Dinner - Pony Lounge and Dining, Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay

We met our son for a quick drink next door to Pony at The White Hart.  Interesting bar which the Designer Paul Kelly describes as a modern take on the unique classic English Ale House.  Trying a bit too hard?  Shame about the huge pillars in the middle of the lounge section.

We ran next door to Pony ducking to escape the rain and wind.  Unusual use of the long space, but pleasant and warm on a freezing wet Sydney winter's night.

The food was a cross between Mediterranean and South East Asian, and the menu by Damian Heads was interesting.     Lovely selection of small plates to share. 

There are two Pony Lounge and Dining - one in the Rocks and one in Neutral Bay, which is why the odd address on the menu.

Because two of our party had already decided on the Firstlight NZ Wagyu Scotch Fillet (250g) with Potato Dauphinoise, Eschallots, de Puy Lentils,  (which came perfectly cooked and I am told were incredibly tasty) we only ordered two of the small plates to taste: the Pan-Seared Calamari, Rocket, White Beans and Chilli, Saffron Aioli - which was delicious - looking more like a salad.  The dressing was very moorish.  And.... we just had to also have the Italian Pork Chipolatas from 'Victor Churchill', served with a small bowl of French Mustard - one each.  We love these sausages, having bought them before from Victor Churchill in Woollahra.  They lived up to their reputation and were tasty with the smooth mustard.    I could not contemplate a full main course so ordered a small plate of Seared Sirloin with Soy, Lime, Chilli and Lemongrass dressing which was really lovely and just what I felt like.  I also ordered a leaf salad, but obviously the waiter didn't hear me correctly because we were served Spinach Sauteed with Garlic and Chilli - which was piping hot and excellent.  I also ordered the Leaf Salad with Grape Tomatoes, which is what I really felt like.  The dressing was very pleasant, but the Spinach was actually better.

We wanted to sample their desserts, so agreed to share the Apple Flan, Apple Caramel with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.   This was demolished in seconds!  The Coconut Panna Cotta, Rhubarb, Ruby Grapefruit and Kataifi Pastry looked amazing as it passed by! Next time.

They had a big crowd for a cold, wet Tuesday night.  Cost was $246 for three with two glasses of wine and three beers between us.  We were impressed overall, and would definitely recommend it. 

6.5/10