FRESH FIN POKÉ = FLAME

Can you say curry coconut shrimp! Photo via James Price

There is a new spot for poké bowls in Milwaukee's Murray Hill neighborhood, and it is located on 1806 E North Ave near the corner of Oakland & North Ave. Over the past few years, there has been a shift toward poke bowls, a Hawaiian-inspired dish, also known as  unrolled sushi, that is starting to hit the Midwest. Luckily for those living in Milwaukee like myself, Fresh Fin gives city dwellers and others interested in poke bowls an opportunity to consume this newfound cuisine in a chic, minimalist setting on Milwaukee's east side.

I have started to eat more sushi as of late, so the idea of a poké bowl sounded like a good one to my taste buds. Likewise, Fresh Fin incorporates a bevy of spices into their dishes. I also love seafood, and thought this spot would allow me to enjoy it and much more and soon found myself eating lunch with a co-worker one day and my girlfriend two weeks later. When you walk into Fresh Fin, the environment stands out as a simple but unique venue, with white and gray permeating the interior of the restaurant. Clean lines, white walls, soft pastels and earth tones including gray and brown give this place a relaxed feel and make it a welcoming place to eat. 
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Upon setting foot into the establishment, I became immersed into a vibrant atmosphere, something that was created by the employes at the front counter. I did not know what to get both times I went to Fresh Fin, and the employees basically took me on a crash course for poké bowls. They provided me with recommendations on the dishes customers enjoyed, and what seafood options pair well with certain sauces and vegetables for their build your own bowl. The first time I went I ordered coconut curry shrimp bowl, sans coconut, I ordered a large. (although I had it with coconut last week at Wax Wing's 5th anniversary and thoroughly enjoyed) The shrimp pieces were generous, the crispy onions provided a nice crunch and everything in between was just right. The second time I visited Fresh Fin and ordered the zen bowl (regular size), which comes with sweet potato, salmon (which I added), avocado, mushrooms and your choice of rice or noodles, among other things. 

The combination of spices and sweet flavors with the coconut curry shrimp option provided a kick that was enough for me. I am beginning to come around to spicier foods and thought it was manageable, so for anyone who is looking for an option that has bursting flavors and a little bit of spiciness, I'd go with that option. My zen bowl was also tasty (although I might not get mushrooms next time, really only like them grilled) and allowed me to appreciate things including eel sauce and vegetables without having any meat. Fresh Fin also has other options including their mango tango dish (more sweet than anything) and spicy tuna for those looking for an even hotter option. Spicy chicken with cilantro, edamame and spicy ginger, to name a few things, is a bowl that will certainly packed with protein and flames.

For anyone that knows me well, I can eat a lot of food in one sitting and in general so I thought the large would fill me up and allow me to feel content. I was wrong, as it was way too much for me. (I did take a trip to Insomnia next door right after, to be fair.) The regular poké bowl is $7.95 and does the job just fine, as it is packed densely inside the bowl, but if you are extremely hungry or wanting to share, the large option, for $11.95 works fine. Oh, and YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE CHOPSTICKS. Forks are provided, and thank God, as I am a pretty novice chopstick user to say the least.

I have been told that I am really nice when doing reviews, but that is because I have found myself at establishments that are known for good service and even better eats. I do not think any of us would actively seek out bad restaurants, as that would be somewhat foolish and a disservice to you, the reader. I experienced all good things at Fresh Fin, and I can confidently say that after interacting with employees at their establishment and at Wax Wing's party. I also received a punch card, (you will too, just ask) and am excited to explore more of this seafood-friendly joint in the near future. Your food comes fresh inside of this trendy east side venue, arrives fast, and the endorphins arrive even faster.

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