Pony invites us to taste the best that South Korea has to offer: Korean BBQ. The new establishment on Sainte-Catherine Street West transports us directly to Seoul, and into its frenetic streets, to offer an authentic and electrifying experience.
The project, long considered by owners Hanhak Kim (of the Otto group) and Vien Man Cao-Tran (Bar Otto and Ăn Chơi Plaza), finally came to fruition with the help of Wongu Jeon and Jongwook Lee (9 Tail Fox ), who help in the kitchen. The two owners even took a trip to South Korea to immerse themselves in the culinary culture and “bring back the soul of the Korean street to Montreal,” says Hanhak.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The combo for four people is sure to satisfy.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Kimchi jjigae, traditional Korean kimchi stew
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Tteokbokki, spicy fried rice cakes and fish cakes
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The mushrooms feature the Pony logo.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Milkis Fizz and Seoul Sour
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The establishment offers a range of drinks: sake, soju, wines, beers and makgeolli.
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Notice to meat lovers: the pieces are quality. There is pork and beef, and some cuts carefully marinated for 48 hours, to cook on the grill. We love the pork shoulder marinated in a homemade soy sauce, where the umami flavor explodes in the mouth.
The owners have taken the gamble of not offering an all-you-can-eat menu. You can therefore opt to go individually, or for combos for two or four which come with the classic accompaniments: homemade kimchi, marinated daikon, lettuce, japchae – perfect for adding a little freshness (and acidity) to the meal.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
The premises, designed by the firm Architecture Synthesis, immerse us in the streets of Seoul.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
You can have a little more privacy in the themed cabins.
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PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Team Pony (left to right): Jongwook Lee, JP Louis, Vien Man Cao-Tran, Wongu Jeon and Hanhak Kim
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The side dishes are also worth a detour, whether it’s fried chicken, Hanhak Kim’s recipe, tteokbokki (spicy fried rice cakes and fish cakes) or kimchi jjigae (stew). Recently, the establishment opened for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, where you can eat a delicious donkkaseu (breaded pork tenderloin with Korean demi-glace sauce) or a chicken sandwich for less than $20. fried.
As for drinks, Pony gives pride of place to soju and flavored soju, which go wonderfully with BBQ. Several signature cocktails, created by assistant manager Mathew Morgan, are good introductions to Korean flavors, and the establishment offers makgeolli, sake and bottles of wine (some nature), chosen by Daphné Blondin.
So we go to Pony’s to be transported to South Korea and gather around a grill. And no worries if it’s our first time, the restaurant manager, JP Louis, and the waiters are there to guide us!
1608, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest, Montreal
Check out the Korean Pony BBQ Instagram page