POND Dalston (Dalston)

• We started off with some cocktails at the bar
• Unfortunately the Bento Martini was not available yet
• So I went for the Luscious Lana'I which was sweet and fruity
• There were two specials on that evening which we ordered the guinea fowl and razor clams which were both tasty
• One of my favourites was the white bait tacos three small portions per serving
• Spam and pineapple not the best okonomiyaki that I have tried
• The bulgogie was nice and tender
• The sambal black cod was one of the dishes that I was really looking forward to
• The tonkatsu beef rib was really huge
• The food for me was pretty average
• Food was interesting but what really caught our attention were the cocktails (with funky names)
• So when I caught wind of a restaurant opened with a Hawaiian focussed menu
• Let just say I was extremely sceptical but also equally as curious
• This got me quite excited being that these are my two favourite cuisines but also nervous
• The dishes are intended to be shared so dining in a table of 4
• Dishes were all fantastic with some real eye opening flavour combinations such as the spam musubi (crispy shrimp and rice coated spam on nigiri rice with teriyaki sauce) which Pond is famed
• Pineapple pickle and a coriander and lime dressing is also a can't miss however
• It was the smoked beef short rib in a Habanero chilli glaze with steamed buns and pickled daikon which proved to be my highlight
• Those buns with that sauce was just incredible
• The meal wasn't without its pitfalls with service being at times a little sketchy
• We had to ask for the dessert menu 3 times before t was brought to us which mean the wait between mains and dessert was about 20 mins
• Pond Dalston is slightly hidden by Stamford Works (nearest station is Dalston Kingsland) and is based in an old warehouse
• Outside area with benches and shabby chic furniture and inside is pretty big with two rooms
• When I visited they also had a live singer that was good and then DJs play until it closes at 11pm

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