Growing up in a family where the kitchen was the heart of our home, I never imagined that a spontaneous trip to Hawaii would completely transform my culinary journey and lead to the creation of Poke Bar. I'm Sage Bennett, and I'm thrilled to share my story with you.
Before becoming a chef and food entrepreneur, I spent five years in corporate marketing, always dreaming about doing something more meaningful with food. In 2016, during a much-needed vacation in Oahu, I experienced my first authentic poke bowl from a tiny local shop. That moment wasn't just about tasting incredible food – it was an epiphany that would change my life's direction.
Returning home to San Diego, I couldn't shake the memory of those fresh, vibrant flavors. I enrolled in culinary school while still working my day job, spending evenings and weekends mastering the art of working with fresh fish and understanding the delicate balance of Hawaiian-inspired flavors. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of San Diego in 2018, I took a leap of faith that would become Poke Bar.
What started as a humble food blog sharing my attempts to recreate that perfect poke bowl has evolved into something far more meaningful. Today, Poke Bar is a thriving community of food enthusiasts, home cooks, and poke lovers who share my passion for fresh, sustainable, and creative cooking.
While I deeply respect traditional Hawaiian poke preparation, I believe in thoughtful innovation. Every recipe on Poke Bar combines authentic techniques with creative twists that make these dishes accessible and exciting for home cooks.
Our recipes and recommendations always prioritize sustainable seafood choices. We work closely with local fishmongers and provide detailed guidance on selecting the freshest, most environmentally responsible ingredients.
Knowledge is the key ingredient in any great dish. That's why we go beyond just sharing recipes – we provide comprehensive guides on:
Poke Bar isn't just a website – it's a gathering place for food lovers. Through our monthly virtual cooking sessions, active social media community, and regular recipe exchanges, we've created a space where passion for food brings people together.
Every recipe, technique, and tip shared on Poke Bar has been thoroughly tested in my kitchen. With my culinary background and continuous learning approach, I ensure that our content meets professional standards while remaining accessible to home cooks.
We believe in doing fewer things exceptionally well. Each recipe published on Poke Bar goes through extensive testing and refinement. We'd rather share one perfect recipe than ten mediocre ones.
Our content goes beyond traditional recipe formats. Through detailed video tutorials, step-by-step photo guides, and interactive cooking sessions, we make learning new culinary skills engaging and achievable.
As Poke Bar continues to grow, our commitment to quality, community, and culinary education remains unchanged. We're constantly developing new content, exploring innovative recipes, and finding ways to make authentic poke more accessible to home cooks everywhere.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or just beginning your culinary journey, there's a place for you at Poke Bar. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly recipes, tips, and updates, or follow us on social media to join our daily food conversations.
Creating Poke Bar has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. What brings me the most joy is seeing home cooks discover the satisfaction of creating their perfect poke bowl and sharing it with loved ones. Every photo shared, every success story told, and every question asked reminds me why I started this journey.
Thank you for being part of this adventure. Whether you're here to learn, share, or simply explore, know that you're welcome in our kitchen.
With gratitude and aloha,
Sage Bennett
Founder, Poke Bar
"Food isn't just about sustenance – it's about connection, creativity, and community. These are the ingredients that make every dish extraordinary." - Sage Bennett
