Chef Blaise Aki is set to introduce the flavors of Kauai to the East Valley with the opening of Pacific Rim & Bento in South Mesa, a vibrant new restaurant that promises to infuse the area with the spirit of Aloha.
Born and raised in Kauai, Chef Aki has crafted a menu that celebrates the island’s rich culinary traditions. The menu offers fresh poke bowls, island-inspired burgers, bento boxes, Hawaiian plate lunches, and much more.
“Food is love,” Aki said. “I’m excited to share my culture with the community, one delicious dish at a time.”
Having called Arizona home for 22 years, Aki brings a wealth of experience from his time as an executive chef at a prestigious resort in Wailua, Hawaii. While on the mainland, Aki has continued to refine his recipes and experiment with new flavors, blending the tastes of the Pacific with Arizona’s unique food scene.
At Pacific Rim & Bento, guests can savor highlights such as the teriyaki burger, coconut garlic shrimp, char siu chicken salad, curry katsu, musubi, kalua pork, kalbi ribs, and the signature fresh poke.
“I’m especially proud of our award-winning poke,” Aki said. “We source only the freshest fish and feature weekly poke specials for our guests to enjoy.”
The restaurant, located at 1720 W. Southern Ave., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to the brick-and-mortar location, Pacific Rim & Bento operates a popular food truck that roams Chandler and the surrounding East Valley, serving Hawaiian-style lunches, burgers, and sushi. Fans can track down the truck through StreetFoodFinder.
For those planning a special event, Pacific Rim & Bento also offers catering services tailored to specific needs, delivered by their food truck. To take your love for island flavors a step further, the restaurant hosts sushi-making classes, perfect for groups looking to learn the art of sushi with a local touch. Learn more at pacificrimandsushi.com.
