Tokyo Joe’s: Healthy, fast options for the whole family
With two boys under the age of ten, both of whom have completely different personalities and tastes, it can be really difficult to find a place to eat that they both love. One could exist on mac ‘n cheese and pizza the other would be happy with peanut butter and jelly or a bunch of bananas. Being in the business of food, eating it and promoting it, I try my best to introduce my little guys to new foods hoping they will enjoy something new, or at the very least expand their idea of what great food is and should look and taste like.
I was recently invited to check out Tokyo Joe’s and their new poke bowls. To be honest, I got to the part that read poke bowl and I was in! I have been known to make a mean poke here at home and always try to order poke when I see it on a menu. Tokyo Joe’s is much more than these poke bowls. they have an extensive menu from sushi to build your own bowls to salads, all with a focus on your health.
On my first visit (full disclosure: on my first visit my meal was comped, but I returned with both of my boys a few days later in which I paid for our full meal), my youngest son tagged along. I was able to sample both their ahi and salmon poke bowls. The bowls come with brown rice, avocado and cucumber. Both bowls were incredibly fresh and clean. As a purist I was at once drawn to the ahi bowl and was pleased with every single bite. The salmon bowl was surprising in that each bite introduced a slight tinge of heat that built up and provided a delightful warmth that was like a hug from the inside.
My tiny friend was not remotely interested in my bowls, but he did take what we call a “no thank you” bite. It’s been a pretty successful way of getting my boys to try things that they think they don’t like. Sometimes their first reaction sticks and sometimes they find something new that like a little or a lot. He was happy with his original choices; peanut butter and jelly sushi (a genius no-brainer kids menu item) and noodles with chicken and teriyaki sauce on the side. He ended up eating 75% of his food, which when dining out is rarely the norm.
A few days later, after a late running soccer practice, I headed back to Tokyo Joe’s with both of my boys to try some other items on the menu. Its important to note that my older son is the pickiest of the picky. Asking him to take a “no, thank you bite” is like asking him to do homework during summer break. I was nervous, and I think he was as well, but we all had a fantastic attitude and the evening went off without a hitch. My little guy went with the peanut butter and jelly sushi again (if its not broke…) and my tween opted for a heft noodle bowl with grilled white chicken and teriyaki sauce. I wanted to try something a little different (though that ahi tuna bowl was really tempting) and went with Yakitori Noodle Bowl with grilled steak, mushrooms and water chestnuts. One of the greatest things about Tokyo Joe’s is that they have signature owls, tried and true combinations, as well as the flexibility to build your own bowl and mix things up with your combination of protein, veggies and sauces. With all of the options being created with a healthy lifestyle in mind, it makes it a great spot to take my husband, which will be happening very soon.
I was really happy with the Yakitori Bowl, it had the perfect ratio for me of meat, noodles, veg and sauce. The yakitori sauce was full of flavor with a slow burning heat; not too bold to be off-putting to someone not in love with spicy dishes but present enough to delight heat lovers without losing any flavor.
My older son declared during dinner, several times, that he loved his bowl. He even wanted to order another serving so that he could have it again the next day at home. High praise from the big little guy. I can’t wait to take the whole family again, knowing that there is going to be something on the menu that will make everyone happy.
Tokyo Joe’s has three Valley locations:
Chandler: 800 N. 54th St.|Chandler|85226|480.355.1580
Mesa: 1935 S. Val Vista Drive| Mesa| 85204| 480.892.2993
Phoenix: 2131 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 85016| 602.956.2139
On top of their great in restaurant menu items, they also offer an extensive meal plan menu. All of the menu items are perfectly portioned with complete nutritional information. Whether you are an athlete, fitness-minded or a busy individual looking for quick, easy and healthy dishes these menu plans can be a great alternative to trying to plan out all of your meals on your own. They have more than 30 combinations that are all made to order with a four day shelf life for convenience. They also have a mobile app that you can use to order and then pick up within two and a half hours.
*Our initial meal was complimentary, however we returned a few days later to dine there again. Our opinions are based on both experience. View our Disclosure Policy for more information.*
About the Author - Taryn Jeffries
Taryn Jeffries is the owner, editor, writer and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, an independent Arizona food and dining publication. She's been exploring the Valley's culinary scene since 2010, sharing the stories behind the restaurants, chefs and people who make it delicious. Named the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame's Food Writer of the Year in 2017, Taryn believes good food deserves a good story, honest opinions and occasionally a little sass.
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