Austin-born fast-casual concept Honest Mary’s recently opened in River Oaks Shopping Center, where the restaurant brings its chef-driven approach to nourishing grain bowls to the city for the first time. The restaurant is a homecoming for founder and CEO Nelson Monteith, who grew up in Houston and remembers visiting the historic shopping center with his family.
Founded in 2017 by Monteith and his wife, Mary, Honest Mary’s was created to solve a simple problem. “There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” Monteith says. “It’s hard to find something that checks all three boxes.” Their answer was what the team calls “life-giving fast food,” with chef-crafted bowls made with whole ingredients.
Among the restaurant’s most beloved dishes is the Aloha Poke Bowl, a menu staple since day one. After eight years, the bowl remains one of Honest Mary’s most talked-about dishes, and for many guests, the order they simply can’t skip. honestmarys.com
The Tuna
Wild, hand-line-caught tuna, chosen for both quality and sustainability, is diced and lightly seasoned, allowing its natural flavor to shine. “Poke is traditionally simple and fresh, so the goal is to highlight the quality of the tuna rather than overpower it,” says COO Andrew Wiseheart.
The Dressing
The bowl is brought together by Honest Mary’s sesame vinaigrette, made with toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and tamari. “It adds a little acidity and umami while enhancing the flavor of the tuna and vegetables without making the bowl feel heavy,” Wiseheart explains.
The Mix-Ins
Each topping in the Aloha Poke Bowl is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Creamy avocado adds richness that balances the vinaigrette’s tang, while edamame provides plant-based protein and a mild sweetness. Asian slaw delivers a refreshing crunch, complemented by the bright acidity of pickled onions. Fresh jalapeños provide a subtle heat that lingers without overwhelming the bowl's flavor. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds enhances the vinaigrette's sesame notes and adds a delicate crunch.
The Rice
“It has a light, fluffy texture and a subtle aroma that works well as a base without overpowering the other ingredients,” says Wiseheart. The rice absorbs the sesame vinaigrette just enough to carry its flavor throughout the bowl, while still maintaining a fresh, balanced bite.