Brooklyn Markets: POMEGRANATE ON CIA

We paid a visit to Pomegranate, the new kosher supermarket on Coney Island Avenue. Somehow, inspiration struck on a Thursday evening, so the store was crowded with curious shoppers, like us, who had passed the store while it was under construction, and then read about it in the newspapers or online, combined with families doing their Shabbos grocery shopping.

The store is new, bright, and spotless. Pretty woods, gleaming fixtures, brightly and colorfully lit. Klezmer music plays on thes sound system. Granted, Thursday evening is a heavy shopping time in the (observant) Jewish community , but the store appeared to be remarkably well staffed. While we shopped, we noted that the floors were constantly being swept. The long and winding deli counter with an enormous selection of prepared foods was very well staffed. Despite the crowds, they served the kosher delicacies, including chicken and beef in many forms, steaks, fish, a wide array of prepared salads, vegetables, etc., quickly and efficiently, even offering to provide samples of salads and vegetable goodies. The shelves are very well stocked with an enormous candy, chips, and goody selection, all kosher of course.

Pomegranate ain't cheap. There were sale items and many packaged goods were comparable in price to items we've see elsewhere in Brooklyn. And, to the uninitiated, it is kosher, so that means ixnay if'n you are thinking of shopping for lobster, shrimps, anything that chews its cud, or non-kosher items. Many items are kosher (and somewhat higher priced) forms of identical items, but if you, like us, enjoy experiencing the many different types of food stores and restaurants available in Brooklyn, you will find it an interesting alternative.

What we got: We are in the lead up to our older daughter's departure to her year of international study. At her request, I bought three types of humus (zatar flavored, Gallilee olive flavored, and a homemade style. We bought a bunch of lovely fruits and vegetables. We bought three kinds of tuna, breads (pita of different sizes and rolls), cheeses (not uber-aged), grilled veges, leben yogurt such as chocolate which is almost pudding-like, cookies, crackers, which should keep the six of us at home during the summer covered for a little while. The checkout counter was likewise remarkablly staffed, someone ringing stuff up, someone bagging, someone packing stuff in our cart. A grocery clerk cheerfully helped us shlep our stuff down the block to our car.

All in all, a colorful, fun, moderately glitzy shopping experience. The burning questions, now that you've built it, will they come? Does Pomegranate have it all ?
Judging by last evening, yes they will come and in droves since it provides an enormous selection in a comfortable setting. And, while Pomegranate does not have it all, it still has lots of stuff that will appeal to the interested cook or eater, it is fresh and appealing alternative for down home prepared foods, fruits, vegetables and healthy foods and snacks. It is an opportunity to delve into your Jewish soul, whether you are Jewish or not.