Poke Express provides Las Vegas desert a taste of the ocean

It’s no mistake that Las Vegas is nicknamed the Ninth Island with its flourishing Hawaiian population and culture.

But despite its growing ties to the Aloha State, one thing is apparent: The valley is quite the opposite of an island.

So, Hawaiian transplants Darren and Allison Iha brought the taste of the ocean to the Las Vegas desert through poke (pronounced po-kay), a traditional raw seafood salad.

In 2009, the couple opened Poke Express Seafood, 655 W. Craig Road, Suite 118, offering a wide selection of ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, mussel and crab pokes tossed in a variety of flavor-packed sauces, such as spicy mayo and masago, sweet chili, soy and oyster. Most prices range from $5.99 to $14.95 per pound. Cooked items are also available.

Shortly after, the duo partnered with the owners of Island Sushi and Grill, 9400 S. Eastern Ave., to open a second poke counter inside the restaurant in Henderson. Due to its success, the Ihas planned to close the counter and move the second location to 19 S. Stephanie St., Suite 140, in early August.

While the business is take-out only, it also serves as a small market of Hawaiian items, including snacks, pancake mix, sausage and spices.

Whether you’re a first-time or repeat customer, the staff at Poke Express treats everyone like ohana, or family, while embodying the true aloha spirit.

Poke Express Seafood is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit bit.ly/2b1v2X4 or call 702-639-0500.