Perfect Pitch

Chile vs. Brazil 6/28/10
Pomaire
371 W. 46th St
New York, NY 10036-3972
(212) 956-3055

I was excited to cover the Chilean side of the Chile vs. Brazil game. The reasoning was nothing truly dramatic, but mostly because I was really looking forward to some good Pisco Sours. When I was in high school, I traveled to South America with my family and first tasted the deliciously unique taste of Pisco and the Pisco Sours. In college I made Pisco Sours a few times, but obviously they did not live up to the authetic Chilean version. Considering it's rare to find a bar with Pisco Sours, let alone an authentic Chilean bar, I was enthusiastic to get my drink on and take in the match.

Turning onto 46th Street, I was surprised at how many ethnic restaurants there were on the block. Before arriving at Pomaire, I passed a Brazilian place and multiple Spanish restaurants. The street had a nice quaint international feel despite being located in midtown. When I walked in, the first thing I noted was the ambiance of Pomaire. A multi-colored lighted ceiling toward the back of the bar helped create a unique setting. Due to the ambiance and the exotic nature of the restaurant, I also noted how

good of a date place Pomaire would seem. If you are looking to impress your date with knowledge of Chilean culture or are just looking for something new to try, I certainly recommend it.

As soon as I walked in the manager approached me and asked if I wanted to participate in the all-you-can-eat buffet for $20. I said, yes of course. The buffet consisted of rice, salad, bread, chicken legs that fell off the bone and Pastel de Choclo. Pastel de Choclo was new to me. It reminded me of a Chilean version of Shepherd’s Pie. It was a mixture of beef, chicken and corn pie. The variance of flavor in the dish wasn’t too impressive, but at the same time I felt with a little more spice, it could be

delicious. It was very good, but nothing mind-blowing. Overall, the buffet was satisfying but after looking at the menu, I was disappointed that they didn’t incorporate some of the seafood options that were littered all over it.

The game itself was very disappointing on the Chileans' end. The New York Yankees of futbol, aka Brazil, completely dominated the game in almost every way, and eventually put themselves up by a margin in which it was almost impossible for the Chileans to come back from. At the moment, I wasn’t too focused on the game as I was just beginning to drink my first Pisco Sour. It was worth it.

It's hard to describe what a Pisco Sour tastes like, but imagine a whiskey sour with a different sweeter alcohol base. Pomaires' version of the Pisco Sour was very frothy and although in a smallish glass packed a serious punch. I was also pleased that after I payed the $10 for the Pisco Sour, they made

sure my glass was constantly filled. It may have been because I was in the vicinity of the blender and I would receive all the overflow, or it could have been because I was having a pleasant conversation with the bartender, but either way I wasn’t going to complain.

Due to the complete dominance by the Brazilians, the Chileans weren’t excessively celebrating or overly enthusiastic. In fact, there were a lot of faces of disgust concerning the Chileans' play.

I did hear some sporatic chants, including one that was essentially, “Chi Chi Chi, Le Le Le, Chile Chile Chile!” When the game concluded and the Chileans were knocked out, the crowd stood up and applauded the valiant effort of the Chileans, as they were somewhat satisfied that their team did advance to the elimination rounds. And, at least they lost to one of the best teams left in the Cup.

Overall Pomaire was a very ambient location, and certainly a place I would want to return to. The Spanish-speaking patrons and the multitude of Chilean jerseys validated the authenticity of the location. At the same time, I am somewhat unsatisfied as I would like to try some of the other Chilean food. Oh well, looks like I will have to go back when the Pisco or Chilean wine calls or when I am looking for an ambient and unique restaurant setting.

-- FRANCISCO SIERRA