It’s the Festival of Guilty Food Pleasures, and as a result the shoestring fries at Firefly, usually Parmesan-dusted and truffle-oiled, come additionally bacon-enriched with a paprika aioli. Labelled Cheesy Bacon Truffle Fries ($14), the resultant plate somehow outdoes the description. Another Festival special is carb-on-carb action from a Duo of Lasagne Burgers ($16) – sliders of saucy lasagne patties with yet more bacon; but it’s the fried smoked onion ring perched atop that steals the limelight. Enormous open windows front the street, and people-watching is best enjoyed over a smooth Vinicola Poletti Sangiovese ($12/glass), while a Feral Brewing Hop Hog ($9.50) is the ideal foil to their healthy (okay, healthier) alternative to the aforementioned cheesy-truffle mountain: Zucchini Fries ($15). Heartier share plates come conveniently portioned; Lamb Backstrap ($23) with buckwheat, artichoke puree and mint yoghurt is nutty and fresh, while Slow-Cooked Pork Belly ($21) has that all-important crisp crackling piece nestled upon a pleasingly piquant pear chutney, topped with a tousle of sauerkraut. Friendly staff recommendations are on point, so we finish with the appropriately decadent Warm Chocolate Brownie ($10) and a surprisingly sweet Mr. Black Double Espresso Martini ($21). The Festival might soon be over, but Firefly is still certainly worth a visit.
Firefly
24 Young Street, Neutral Bay
Ph: (02) 9909 0193 fireflybar.com.au
Bar, Bar Food, Wine $$-$$$
