A Smoky Affair with Time

POMONA, CALIFORNIA–SMOKE & FIRE EATERY. As I strolled into Smoke & Fire Social Eatery, the ambiance hit me like a gentle puff of barbecue-scented air - clean, well-attended, and echoing a quiet hum of activity that felt like a secret only 30% of the town knew about.

The setup? A charming step-up-to-the-counter ordeal, reminiscent of a BBQ joint where the aroma promises more than the décor. The menu, perched like a wall-mounted oracle, spelled out prices that whispered 'moderate-to-high' but screamed 'expectations'.

Now, let's talk turkey - or in this case, service. In the land of moderate-to-high, one does not simply wait for food; one anticipates a culinary parade. Imagine my surprise when this parade took a 45-minute detour! At the 35-minute mark, fueled by hunger and curiosity, I ventured to inquire about our order. The response from the lady behind the counter? Let's just say it was seasoned with a hint of 'busy' and a pinch of 'rudeness'.

In a nutshell, Smoke & Fire Social Eatery is like that date who's easy on the eyes but hard on patience. A place where time slows down, not to savor the moments, but perhaps to test your appetite's endurance. Here's to hoping your visit catches them on a less 'smoky' day!

Rating: ⭐⭐ out of 5 (Because hope, like the best BBQ, takes time to mature)