Mang J.
Yelp
What's the big deal about eating a pomegranate? You open the dull, red peel, only to find sparkling red jewels inside. But that peel that you had to fight is sometimes frustrating.
That's the story of Pomegranate Bistro...but The Ol' Mangaretta won't get too philosophical on your assets. I'll merely share the spectrum of my experiences at Pomegranate.
* Moonshine cornfries: Shh--I'm eatin'. Just keep them coming. (P.S. They really should serve an even number, since someone's going to lose a finger reaching for the last one, if you split an order. IF.)
* If they have any dish on the menu with delicata squash, order it immediately! It's always succulent (can one say that about a vegetable? Mang does!), "meaty," earthy, and life-changing.
* "Southern" fried chicken: As a matter of fact, no, it's not. It lacks the spices and herbs one finds in Southern cooking, but I will say that it's moist. Otherwise, whatever. (Mang is from the South; she knows.)
* ANY shaved brussels sprouts salad: YES! Do it.
* Beecher's Mac and Cheese Bowl: Yo' momma's ain't this good! Try it with sausage.
* Firebreads: Pretty good, but eat half and you'll be hungry an hour later.
* ANY burger they make: Good gugga mugga! Oh, Burger of Pomegranate, I dub thee Best Burger in Washington State and Perhaps the United States. Okay, stop reading and just go. GO NOW! (But the fries and slaw: whatever.)
* ANY quinoa or veggie bowl: Shush and order it. Eat your vegetables!
* Chocolate ganache cake: Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YESSSSS! You WILL have what I'm having!
* Nudder budders with chocolate soup: Life-changing. Yes.
* Apple tart: Whatever.
* Banana tart: Whatever.
* Dulce de leche bread pudding: Whatever.
Okay, enough. This list could go on forever. I eat there too much, as you can see--sometimes twice a week.
What's the frustrating red peel? Eating there too often hurts my wallet as Pomegranate is not cheap. Sometimes, I believe they're definitely overpriced for casual dining. Only sometimes, though. (I'm looking at you, soup and chicken.) Also, I hope they do something about the seating, because the single chairs are dang uncomfortable.
So, four stars for many sparkling, "YES!", and life-changing dishes, cakes in the case, and great coffee; and minus one star for several whatever/frustrating dishes, booty-bruising chairs, and approaching finer dining prices.