It's not often you can find a pomegranate that never goes out of season. But this Pomegranate does just that, and it doesn't involve going to some futuristic farmers' market.
The eatery mixes traditional Mediterranean fare with modern fast-casual eating. That means you place your order at the counter with staff (who are great at explaining the various menu options), a runner delivers the meal to your table and clears your plates when done. Pomegranate puts the emphasis on "fast," with a two-person meal including dessert taking only about five to seven minutes to prepare.
The food holds up even at this high speed; it tastes even better at these prices. A falafel sandwich costs just $3.67; for a few bucks more, you can get a plate of mo’jadara, a vegetarian rice and lentil dish topped with caramelized onions (perfectly salty and tangy) and yogurt. Most menu items seem freshly prepared; however, the baklawa ($1.50) came out colder than an offended first date and only developed taste after being chewed.
The room's maroon walls (dotted with a few pictures of the namesake fruit) and black-lacquer trim create a vibrant feel, though Pomegranate's sparse, light wood furnishings don't do much to buffer sound. The place gets pretty loud when full, and echo-friendly when not so full, thanks to the lack of music.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: Kent Green
