ISLAND FLAVORS IN CHIPPEWA FALLS. Northshore Poké opened at Market On River (128 River St., Chippewa Falls) in early September thanks to locals Paul Her (pictured), AnuTye Riley Her and Kao Moua Her. Chippewa Falls' only poké-specific eatery, owners say the riverside town has excitedly welcomed them.

Wisconsin is best known for its rich agricultural roots and products – dairy, specifically, but cranberries and ginseng make that list too – likely followed by the Green Bay Packers and the Great Lakes, among others. What may not immediately come to mind, is diversity.

Cultural diversity in the food scene, and in western Wisconsin specifically, has some growing to do. In the Chippewa Valley, for example, a healthy helping of Hispanic and Asian restaurants can be found; while the amount of Indian restaurants only recently went from a total zero to two (and in a couple weeks, three).

Similarly, the tri-county area saw its count of poké-specific eateries grow from zilch to three in the past few years, thanks to midwestern chain Hawaii Poké Bowl (Eau Claire) and locally-owned Poke Bowl & Tea (Menomonie). Chippewa Falls has been left out of that slow-growing part of the foodie scene – until Sept. 2.

Owners Paul Her, AnuTye Riley Her and Kao Moua Her weren’t sure what the riverside town’s reaction would be to the addition of Northshore Poké, which opened up shop at Market On River (128 River St., Chippewa Falls). Thankfully, their reservations were dismissed by eager customers.

“We did not know what to expect,” the owners said, “and the support has been tremendous.”

If you're not a raw fish person, substitute chicken or tofu! Vegetable poké is also available and sauces also come in gluten-free versions – just ask.

Northshore Poké (pronounced “poe-kay”) was inspired by poké the owners first tasted while on a trip in Oahu, Hawaii. The freshly shaved ice and poké bowls they enjoyed there was complemented by the island’s calm and quiet settings.

“That place slowed us down, filled us up and reminded us to be present and happy,” the owners said. “We wanted to bring that feeling home.”

Northshore Poké shares that slice of life, delivered via nine poké bowl varieties (and more treats coming soon) made with an abundance of Wisconsin-grown ingredients.

“Most of our produce comes from local growers, including our own mothers and aunts, along with other local farmers. That is the beauty of being part of the (Wisconsin Farmers Union) community at Market On River,” the owners said.

Customers can build their bowls starting with one of two bases, white rice or quinoa, layering in fresh veggies, fish (or other proteins) and sauce. Plant-based bowls are up for grabs too, pairing tofu with organic lettuce.

Northshore Poké’s wild yellowfin ahi and salmon are AAA sushi grade, from Mega Blue Corporation and Heimland – fresh cut daily, by hand, thanks to Riley.

The local eatery makes its own spicy mayo, Thai peppers, fish sauce and chili oil, oft using recipes passed down from their mothers and aunts (May and Ka, Joua and Bao, respectively).

On opening day, the most popular poké bowl was the Volcano Tuna Bowl, which is also the one the team recommends for poké first-timers. That comes with spicy tuna and/or spicy salmon over white rice, topped with avocado, cilantro, crispy onion, cucumber, edamame, mango, onion, pineapple, pickled ginger and seaweed salad.

The bowl is dressed with garlic chili pepper oil, fish sauce, shoyu and Thai pepper.

So far, other favorites have included the Tropical Salmon and Tropical Tuna Bowls, Island Fusion Bowl and Fire Shrimp Bowl. Every featured bowl ranges from $11-$15.

Near the end of September, two menu additions made their debut: Bingsu shaved ice and Hawaiian Sun sodas.

Bingsu, a Korean-style shaved ice, is made with real fruit and fruit sauce, with flavors including honeydew, mango, mango pineapple, red bean/injeolmi, strawberry, strawberry matcha and oreo.

While reactions have been extremely positive so far, the owners said, they’ve also listened to feedback and made some adjustments: Less heat was one ask (use of Thai peppers has been toned down) as well as less shoyu, to let the fresh fish and veggie flavors shine more.

“The comments keep pouring in (from customers): ‘I’m so glad you’re here, now I don’t have to drive to the (Twin Cities)’; ‘we can’t wait for your shaved ice’; ‘this is incredible and delicious.’ We read every one and we are so grateful,” the owners shared.

With a number of recent additions to Market On River's first floor marketplace, including Northshore Poké, the multi-use building is now at 100% vendor capacity. If you haven't swung by in awhile – or ever – consider this your sign!

While settling into its Market On River (128 River St., Chippewa Falls) location, Northshore Poké is currently open 11am-7pm, Tuesday-Sunday • Keep up with Northshore Poké on Facebook, website coming soon