In my universe, the phrase “mindful eating” mostly refers to thinking about what I’m going to write in regards to what I’m munching at the moment. Portion control, calorie counting, nutrition–those can only be part of the picture. But I’m trying my best. And during this season, I have a few meals that aren’t specifically for work. At those times, I tend toward poke. And when I want to support local, I head to Centreville.
Soy! Poke & Noodle Bar belongs to Pakorn “Tony” Sanworanart, who prepares Thai noodle soups as well as raw fish bowls. For my money, his poke is among the best in the region. This is due in part to the quality of the rosy ahi and tender salmon. But what keeps diners coming back is the vast array of options at every stage of preparation. Forget “White rice or brown?” Those are only the beginning here, where there are eight bases alone. When I visited recently, I was stoked to combine soba noodles with colorful red cabbage.
In a nod to Thailand, proteins include yum talay, a spicy mixed seafood salad. I always like to add a fruit to my poke, and meltingly ripe mango is a great addition to the usual choices of pineapple or orange. The eight sauces include basics like a soy-based bath, but also eel sauce, gochujang, and sweet-and-sour Tangy Maui. Another of my favorite innovations at Soy! is the availability of cashews and sunflower seeds as crunchy toppings. It helps me to tamp down my craving for putting something fried between my teeth.
It’s not often that I make a Casual Friday recommendation that’s almost as healthy as it is delectable, so conscious eaters, enjoy this one. Next week, it will likely be something oil-drenched and stuffed into bread. In between, I’ll be eating at Soy! Poke & Noodle Bar.
14240-C Centreville Sq., Centreville
Feature image by Alice Levitt
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