Pomegranate Russian-Georgian Restaurant

Ok people, what are you talking about? Seriously, the food was below average, the atmosphere is different, but nothing special. \r \r I had 3 different dishes, but found none of them to be worth eating again. \r \r I would recommend this place as an adventure only. If you want to go try ""Russian"" food, then go here once. Otherwise, the food is weak.\r \r I really wish it was better. \r more

The food IS delicious, and it used to be my favorite restaurant in town until I started working there and really got a taste of the seedy underbelly of Pomegranate. Mark, simply put, is the spawn of SATAN and truly, deeply hates women! He acts nice to you when you are giving him your money! But when you turn away he will say dirty and disgusting things about you in Russian. He uses all his girlfriends, talks down to women like they are dogs, and takes advantage of immigrant women working in the kitchen. He pays the workers BELOW MINIMUM WAGE, does not give workers the option to legally file wages with proper tax forms, or allow them to have adequate brakes. Some people work in the kitchen for 12 hours straight and he makes one person hustle alone serving during most weekdays. On top of it all, HE STEALS the majority of the tips from his waitresses! I got fired after telling him that he had no right doing these things to people and that I would not allow him to treat me like that!!!! He said what are you going to do? you are just a stupid woman! Well what I am going to do is go to the labor board because this man doesn't have an ounce of humanity in him or respect for anyone, not even his closest friends! Yes, he lies and steals even from John and Tracy who are grilling out back on the weekends and are his best friends! I am still in shock about the evil that resides in that place and I continue to have nightmares almost every night about Pomegranate. Nothing hurts me more than the fact that all the amazing people who make that place happen and cook wonderful food are being treated like dirt every single day! I am not sure what to do about it, but the fact that the nightmares still haunt me is a sign that its my place to do something about what is happening. I have not yet gone to the IRS because they would shut the whole place down. Some of the people who work there don't speak English and wouldn't have work otherwise. Its hard to say how long this place will stay open when that kind of injustice is taking place. So... if you decide to go there, I recommend that you spit in the old man's face and make sure you personally tip your waitress! Always ask for change and give the tips to the person who served you... otherwise the money will be counted by the jerk at the counter, and less than a third of it will make it into the hands of the people who are making and serving your food and actually deserve it! Pros: great people who make the place go round Cons: the partnered owner who goes by the name of Mark more

I make it an effort come to Pomegranate (I don't know why Citysearch doesn't have the name right) the past two times I've visited SD. The decor is just great and there's plenty of writing on the wall in a variety of languages, including in the restroom. Great to have reading material you don't have to hold. The service is probably slower than average, but I never seem to notice when I'm there. Maybe it's because I busy myself with the writing on the wall. The menu is equally entertaining and makes you want to order the food based on the amusing descriptions. Also, after meeting the waiter, I can't seem to read the menu without hearing his voice. I don't know what it is, but it has happened twice. It's probably because of his neat accent. So far, I've had the chanakhi (a stew) and the lamb...something (it was basically lamb steak, but I can't remember the name) and both had similar spices. The lamb steak can't beat a good American grilled steak, but it was good and definitely a hefty serving. I also tried the vodka by the inch the first time I was there (they use a tape measure in case you're curious) and the russian style soda the 2nd time. If you take the time to read the ""nutritional"" value on the soda, keep an eye out on the servings per (plastic) bottle. I can say that it's interesting and not any less unhealthy than a regular american soda. For dessert, I tried the toad sweat ice cream. Sorry to ruin it for you, but the waiter has you put your ""favorite finger"" in your mouth and then stick it into the ice cream. If you're with a significant other, he then tells you to put it in that person's mouth. If you're single, do NOT try that with a random person. Pros: Good tasting food Cons: Spices can make entrees less unique. Service is a little slo more