Pony Show pop up

The stars perfectly aligned last week and N. and I were able to return to the idyllic Grange in Greene County for an early Solstice dinner in the barn. This was the second time we attended one of Paula and Tony’s well executed events at this pristine barn and, like our previous autumnal visit, it was an absolutely lovely evening.

If you’re not familiar with the Pony Show, it’s a catering business featuring thoughtfully sourced and prepared local ingredients, as well as prepared meals available for pick up and drop off. In the fall, a brick and mortar dine in restaurant in Troy will be added to the portfolio, an expansion I’m eagerly anticipating as a more spontaneous means of getting their fresh, seasonal food into my belly.

For now, though, we were down on the farm and couldn’t have been happier.

The night began with a signature cocktail and beautifully presented individual crudite trays to snack on. I’ve never developed an appreciation for gin, but this cocktail focused more on herbaceous and citrus than gin. It was a great taste bud stimulator and, I have to confess, I drank two of them while we chatted with friends we had been pleasantly surprised to run into.

We picked a couple of seats at the long table inside the barn and settled in. The menu was an ode to early summer with local produce in the starring role. Edible Uprising greens, paired with a pillowy focaccia that demanded the diner to take a second piece, were bright and paired beautifully with the Austrian grüner. Gorgeous grilled carrots were a perfect union of earthy sweetness. We left not a single one behind.

As the wine and conversations flowed, pictures became secondary to the present moment and we simply dined. The meal, served family style, was a well paced delight. As we ate, a rain shower moved through only adding to the coziness of the scene.

I know that some may find an event such as this to be expensive at $120, but it seemed a great value to us. Once the decision is made to attend, there isn’t a single additional choice one has to make. You sit back and let the warm hospitality professionals take care of everything else. Delicious food, a picturesque setting and lovely dining companions made for a truly wonderful night.

Already looking forward to our next Pony Show ride.

Giddyup!