Pony's Lounge and Dining, Sydney

Pony's Lounge and Dining

Corner of Kendall Lane and Argyle Street,

The Rocks, Sydney

9252 7797

http://www.ponydining.com.au/pony_the_rocks.htm

After a three hour hike around the Blue Mountains, (Yes. Three hours through waterfalls, caves, creeks, ponds and pitch black tunnels) we caught up with J&J for a much awaited dinner at Pony's.

Restaurant interior

The place was packed and there were no empty tables, even on a Sunday night. If you plan on coming to Pony's, definitely book ahead.

The restaurant is centrally located in The Rocks precinct. You would be forgiven if you missed it as its in one of those historic buildings and doesnt have any flashy signs.

After much deliberation we ordered the duck liver parfait (starter) and seared scallop salad as entrees to share; lamb, chicken and angus as mains and creme brulee, choc pudding and cheese platter for dessert.

Salad of seared scallops, sesame wakame, coriander, cucumber and lime ($24)

I'm starting to see a trend with all my blog posts.. I seem to have a thing for scallops. These were large and succulent. I think there were 4 scallops in this dish. Loved the fresh coriander as well.

Duck liver parfait, toasted sourdough baguette, cornichons ($11.80)

Quite a large serving, enough for four. Parfait was rich and melts in your mouth. If you've never tried duck liver parfait before than maybe hold off on ordering this dish.. It might be too 'meaty' for some people.

Grass Fed Angus Scotch Fillet 250g, beetroot, zucchini and silverbeet with fresh pesto ($36)

J & I both ordered this after hearing really good things about Pony's steak. To be honest I found it a little too fatty and the pesto didnt work that well.

Mirool Creek Lamb Rump, Spinach and Fetta Parcel, Truss Grape Tomatoes ($35)

T ordered this and said it was really good. I had a small bite and the lamb was delicious :)

Thirlmere chicken, ox heart tomato, fennel puree, goats cheese and hazelnuts ($32)

The chicken was really tender and cooked well. Also the salad of ox heart tomato (cant see any ox heart so I assume its a type of tomato??) added a nice fresh zingy flavour.

Amaretto Creme Brulee, Apricot Compote, Almond and Orange Biscotti ($14.50)

The top layer of caramelised sugar was thick, so it was quite fun cracking it! Delicious creme brulee.

Dark chocolate pudding, salted peanut brittle, espresso ice cream ($14.80)

Chocolate and coffee are like just meant to be together. The warm chocolate pudding and the ice cream is insanely good together. Shame that from tomorrow, Pony's will have a new dessert menu and the chocolate pudding will no longer be on it :( I agree with what the waitress said, 'It's a sin to take something so good off the menu!'

Cheese! Old Telegraph Road Triple Cream, Manchego and Berry's Creek Tarwin Blue ($19)

We ordered the triple cream but was accidentally served manchego, so in the end tried all three cheeses.

By this point I was so food-comaed that cheese just tasted like cheese to me. I like cheese though, so it was allll goood.

The Good: The scallops, the chicken, open plan kitchen (the chefs prepare the food before your eyes), the service, creme brulee & dark chocolate pudding to die for.

The Bad: No restaurant toilets, so you have to use the vistor's centre's facilities (which are kind of dodgy). A bit of a long wait between courses.