we actually paid full price for a regular meal in a casino. Yes of course if we pick up snacks or Starbucks or something like that, it isn't comped. 
But honestly, we eat for free and that is why my husband wants to get up from the table, and get back as soon as he can. 

We started regularly coming to Atlantic City in 2014. We took a "spring break" trip of our own and drove here. We stayed at a hotel that no longer is open, but we visited every casino hotel in the area. 

So we have been dining at the Rim for almost 18 months now. 
I am known as the "ice lady" because I ruin their hot tea with ice. 
I think it is funny. I am always complaining that I am cold, but I never drink a hot beverage. 

So as per usual, last night when we arrived at Taj Mahal, we dined at the Rim as normal. I got my usual, Chicken Chow Fun. 
Honestly, if it wasn't good, I wouldn't be eating it 2-3 times a weekend trip for 18 months. 
So obviously, I enjoy the dish, the restaurant and the service. 
Personally I feel that the casinos here in Atlantic City are not big on late night eats and it is the only place open until 4am. Which is amazing when you need a pre-sleep meal. 

Below is a picture of my chicken chow fun. I am sure I will have more pictures and stories from the Rim at Taj mahal as we are here until Sunday. 

Sushi Time

My husband and I tried a place for Sushi for dinner. 
Volcano in Norfolk on 21st Street. 

I have been there for lunch before but I have never been there for dinner. 
My husband and I just randomly checked it out for dinner and we both enjoyed it. 

They didn't have the normal sashimi he orders, but they had a few other things he really enjoyed. 

Thumbs Up From Us.