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POMO - New Kid on the Block

POMO Pizzeria, based on the Neapolitan style of Italian pizzas has recently opened its doors to Karachi. As is the case with most new eateries, this one too faced its share of backlash almost as soon as it opened. We read a lot about service issues, food quality, and until now I have heard true accounts of friends with trustable taste buds and worldly palates who have found issues with the food served at POMO. This doesn't in any way mean that I am out to falsely promote an eatery or that they are out to take the eatery down. It just means that taste is a very subjective thing and diverse palates will have diverse opinions. One experience can not be undermined because of another.

With that being said, I am relieved my experience was a very good one. Starting from a call to the bill, I had a seamlessly pleasant experience. The day before I was supposed to visit, I called POMO on the number provided online. I asked for a reservation, but was told it's walk-in customers only at the moment. The person who answered the phone was attentive enough to ask what time I intended to come, and reassured me I'll get a table without any issue, which proved to be true.

Moving on to the food, since I had left the house with just a quick gulp of water I desperately needed my coffee fix, thus went with the Americano. At most eateries I have to ask for milk separately but over here the milk was provided with the coffee. Such a little thing, so heartwarming. The Americano was perfect. I didn't need sugar or milk, and it was the perfect blend to wake me up.

The appetizer we asked for was the Bresaola, and while I haven't eaten an authentic recipe from Italy, this was pretty darn good! The air-dried, cured, paper-thin slices of beef were served with fresh rocket and Parmesan cheese shavings nestled on the bed of bresaola, with balsamic vinegar drizzled atop it. 

Next up was the Pepperoni Pizza, essentially a simple flatbread with liberal cheese, marinara sauce and pepperoni. This wood-fired pizza has to be eaten hot, otherwise you will lose out on the flavor, and the crust can become soggy and rubbery. The fresh flavors were a delight to eat. I could taste the cheese, the sauce and the pepperoni individually.

I then moved on to the Spaghetti with roasted garlic, chili and added on chicken and mushrooms as extras. We were recommended a special red chili paste to enhance the spicy flavor of the pasta dish, and I didn't regret adding it. Such a strong flavor profile without overpowering the garlic, which was almost sweet and none of the raw garlic harshness, the mushroom and juicy chicken.

Perhaps the only disappointing part of the meal was the dessert. My friend ordered the chocolate tart, which was too sweet for our taste and the phyllo dough shell didn't help the cause. I would probably try out another non-chocolatey dessert next time.

POMO has definitely won over my heart and taste buds. Definitely helps that I recognized the manager who had been working at Espresso for a long time. He and the rest of the staff ensured we were well taken care of.









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